Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 8/22/2017

Florida farmers eager for NAFTA renegotiation details

Florida’s specialty crop growers are eagerly awaiting to see what form President Trump’s promised renegotiation of NAFTA takes. While other agricultural sectors have benefited from the trade pact that took force in 1994, it has been a negative for the state’s fruit and vegetable growers. Full story from Growing Produce, here.

Spirit Airlines could receive more than $1.35 million to expand Miramar HQ, work force

Discount air carrier Spirit Airlines could receive more than $1.35 million in state and local incentives to create 225 new jobs at an expanded Miramar headquarters. The airline is looking to expand its headquarters and is considering other states including Texas. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Temp rising in Miami Beach over looming minimum-wage hike

Miami Beach is at the center of an ongoing battle of its own over a minimum-wage hike after a judge struck down a local ordinance set to hike the city's minimum to $10.31 in January 2018, eventually hitting $13.31 by 2021. More from CNBC.

Verbal battles involving CSX continue

The letters continue to fly along with accusations involving CSX and the changes its going through. A group of manufacturers, farmers and shippers have complained to Congress about the railroad’s service prompting the head of CSX to blast that group. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Pasco EDC names business incubator head in Dade City, will open second site

Pasco County economic development officials are busy reigniting their business start-up resources following the departure earlier this year of Krista Covey, who ran the Pasco Economic Development Council's SMARTStart business incubator in Dade City. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Natural Resources
Sugar and the environment

Debate over sugar’s environmental impact in Florida has intensified in recent years as toxic algae blooms prompted emergency declarations in four counties and a hotly contested legislative effort for a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. Work now is underway on the reservoir aimed at alleviating the toxic blooms and delivering fresh water for the river of grass.

» More from WMFE.

Technology
We’re all teched up if the big one strikes

In 1992, we were glued to our transistor radios or battery-powered TVs as weatherman Bryan Norcross guided us during and in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Andrew. Old school? You bet. Now, when another hurricane strikes, a whole army of technology will attempt to take his place.