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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Gov. Scott: No more bonuses for Enterprise Florida & Visit Florida
Florida Gov. Rick Scott says that the state's two economic development organizations should stop paying bonuses to its employees. Visit Florida promotes the state to tourists, while Enterprise Florida is responsible for trying to lure companies to the state. In a letter to the Board of Directors at Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida, the govenor wrote:
“Before becoming Governor, I spent my career running both small and large businesses. I have always believed it is very important to compensate employees fairly, including the hard-working employees of EFI and VISIT FLORIDA. Employees are the key to success in any organization. But, after a long legislative session where the spending at these organizations was greatly debated, I do not believe that employee compensation should include bonuses at this time.”
See the full letter here. Also read more at the AP and the Times/Herald.
Letting teen students sleep in could be economic boost for Florida economy over time
If Florida schools let teenagers sleep in, the state would get an economic boost over the next 15 years -- into the billions of dollars -- says a new report from nonprofit research organization RAND Corporation. RAND's reasearch makes the case that extra sleep would reduce the number of fatal car crashes and help kids do better in school, increasing the likelihood that students graduate from high school and go on to college. See the report here. Also read more at the Miami Herald.
South Florida businesses launch Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in South Texas, businesses in South Florida are making donations of food, money, clothing and other assistance to the stricken region, where tens of thousands of residents have been left homeless and commerce was severely disrupted. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Orlando airport land sale sets stage for thousands of new homes
Orlando International Airport’s long-anticipated sale of vacant land could lead to thousands of new homes in southeast Orlando. The authority’s unprecedented transaction may provide significant lift for the city’s growth around the airport and beyond More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Under pressure, UF opens door for Richard Spencer to speak on campus
The University of Florida says it did not intend to "permanently" bar white nationalist Richard Spencer from speaking on campus and will try to accommodate him if he makes another request. UF issued this statement:
"The university is committed to upholding the First Amendment right to free speech and civil discourse, and we have a history of hosting controversial speakers on campus to this end. We reaffirmed our decision to deny the National Policy Institute’s request, which was for a speaking event on campusSept. 12, due to concerns about safety following the events in Charlottesville, Va. At this time, we have not been presented with a new request for a future date. However, should that occur, we will use the same careful deliberation and consideration of safety and security factors that we did previously and make that decision accordingly in order to meet our legal obligations."
More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Earlier:
» Letter from UF President Kent Fuchs denying the National Policy Institute’s event request
End of an Era
Gateway to the Keys
The day before the tollbooth closed forever, the collector called Cowboy stood in his bright blue perch, welcoming all to “The Fabulous Florida Keys.” For 25 years, Cowboy — or, as his paycheck called him, Ken Murray — had worked the booth on Card Sound Road, asking passing drivers for the fare with a “g’mornin’” and “thanks, boss.’
» More from the Miami Herald.
Business Profile
iRocker
When Stephen Elder and Dave Erwin were working together in transportation, they knew they wanted some kind of business of their own. “We were sick of the corporate world,” Erwin said, “so we tried to figure out what else we might do.” What they decided to do was sell stand-up paddle boards.
» Read more from the Florida Times-Union.
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