Prison population affecting Florida’s redistricting fight

The last Census counted more than 160,000 people in Florida correctional facilities, and they cannot vote. But they can skew how districts are drawn, and ultimately who represents the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. [Source: Times/Herald]

See also:
» House passes new congressional districts
» 'Brain' keeps your power on during a hurricane

Tropical depression projected to grow into a hurricane

Tropical Storm Danny is still far out to sea, but forecasters predict it could develop into a hurricane Thursday. In a National Hurricane Center update early Wednesday, meteorologists said the cyclone featured 50 mile per hour winds and was moving west at a rate of about 14 miles per hour. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Bradenton Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Protecting the rights of the digital workforce in the 'gig' economy

While the gig economy can offer greater flexibility and economic efficiencies, it also spells the rise of an anxious, disenfranchised workforce glued to their smartphones or laptops, waiting for the next gig to materialise. [Source: Phys.org]

States raising taxes, fees and debt to pay for road repairs

Nearly one-third of the states have approved measures this year that could collectively raise billions of dollars through higher fuel taxes, vehicle fees and bonds to repair old bridges and roads and relieve traffic congestion. [Source: AP]

Why are elder services such a tough sell?

At an annual conference celebrating its own 60th birthday, the Florida Council on Aging is pondering how to convince Floridians that old age touches everyone, not just those invisible people languishing in nursing homes or cruising to the Caribbean. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida Polytechnic to launch STEM-based online chats [Orlando Sentinel]
A new online-based tech speaker series at Lakeland's Florida Polytechnic University kicks off this week. Every month this fall, the school will present what it's calling #STEMTalks, which will feature industry experts, student reps and Florida Poly faculty.

› Hotel would be first in decades for Venice island [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A California-based developer is expected to meet individually Wednesday with Venice City Council members to pitch plans for what would be the first hotel to be built on Venice island in more than two decades.

› Economy boosts 401(k) accounts in South Florida [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
As the economy strengthens, more South Floridians are saving for retirement, according to Fidelity, the nation's largest 401(k) manager.

› Bill proposes putting lawmakers on Medicaid [WCTV]
The Florida Legislature has resisted expanding Medicaid to Florida’s uninsured working poor, but a bill has been filed to put the same elected officials on the program.

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› Contractor lands third NASA launchpad contract [Orlando Sentinel]
A construction company in Rockledge has landed yet a third contract for work on retooling a NASA launchpad to send people to Mars.

› Jacksonville Jaguars agree to sponsorship deal with Firehouse Subs [Florida Times-Union]
The Jacksonville Jaguars have inked a sponsorship deal with Jacksonville-based Firehouse Subs. The sandwich company will be a major sponsor of the team during the football season and will have their products featured during in-stadium, radio and television advertisements.

› Fort Lauderdale retailer AutoNation to buy 16 stores [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
AutoNation is buying 16 stores in a deal that will increase its sales by more than $600 million per year. The purchase will be the biggest in terms of revenue since 2001 for the Fort Lauderdale chain, which already ranks as the country's largest vehicle retailer.

› Seafood retailer wants red crabs to claw way to tables [Florida Today]
Are you ready for more of the red/blue debate? Of course, in this case it’s about crabs — not politics. The red crab fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable in the fall of 2009.