Long labor shortages predicted for the U.S. economy

Business associations for manufacturers, small businesses and technology firms have been beating the drum for several years now saying it is ever-more difficult to find and hire qualified workers for positions they currently have open. [Source: Marketplace]

Trump, Clinton solidify status as front-runners with New York primary wins

Front-runners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton swept to resounding victories in Tuesday's New York primary, with Trump bouncing back convincingly from a difficult stretch in his Republican campaign and Clinton pushing tantalizingly close to locking up the Democratic nomination. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Distracted driving deadly in Florida

More than 39,000 people were injured in Florida last year after being involved in a distracted driving crash. Distracted driving is claiming almost one life a day in the Sunshine State, according to numbers from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department. [Source: WJXT]

Hottest March means Earth's hot streak continues for a record 11 months

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Tuesday that March's average global temperature of 54.9 degrees was not only the hottest March, but continues a record streak that started last May. [Source: AP]

See also:
» Economic Impacts of South Florida’s Rainy Winter & Lake Okeechobee Discharges

Female business leaders say sexism is still an issue

Businesses run by women are growing in Florida, but many of the leaders say they do not get enough respect from men. In a survey to be released this week, many female business leaders also said they have a harder time getting financing and they get fewer opportunities than men do. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› OneWeb, Blue Origin will fuel need for hotels, restaurants and more [Orlando Business Journal]
While OneWeb revealed on April 19 its plans to build a 100,000-square-foot facility that will create 250 jobs in 2017, almost next door to it will be the Blue Origin rocket manufacturing facility that will create 330 jobs.
» See also: OneWeb to build 15 internet satellites a week at Florida factory

› Gainesville company Optym to host logistics conference - in Orlando [Gainesville Sun]
Gainesville-based software company Optym is hosting a conference bringing in executives from major rail, airlines and trucking companies to talk about how to better move goods in an increasingly global and interconnected world.

› Sheraton Dania to lay off 112 employees as it closes for renovation [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel in Dania Beach plans to lay off 112 employees June 7 when it closes for a $30 million renovation.

› Market frenzied for homes in median price range [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
If you want to buy a mid-priced single-family home in Southwest Florida, better move fast. Homes priced around the median — $255,000 in Sarasota and Manatee counties in February (the latest data available) — sell swiftly and often attract multiple offers, local real estate agents say.

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› Tampa production company sues filmmakers who shot movie in Pinellas County [Tampa Bay Times]
A Tampa production company says it hasn't been paid for work done on a movie that was shot in Pinellas County and stars actor Joey Pantoliano of The Sopranos fame.

› GrowFL seeks business nominations [Florida Today]
The city of Cocoa is accepting nominations and applications on behalf of GrowFL's annual Florida Companies to Watch awards program.

› Naples has become a dining destination [Fort Myers News-Press]
In just the last 10 or so years, Naples has become an international destination known for quiet beaches, great shopping, and elegant accommodations -- a charming and sophisticated small town in the midst of the most beautiful natural setting.

› eMerge Americas cranks up to showcase, celebrate tech [Miami Herald]
Like the world of technology it is showcasing, eMerge Americas is growing up, too. Even the robots were a little more subdued and business-like this year.