Florida moves to keep more medical residents in state

A recent study found Florida will be short nearly 7,000 physician specialists over the next decade — and will need to create more than 13,500 new residency positions to address the deficit. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Mormon church's development plans in Central Florida stir controversy

Under one of the biggest land development plans ever proposed in Florida, a tract more than six times the size of Manhattan could be transformed from a home for cows and alligators into new housing developments for half a million people. [Source: AP]

Olive-tree farmers take root in Florida

The tiny green olives may not look like much to most of us, but Florida growers see a potential cash crop that could feed local economies. In recent years as the number of citrus groves has declined, researchers have found success with alternative crops — such as grapes, blueberries, peaches and now olive trees — that do well in the sandy citrus soil. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

How widening the Panama Canal set off an environmental fight in Florida

A number of port cities on the East Coast are taking steps to deepen their harbors, in an effort to attract big cargo container ships expected to come next year with the expansion of the Panama Canal. But in Jacksonville, the move has prompted a fierce debate between officials and environmental activists. [Source: PBS]

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Congress: Cuban welfare abuses must end

Members of Congress say it's time to overhaul a system that allows Cubans to collect U.S. welfare as persecuted refugees and then travel back and forth to the island. Cuban-American congressional leaders agree the U.S. must tighten laws that allow abuses of the special treatment Cuban immigrants have enjoyed for decades. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida reaps $8 billion in direct cruise spending [Miami Herald]
Even South Floridians who have never cruised can appreciate the industry’s financial contributions, which amount to almost $8 billion in direct spending in the Sunshine State in 2014.

› Yahoo pulls plug on daily fantasy in Florida [NBC Sports]
A federal grand jury is exploring whether daily fantasy violates Florida law and, in turn, federal law regarding gambling operations of a certain size that violate the gambling laws of any given states.

› Stylists now have their own space as entrepreneurs [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Compact salons, new to South Florida, are teasing up satisfaction levels both for stylists and those at the sharp end of their scissors.

› Grass-fed beef finds niche with consumers [Orlando Sentinel]
Advocates of grass-fed meat say it is leaner and contains a higher percentage of healthful fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and fewer calories. It also is better for the environment, provides jobs in rural communities and is kinder to the animals.

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› Class-action lawsuit against Publix seeks $5 million [Orlando Sentinel]
A class-action lawsuit filed for more than $5 million against Publix Super Markets Inc. claims the supermarket chain made robocalls to customers' cellphones without their consent.

› Cigna withdraws from Florida's health insurance exchange [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The insurance company Cigna is pulling out of Florida's health insurance exchange just two weeks before the next round of Obamacare plan enrollments begin. The company blames high costs associated with fraudulent substance abuse treatment centers.

› Florida Bar's governing board rejects plan to embrace out-of-state lawyers [Tampa Bay Times]
The Florida Bar's governing board on Friday killed a controversial proposal that would have allowed out-of-state lawyers to practice in Florida without taking the Florida Bar exam.

› Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee host elaborate marketing trips [Orlando Sentinel]
Not many people would attempt to visit Gatorland, Fun Spot America and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in one day, but that's just an example of one day on a media trip with Experience Kissimmee.