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Friday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Can hemp weave its way into the fabric of Florida farming?
Despite playing a bit of catch-up, Florida could be in prime position to cash in on industrial hemp with its unique growing season and markets. The benefits are many for Florida growers potentially gaining access to an alternative crop that’s so high in demand. More from Growing Produce.
See also:
» Farming, ranching a way of life in northern Everglades
» Florida blueberry growers seek trade protection in new NAFTA
Sunnova’s solar leases are coming to Sunshine State
The third party solar company has begun offering its solar and energy storage leases in Florida after the state regulators rule that a 20-year fixed lease is legal in the state. More from PV Magazine.
Apopka electric bike maker banking on need for gasless speed
A team of Apopka entrepreneurs is trying to bring Europe’s electric-bike craze to Central Florida. V&D Electric Bikes, owned by Darren Forde and Vanessa Sweeting, have built their own foldable electric bikes, hoping the gasless devices are a hit on college campuses and in growing urban cores. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
American Family Insurance merging with Florida-based insurance company
Madison, Wisconsin based American Family Insurance is merging with Jacksonville, Florida-based The Main Street America Group to form a company with over $9 billion in equity. Main Street America will operate as a stand-alone brand within American Family Insurance Group. More from the Wisconsin State Journal.
Walt Disney World Resort union leaders considering $15 per hour proposal
In labor talks that have dragged on for nearly a year, Walt Disney World Resort and its largest union didn’t reach an immediate agreement this week. Some union leaders rejected a proposal that would have phased in a minimum wage of $15 by 2021 but would have cut other benefits. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Law
Feds order Deerfield Beach company to pay $500,000
The Federal Trade Commission is ordering a Deerfield Beach company to stop making claims its hearing aids can help people hear 30 times better. Global Concepts Limited, Inc. -- also known as Global TV Concepts Ltd. -- sold more than $47 million worth of its MSA 30X hearing aids since 2012, according to the FTC.
» More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Profile
Phil Thompson
Ruskin fisherman Phil Thompson is importing fishing-related art from Cuba to sell at Florida tackle shops, with proceeds going to a program intended to teach Cuban children how to protect the land while earning money off eco-tourism.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.
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