Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/5/2017

High turnover, low salaries create vacancies at Florida Department of Corrections

Governor Rick Scott is the jobs governor, claiming more than 1.2 million new jobs since taking office. But as many as 2,500 jobs remain open the Florida Department of Corrections with no takers. More from WJHG.

Direct primary care issue re-emerges in Florida senate

A Senate Republican has filed a proposal that could help clear the way for "direct primary care" agreements in Florida — an issue that received support last year from the House, doctors and small businesses. More from WUSF.

» House members want to revisit health bills

South Florida philanthropist Marti Huizenga dies at 74

A life of giving and contributing to the South Florida community comes to an end. Marti Huizenga, the wife of business tycoon Wayne Huizenga, died Tuesday. The 74-year-old was a leader in philanthropy work and a huge advocate for children and animals. More from NBC Miami and the Miami Herald.

Greening-tolerant citrus varieties gaining interest

Citrus greening disease remains an obstacle for Florida citrus growers, more than a decade after its devastating debut, and growers persist in finding ways to work around it. More from the Packer.

Florida cities among best and worst spots for jobs

WalletHub released this year’s list of the best and worst cities for jobs--and several Florida cities made the cut. Three cities ranked in the top 20 best job destinations, while three others ranked as some of the worst. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Around the State
Growing Pains: With Development Has Come Protest

In November, Boca voters overwhelmingly approved a vapidly worded referendum to keep city waterfront property on the Intracoastal for public use such as recreation. The unacknowledged impetus for the referendum was a 2.2-acre nightclub parcel the city acquired in 2009 for $7.5 million and envisioned leasing to a restaurant group to bring waterfront dining to a city oddly short on it.

» Access full story.

Out of the Box
Glass Penny

Faced with a copper shortage at the beginning of World War II, the U.S. Mint authorized experiments to make pennies from other metals, plastic and rubber. One company made some from glass and failed so spectacularly that only one known unbroken penny remains — and it is scheduled to be auctioned Thursday in Fort Lauderdale.