Legislators set August special session to redraw Florida congressional map

Florida legislators announced Monday they will convene a 12-day special session starting Aug. 10 to comply with a court order to revise the state's congressional districts and will take some extraordinary measures to make sure staffers draw an initial base map without consulting anyone but lawyers. More from the Times/Herald, Roll Call, and the Tallahassee Democrat.

Online reviews are growing way to connect businesses, customers

Online review sites such as Yelp, Angie's List and Google have given business owners a new way to connect with customers. The approach has become more common in business, with more seeking comments from customers after providing services. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Pensions are taking the long, lonely road to retirement

In the 21st century, many employers have already made the call to eliminate pensions, with more joining their ranks every day. Thus that once-secure source of retirement income could quickly become a relic. [Source: US News & World Report]

Water, water everywhere in Florida, but whose is it?

Who owns water in Florida? From the time rain falls on the landscape until it either reaches the oceans or trickles into below-ground aquifers, who can lay claim to it? And who or what should be given priority to fresh water as the state continues to grow? [Source: WTSP]

Integrity Florida report: Minimum wage hike does not cost jobs

The research and watchdog group Integrity Florida released a report Monday that called it a myth that a higher minimum wage results in job losses. Integrity Florida, a private organization funded with private money, has no position on the question of a higher minimum wage. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Despite economic recovery, number of Florida children in poverty continues to rise [Orlando Sentinel]
Despite Florida's improving job market, the number of children living in poverty here grew from 18 percent to 24 percent in recent years, a new national report finds.

› Marine-focused university in works for Manatee [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Where do you go to learn how to build boats or run a seaside resort? A new university aimed at training marine-related industries is taking shape for north Manatee County along the Interstate 75 corridor.

› Gas prices continue downward trend [Gainesville Sun]
U.S. gas prices dipped slightly last week after the price of oil settled below $51 a barrel for the first time since April, according to AAA. Gas prices, including prices in Florida, have been on a downward trend since mid-June.

› Drought disaster loans available to local small businesses [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Small business owners in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties are eligible for disaster loans for losses from drought damage from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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› FSU College of Medicine gets geriatrics grant [Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida is home to a larger percentage of older residents than any other state, and the number of those 65 and older is expected to more than double over the next 15 years to nearly 8 million.

› Number of 100-year-olds growing in Florida and elsewhere [AP]
More and more Floridians are living to age 100 and beyond. The U.S. Census recorded around 32,000 centenarians in 1980 that number more than doubled to about 72,000.

› Salaries: No bull about the big bucks at USF [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
At least 1,021 employees at the University of South Florida make $100,000 in annual salary. That represents about 10 percent of the workforce at Tampa Bay’s largest public school and one of its largest employers.

› Battery firm seeks tax breaks for new Palm Bay jobs [Florida Today]
Melbourne-based Oakridge will come before the Brevard County Commission on Tuesday, seeking tax breaks that would help it expand at two sites in Palm Bay.