In Congressional races, Florida is primed to have most turnover

Florida’s congressional delegation is poised for the biggest turnover in decades as a result of retirements, redistricting and the scramble to replace Republican Sen. Marco Rubio—a prospect that could boost the ranks of Democrats in the House and Senate. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

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» Florida GOP delegates could face historic decision

Floridians mark "Taxpayer Independence Day"

"Taxpayer Independence Day" fell on April 20th this year. The event marks the first day of the year when Florida taxpayers are no longer working to pay off their tax bill but are working for themselves. This year's Taxpayer Independence Day occured on the same day as last year, as growth in income and tax collections remained stable. Full report from Florida TaxWatch is here.

Japan's baby crisis may be causing U.S. home prices to rise

The ways in which money flows around the world can be strange and fascinating. For instance, the lack of new infants being born in Japan, its "baby crisis," may be driving up real estate prices in the US. [Source: Business Insider]

Staples-Office Depot merger in hands of judge

The U.S. lawsuit to block Staples Inc. from buying Office Depot Inc. now rests with a judge who's undercut the government's case throughout the trial. The long-serving judge who has been a vocal critic of government lawyers, has repeatedly pressed the two sides to reach their own settlement. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Grapefruit League produces record attendance in 2016

More people, on average, attended Grapefruit League games this year than in the 100-year history of spring training in Florida. Grapefruit League attendance throughout the state’s 15 teams averaged 7,096, the first time attendance averaged more than 7,000 per game, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced in a news release. See the full story, with 2016 team-by-team attendance and highest single game for each ballpark, here. Also read more at Florida Politics, and TBO.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida homeowners out $250 million in Hardest Hit funds [Tampa Bay Times]
Struggling Florida homeowners are losing out on $250 million in mortgage assistance because state officials opted not to apply for additional money from the federal Hardest Hit Fund.

› Local Florida pension funds still in trouble [Florida Politics]
A new study out Wednesday shows serious problems with dozens of city and county pension programs around the state. The LeRoy Collins Institute report is called “The Financial Challenges of Retiree Healthcare Subsidies in Florida Cities and Counties."

› Massive nuclear plant plan near Everglades delayed by court [AP]
An appeals court has ruled that a massive nuclear plant expansion proposed by Florida's largest utility must be redone to meet environmental and other concerns.

› NASA hackathon to give astronauts something to do on Mars [Orlando Sentinel]
For the fifth year, NASA will host its International Space Apps Challenge this weekend and, as part of it, has asked those who attend the hackathon to tackle specific challenges, which were submitted by NASA scientists.

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› Court rejects legal restriction in workers-comp cases [WJXT]
In a potentially far-reaching decision, an appeals court Wednesday struck down a state law that restricted a police officer from paying a law firm to help her pursue workers-compensation insurance benefits.

› Tampa Bay home prices surge again as demand continues to dominate supply [Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa Bay home prices shot up nearly 11 percent in March, the third consecutive month to show healthy gains. The volume of single-family home sales also rose — up 4.2 percent over the same month a year ago — although the slower pace reflects a continued shortage of moderately priced homes.

› Topps Digital Opens Technology Center In Orlando [Area Development]
Topps Digital, a mobile game app division of the classic sports company Topps, is expanding its technology center by establishing an office complex in Orlando, Florida. The project will also have a $145,000 capital investment in the local community.

› Florida Keys residents to vote on GMO mosquito plan [WJXT]
Residents in the Florida Keys will get to vote on whether genetically modified mosquitoes should be released in their neighborhood. The mosquito control district in the island chain wants the British biotech firm Oxitec to test its modified mosquitoes in a neighborhood on a peninsula north of Key West.