Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/5/2017

BP dollars finally bound for Panhandle

Northwest Florida counties are going to finally get a share of money given to the state for damages related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill (HB 7007) that guarantees the distribution of $300 million to eight counties hardest hit by the spill. More from Florida Politics and the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Ron Stein Column
How an 1862 law fostered UF's Innovation Station in Sarasota

What do Abraham Lincoln, agriculture, and high tech have in common? This is a story about something very exciting that’s happening in Florida now. And how an 1862 law is helping create a surge in entrepreneurs and small businesses today. More from Ron Stein.

Affordable housing a cause of concern for South Florida CEOs

This week’s question to the Miami Herald CEO Roundtable: How does the local affordable housing shortage impact your business? What do you think are potential solutions to workforce housing costs? More from the Miami Herald.

Gas prices surged in Florida last week, up 13 cents/gal. in Tampa

Florida gas prices rose 7 cents during the past week. The state average was $2.37 on Sunday, according to AAA. Tampa Bay had the largest weekly gas price increase of any major metro market in the state, jumping 13 cents this past week. Orlando was second with a 12-cent increase, followed by Jacksonville and Fort Myers-Cape Coral with a 9-cent increase. Full story from AAA, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

Small Business Advice
Retirement plan options for small businesses

In addition to health insurance, a retirement plan is a great way to maintain and show your appreciation to loyal workers. It also enables you, the employer, to make the most of your business assets. More from Gray Poehler .

Business Basics
Organize for your best results

Although a business plan should be at the top of your “to do” list, you can’t realistically complete one until you have made four crucial organizational decisions: (1) how to structure your business; (2) what to call your business; (3) where to locate your business; and (4) which licenses/permits you will need to get your business up and running.

» More from Florida Small Business.

Out of the Box
Florida man makes horse racing history

A 96-year-old South Florida man made history Saturday when he became the oldest trainer to win a thoroughbred race. A retired aeronautical engineer and World War II veteran, Bozzo has been breeding and training thoroughbreds in South Florida since the 1970s.