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What you need to know about Florida today
Report raises questions about job growth in Florida
Gov. Rick Scott has been unabashed in taking credit for job growth since he was sworn into office in January 2011. But as Scott prepares to formally qualify for the U.S. Senate race next week, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics casts Florida in an unusual role, as the state with the most net job losses in Q3 2017. Economists say the blip in Florida’s job growth could either be the impact of Hurricane Irma or it might signal a natural slowdown in job growth since the economy is near full employment The report shows that from June 2017 through September 2017, Florida led all states in the number of net job losses at about 134,000 in the quarter, with 417,000 gross jobs gained and 551,000 lost in the three-month period. More from the Lakeland Ledger, Flagler Live, and the Ocala Star-Banner.
After relief debacle, Puerto Rico’s governor looks for political revenge in Florida
In Florida, officials estimate that as many as 385,000 islanders could put down roots by the end of the year, a number more than big enough to potentially swing an election in a state where election margins have been razor thin in recent cycles. [Source: Yahoo News]
See also:
» U.S. politicians seek to sway arrivals from Puerto Rico before vote
Blueberry season in full swing, but Central Florida crop hurt by Hurricane Irma
As Florida’s blueberry season heads into its final weeks, Central Florida growers expect their plants to produce less fruit this year after Hurricane Irma’s devastating winds broke off limbs and uprooted plants more than seven months ago. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
VW owes Florida $166 million after emissions scandal. How will it be spent?
Volkswagen's diesel deception could be on its way to super-charging the future of electric vehicles in Florida, if state regulators agree. The German car marker has agreed to pay up to $2.7 billion to states as part of its settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including $166 million to Florida over 10 years. Find out more in this article, "Volkswagen Settlement - Florida Mitigation Fund." Also read more at the Times/Herald.
Your turn:
» The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is seeking public comment through May 11 on how to spend the $166 million windfall from Volkswagen. Florida residents can make their opinions known by taking a short online survey.
Florida's young medical marijuana industry takes off
Florida’s 16-month-old medical marijuana business is growing fast, as dispensaries and growers rush to establish themselves. It’s happening even as court battles over state regulations for the young industry rage on. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› OrlandoiX announces dates for fourth annual tech conference
Organizers behind an annual tech conference in Orlando have announced the dates for its two-day event. OrlandoiX, which brings in speakers from the industry while highlighting the city’s tech sector, will take place Aug. 17-18.
› Florida lawmakers blast federal offshore oil-drilling changes
Members of Florida’s congressional delegation from both sides of the political aisle denounced a White House proposal Friday that they say would weaken offshore oil-drilling regulations.
› Navy’s annual hurricane-preparedness exercises have added significance
An annual Navy exercise to prepare for hurricane season has an extra element of relevance this year at Naval Station Mayport and other area bases after Northeast Florida was hammered by storms in 2016 and 2017.
› Ocala’s manufacturing, distribution brawn continues to flex
Two large projects worth a combined $63 million-plus are now underway and will add almost 200 new jobs to strengthen the area’s already robust manufacturing and distribution segments.
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