The economic benefits of gambling

Florida has one of the most competitive gambling markets in the country, bringing in more state tax dollars than all but two other gambling states, a new report concludes. But it also notes that if Florida opts to expand gambling through destination casinos, the state likely will never be able to go back if officials and the public don't like the result. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Related:
» Gambling loopholes grow as state waits to reform rules

---

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's biggest companies: Profiles

As part of our annual ranking of Florida's biggest companies, we offer profiles of 18 firms - from Publix (#2 on the Private list) to Lighting Science Group (#94 on the Public list).

See the profiles:

---

Niche grocers help immigrants keep flavors of home on the table

Across South Florida, immigrants are establishing grocery stores to cater to the culinary needs of their fellow countrymen, in addition to attracting a more diverse customer base. Immigrants are also forming and owning small businesses at higher rates than the rest of the population, especially in South Florida, according to a 2012 Small Business Administration report. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

---

Lawyers challenge new law on medical malpractice

Five lawyers filed separate lawsuits in state and federal courts on Monday in an effort to overturn a new law designed to better protect doctors facing medical malpractice lawsuits. The lawsuits claim that the law that went into effect Monday violates the right to privacy in the state constitution as well as a federal law that protects patients' privacy. [Source: AP]

---

Florida ranks low in new hunger survey

Florida continues to face some of the country's most acute problems with food insecurity. The state is fifth-worst among the 50 states in food security. One in four children in Florida lack proper nutrition, compared with one in five children nationwide, new research found. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

---

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› UF Health to bring personalized medicine to more Floridians [UF News]
Personalized medicine at University of Florida Health celebrates its first successful year helping heart patients with news of major funding from the National Institutes of Health that will advance the program to more patients and health care providers across the state.

› Plug-in cars welcome at NASCAR… headquarters [Orlando Sentinel]
You're not likely to see one on pit row at Daytona International Speedway anytime soon, but electric-car charging stations are now available outside NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach.

› Noven wins FDA approval for menopause drug [Miami Herald]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new, non-hormonal medication for treating hot flashes and night sweats in women that was developed by Miami-based Noven Pharmaceuticals. The medication, called Brisdelle, is the first non-hormonal treatment option for hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause, the company said.

› Brevard Workforce StartUp Quest concludes next week [Florida Today]
Brevard Workforce is encouraging the public to attend the final session for the organization's StartUp Quest program, an event that includes participants submitting business plans, making investor pitches and vying for cash prizes.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Column: When you're searching for a job, don't be embarrassed to ask for help [South Florida Business Journal]
Get over the guilt, the shyness, and the embarrassment about asking for help in your job search. Change the way you ask for help, as well. Let’s break it down: Your embarrassment and guilt comes across as lacking confidence.

› DCF trains 5,000 staff in new system after deaths [AP]
More than 5,000 Florida child protection staffers began training Monday under a new system that emphasizes safety and consistency and was implemented after the deaths of a handful of children who had recent contact with child protective officials.

› Bennett: Altering school grading formula 'not in the spirit of transparency' [Tampa Bay Times]
Florida education commissioner Tony Bennett made few promises Monday after listening to a task force of superintendents push for adjustments that would improve this year's school grades at the eleventh hour. He said all ideas were on the table, but he made clear his discomfort with one of the superintendents' key requests.

› State approves Manatee Schools' recovery plan [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A school district dead-set on bouncing back from a multi-million deficit that wiped out school savings and seemed to grow by the millions earlier this year has received the okay from the state to proceed with a plan that calls for extensive staff cuts and property sales.