Florida pension system looks strong — for now

Florida's $143 billion pension fund has been on a “circular roller coaster ride” this year, which could result in the first year of a negative return since the fund plummeted 19 percent in 2009. But over the long term, the fund has performed well. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Florida Trend Exclusive
The new ‘green' in Florida real estate

There are multiple front desks in the lobby of the sparkling new dual-branded Courtyard Marriott and Residence Inn at Lake Nona southeast of Orlando. One desk is marked for “Stay Well” check-in. The hotel is emblematic of a trend in new Florida development and marketing: Wellness-oriented real estate. [Source: Florida Trend]

Oil company gets green light to survey in Florida preserve

The National Park Service has given the green light for a Texas-based Burnett Oil Company to explore for oil and gas in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The survey will use sound waves from truck-mounted vibrators to create three-dimensional map of potential oil and gas reserves. [Source: AP]

Your turn:
» If Burnett Oil Company finds oil or gas in the Big Cypress Preserve, do you think drilling or extraction should be allowed? (quick poll)

Trump faces hurdles to win Florida

Donald Trump may have secured the Republican presidential nomination, but the challenges facing his campaign are just beginning, especially in the critical swing state of Florida, where there are grim signs for his general election prospects. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times.

Skepticism about climate change may be linked to concerns about economy

Americans may be more likely to accept the scientific evidence of human-caused climate change and its potentially devastating effects if they believe the economy is strong and stable, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association. [Source: Science Daily]

See also:
» St. Pete Pier poised to survive doomsday sea level rise scenario

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Charter school companies buying plenty of real estate [Florida Times-Union]
There may be differing opinions on charter schools from an educational point of view, but one thing is clear: They’re very active in the real estate market.

› How Palm Beach County saved residents millions of dollars by fighting FEMA on flood maps [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Millions of dollars in flood insurance costs have been saved for Palm Beach County residents thanks to the alliance of local communities against faulty flood zone maps proposed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

› Invictus Games give Orlando international exposure [Orlando Sentinel]
Between national television coverage by ESPN2, international feeds from BBC and heavy promotion of the games by Prince Harry of Wales, Orlando is front and center at the Invictus Games.
» See also: Injured veterans compete in Invictus Games at Disney World

› The political rehabilitation of Marco Rubio [Miami Herald]
Marco Rubio’s poor showing in Florida, where he won only his home county of Miami-Dade, suggested the senator may have taken some of his constituents for granted, and they punished him for it. Now Rubio’s trying to make up for lost time — though that’s not how he puts it.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› The healthy choice: Business leaders hear about nutrition, lifestyle [Palm Beach Daily News]
Residents and business owners heard the importance of healthy behaviors and choices at a Greater South County Road Association gathering.

› South Florida homebuilding off to good start in 2016 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Home construction increased across South Florida in the first part of 2016, with builders reporting robust demand from families and retirees.

› Orlando company covers globe with its theme-park ideas [Orlando Sentinel]
Falcon's Creative Group is a business that hatches theme-park attractions and shows, develops master plans for companies within that industry, invents distinctive venues and is starting to establish its own intellectual properties and characters.

› U.S. warns Cuban Americans about risks in traveling to Cuba [Miami Herald]
If you’re a Cuban American wanting to visit Cuba, be careful! The Cuban government could seize your U.S. passport, or even draft you or your children into the armed forces.