In what many see as the first steps toward the 2016 presidential contest, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, outlined a road map for his party while attending a birthday party in Iowa for Gov. Terry Branstad (view a video of the speech below):

-- Lower taxes to spur economic growth rather than raise taxes on the wealthiest individuals.

-- Reduce regulation on small business.

-- Revamp immigration to help those who want to become Americans.

UPDATED --St. Lucie County has reached the noon deadline to certify its election results without certifying the results.

But that hasnt stopped Democrat Patrick Murphy from once again declaring victory, with U.S. Rep. Allen West sending attorneys to St. Lucie County court to seek an emergency hearing on the noon deadline, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft intends to add 230 jobs as it expands its manufacturing facility on its 6,800 acres in northern Palm Beach County.

East Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Louis Chevert was joined by Gov. Rick Scott in announcing a $4.4 million incentive package from the state and Palm Beach County for Pratt & Whitneys $63 million investment.

The state is putting up $3.4 million, with $1 million from the county for tax exemptions and job growth incentives over four years.