Florida lobbyists, lawyers jostle for pot business

With Florida on the verge of becoming the first Southern state to legalize any form of marijuana, lobbyists are pitching their regulatory expertise and inside connections with an eye not only on nailing down new clients but possible ownership stakes in what, at least for now, may be a limited industry. [Source: CBS Miami]

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Florida's redistricting trial ends

Florida’s precedent-setting redistricting trial drew to a partial close on Wednesday as lawyers wrapped up the hearing but agreed to submit their closing arguments to the judge electronically in the next week. The close of the 13-day trial ended with the same sense of uncertainly that it began. [Source: Times/Herald]

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Florida to host 'paradigm-shifting' ocean energy project

U.S. government announced plans to work with Florida Atlantic University to test a system to get energy from ocean currents, the first of its kind. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a lease to the university to test a turbine system driven by ocean currents. [Source: UPI]

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Graduation a day for working parents to reflect

The end of high school brings reflection for parents, who wonder about the work choices they’ve made raising children. Some find reason to regret prioritizing work over family. Many find there’s plenty to celebrate. [Source: Miami Herald]

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Researchers find chemicals that treat citrus greening in the lab

A University of Florida research team is cautiously optimistic after finding a possible treatment in the lab for citrus greening, a disease devastating Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. It is the first step in a years-long process to bring a treatment to market. [Source: UF News]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Seminole tribe wants to buy a bank [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The Seminoles Indians are looking to get into the banking business. The Seminoles, who have headquarters in Hollywood near the tribe's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, would be the first tribe in Florida to run a bank.

› Brevard business honored by Lockheed [Florida Today]
Structural Composites Inc., of West Melbourne, was among 21 small businesses honored by Lockheed Martin Corp. for outstanding support in working with the global defense contractor.

› Canada's Mattamy Homes making big play in Florida [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Canada's largest home builder is counting on the revival of the U.S. housing market to sustain its business, a reversal from the depths of the real estate slump in Florida and throughout the country.

› Art Basel shuns reduced space offer [Miami Today]
As Miami Beach moves forward toward its Miami Beach Convention Center renovation for 2016-2018, major conventions and shows have already said they can’t work within the city’s parameters.

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› Miami-Dade’s government I.T. workers rank high on payday [Miami Herald]
Like most large enterprises, Miami-Dade’s $2 billion payroll covers a range of compensation, from low-wage positions for part-time workers to six-figure salaries worthy of a corner office in the private sector. Disparity can be found department by department, too.

› 5 Cheap Apps That Can Run Your Small Business [FOX Business]
Small business owners are used to operating on a shoestring budget and wearing multiple hats. And today there are a slew of free and low-cost mobile apps that can help.

› Soccer fervor flourishes in South Florida [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
England's Three Lions are on the prowl. So are the pride of Honduras, Ecuador, Korea and Ghana. Before heading to Brazil for the World Cup, teams representing the five nations will give South Florida a taste of the world's premier tournament of sports in three tune-up matches in six days.

› Why Central Florida small businesses won't have a long wait for loans [Orlando Business Journal]
The loan approval time for small and underserved businesses in Florida will be cut in half now that that the Black Business Investment Fund of Central Florida has been approved as a delegated lender from the U.S. Small Business Administration.