Final cost of 2010 Gulf oil spill: $61.6 billion

Oil giant BP PLC has put a final price tag on what its catastrophic Gulf of Mexico oil spill cost the company, and it's a hefty sum: $61.6 billion. The company issued the estimate Thursday, the first time it has put a total cost on the catastrophe. Included in that total is the amount BP already agreed to pay Florida, four other gulf states and the federal government: $18.7 billion. Florida's share of that could be more than $3.25 billion, paid out over 18 years. Read more at the Associated Press and also at the Tampa Bay Times.

From Florida Trend:
» Video interview with Chris Holley of Gulf County on how Florida's Panhandle is coping 5 years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida dining: A cut above

Meat eaters are relearning what chefs and home cooks around the world always knew: There’s a lot of meat on the steer that makes for hearty red-blooded eating at less cost. We have entered the age of the short-rib and the beef shank, oxtail, skirt, flank, flatiron, hanger and other “butcher cuts.” Access full story.

Candidates avoiding debates in Florida's U.S. Senate primary

More than a year into Florida's U.S. Senate campaign, the Republicans and Democrats hoping to win the Aug. 30 primary have yet to face off in a televised debate. It's not for a lack of trying — at least with the TV and radio stations. They've tried to organize and broadcast debates between all the major candidates from either party. [Source: Times/Herald]

Florida ranks second in attracting aerospace manufacturing

Florida, which topped the list last year, fell to second place primarily due to an increase in aerospace wages. However, the firm said Florida’s Space Coast is booming with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin and Boeing establishing a presence there. [Source: WMFE]

Wawa CEO plans to open 100 stories in South Florida

The Wawa-based chain has expanded to Florida in a big way. Four years after entering Central Florida, it has 90 locations there and near Tampa and is set to open its 100th store in November. It has over 3,500 employees in Florida. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Publix purchases 10 Martin's Food Markets in Virginia [Tampa Bay Times]
The Lakeland-based grocer announced it will buy 10 Martin's Food Markets from Ahold USA Inc's affiliate, Giant/Martin's and convert them to Publix stores.

› Yacht manufacturer to create 140 jobs with Tampa HQ [Business Observer]
Yacht manufacturer Bertram LLC will establish its international headquarters in Tampa and create 140 jobs in the region. Bertram selected Florida for its headquarters over North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, a statement says.

› Fort Lauderdale company awarded four international patents [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Fort Lauderdale-based, water-filtering company Periodic Products has been awarded four international patents for the company's technology. The patent awards are from Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and South Korea.

› Florida Realtors back solar tax exemption [Builder]
The Florida Realtors have joined business owners and others in support of Amendment 4, which would exempt solar panels on commercial properties from real property taxes. The proposal will be on the Aug. 30 primary election ballot.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Central Florida springs restoration projects get $24M in funding [Orlando Business Journal]
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Water Management Districts have identified 35 springs projects to receive more than $56.6 million included in the 2016-17 state budget.

› One Nation event heralds innovation, Space Coast tech [Florida Today]
About 600 people attended One Nation: American Innovation, hosted by FLORIDA TODAY and the USA TODAY NETWORK and presented by Harris Corp. Tickets sold out last week for the nonpartisan, high-tech political event inside Cruise Terminal #1 at Port Canaveral.

› Florida fitness 'guru' sues Major League Baseball claiming Biogenesis crackdown killed his business [NY Daily News]
Neiman Nix, the owner of a Florida fitness and training facility, sued Major League Baseball on Thursday, claiming the league’s 2013 Biogenesis doping crackdown destroyed his Florida business, which distributed liquids and creams derived from elk antlers.

› Legoland Florida lays down ground rules for Pokemon Go players [FOX 4]
Park officials at Legoland Florida say they welcome Pokémon Go, players to the park, but have a few rules for those wanting to "catch 'em all" on park property.