Florida legislators reach late night deal on new budget

Budget negotiators Monday night reached agreement on dozens of spending items, including a teacher bonus program as well as added money for the agency that helps people with disabilities. This means the session will end Friday. State law requires the budget to be finished 72 hours before a final vote. More from the AP, the Times/Herald, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

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A day in the working life: Accommodations and restaurants

In this article, there is a by-the-numbers look at the economic impact from this sector. Profiles of workers includes Joy Mullen, Housekeeper, Walt Disney World; Keith Overton, President, TradeWinds Island Resorts; Smith family, owners of Beefy King. Access full story.

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Magic Leap leads $1.1 billion wave of VR and AR investment

The Florida Legislature is entering its final week with a lot of unfinished business. The stock market may be volatile these days, but the virtual reality and augmented reality industries are riding a high. Ahead of the consumer launches of Facebook’s Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, over $1.1 billion has already been invested in virtual reality and augmented reality companies. [Source: Fortune]

How one bad employee can destroy your entire business

Holding on to employees — especially those that become friends — for too long is a huge challenge entrepreneurs face, because it’s not really a “business” issue. [Source: Fortune]

Gas prices on the rise in Florida

Bad news for drivers: Gas prices are on the rise, averaging an increase of 11 cents per gallon in Florida over the past 10 days. AAA says the price hike is typical for this time of year and that gas prices will likely climb 30 to 50 more cents by Memorial Day weekend. [Source: Click Orlando]

» Check gas prices in your Florida neighborhood, here.

 

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Cancer treatment studied at Cantex Pharmaceuticals of Weston [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The CEO of Cantex Pharmaceuticals in Weston has received a patent for its potential treatment for leukemia and related blood disorders that could lead to expansion of the company in Broward County.

› JetBlue seeks novices to train in Orlando and become airline pilots [Orlando Sentinel]
JetBlue Airways is taking applications for 24 slots in a new program to train novice pilots to fly a passenger jet — with participants in line to start their learning in Orlando.

› State doctors to be surveyed [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A community foundation has teamed up with one of the nation's leading public health researchers to survey more than 5,000 pediatricians throughout the state on their interactions with the Florida Medicaid program.

› FPL nuclear plant canals leaking into Biscayne Bay [Miami Herald]
A radioactive isotope linked to water from power plant cooling canals has been found in high levels in Biscayne Bay, confirming suspicions that Turkey Point’s aging canals are leaking into the nearby national park.

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› Is Sarasota housing 'attainable' for young professionals? [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
More than 1,000 rental apartments are planned or under construction in downtown Sarasota and in the nearby Rosemary District, but who will be able to afford them remains an open question.

› Moody's upgrades Florida's Turnpike revenue bonds [South Florida Business Journal]
Moody's said the upgrade was the result of Florida's Turnpike's long history of effective tolling operations, its prudent fiscal policies and capital planning practices, and strong and improved financial metrics.

› Termite Swarms May Soon Dramatically Increase Damage To South Florida Structures [HNGN]
It turns out that many structures in Florida may be at risk for termites. Scientists have announced that termites could dramatically increase their impact in South Florida over the next two decades.

› UWF Innovation Institute helps more than 100,000 Florida students explore career opportunities [UWF Newsroom]
MyCareerShines, Florida’s comprehensive education and career planning system, recently announced that more than 100,000 Florida students have registered to use this innovative, online tool.