Legislature's final week starts at a snail's pace

Paralyzed by a budget impasse, the Florida Legislature gave final approval to eight bills in brief afternoon sessions on Monday, a remarkably low total in the last week of an annual session with only four days left before the Friday deadline. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times.

Legislative Roundup:
» Florida lawmakers pass new regulations of senior care homes
» Florida Senate approves bill to create an online voter registration
» Amendment 1 intent in jeopardy, backers say
» Uber regulation bill stalls in Florida Legislature
» Lawmakers hope attempt to revive medical marijuana bill will succeed

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Gas prices likely to keep rising in Florida

With crude oil prices hitting their highest levels this year, the price of gasoline now averages $2.53, the highest since December, AAA said Monday in its weekly fuel price brief. More from the Orlando Sentinel, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, and the Florida Times-Union.

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Why early birds are exceptionally successful

As it turns out, there is plenty of science to support the fact that being an early bird can bring you all sorts of success--in business and in life. With that in mind, here are 11 scientifically proven reasons why early birds really do get more done than those people who would rather hit the snooze button. [Source: Inc.]

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Strong future forecast for renewable energy

In its forward-looking report for the year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts renewable energy will be the fastest-growing power source through 2040. New investments in renewable energy rose from $9 billion in the first quarter of 2004 to $50 billion for 2015's first quarter. [Source: Scientific American]

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Florida ranks No. 1 for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness

Florida ranked first in the United States for aviation manufacturing attractiveness for the second year in a row, according to the PwC US 2015 Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness Rankings. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› UF names Levin College of Law dean [Florida Trend]
The University of Florida has announced the appointment of Laura Ann Rosenbury as dean of the Levin College of Law. The appointment becomes effective July 1.

› Car insurance rates vary widely [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Moving just a few miles away can save you hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance. The 33313 ZIP code in Fort Lauderdale had the highest average annual premium — $1,844 — in Broward County. But the cheapest average rate was not far away in western Pembroke Pines: $1,606 in ZIP code 33028.
» See also: Florida is the 8th-most expensive state for car insurance

› In fruit market, Fresh Del Monte is a big banana [Miami Herald]
If you’ve bought some bananas or pineapples lately in South Florida, there’s a good chance they were supplied by Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., which has its U.S. executive offices in Coral Gables.

› Ave Maria School of Law purchases campus [Fort Myers News-Press]
The Ave Maria School of Law recently announced it will purchase its North Naples campus and launch a $3.2 million capital campaign, thanks to an anonymous $1 million gift.

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› Venezuelan cargo airline launches at MIA [South Florida Business Journal]
Transcarga International Airways, a Venezuelan company, officially launched its services at Miami International Airport last week. It's the 40th cargo carrier serving the airport.

› Pinellas beach towns struggle with illegal home rentals [Tampa Bay Times]
Places like Clearwater, St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach all have laws forbidding short-term rental homes. But in practice, these laws tend to be loosely enforced.

› Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance exceeds job-creation goals [South Florida Business Journal]
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance surpassed its goals by attracting companies that pledged to create 1,412 jobs for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2014.

› Ads on arena debated: Signs of the times or bad reflection? [Florida Times-Union]
As city attorneys determine the legality of advertisements on the Veterans Memorial Arena, the Jacksonville City Council could vote on a plan this week that would settle the issue.