Florida regulators sign off on controversial water standards

Despite vehement opposition from environmental groups, state regulators signed off Tuesday on new standards for Florida's rivers, lakes and coastal waters that include less stringent requirements for certain toxic chemicals. The state says the new standards will ensure greater protection for Floridians, as the number of regulated chemicals will increase from 54 to 92. This is the first update to state water standards in 24 years. See the full statement from Florida DEP Secretary Jon Steverson (with FAQs), here. Also read more at TCPalm, the Miami Herald, and Florida Today.

» See also: Environmental Regulation Commission approves Florida-specific human health criteria
» Your turn: Do you support or oppose Florida's new water standards? (quick poll)

State, Seminoles spar over card games

Nearly a year after the expiration of a high-stakes gambling agreement, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and state regulators made pitches last week in a federal lawsuit over the tribe's right to operate "banked" card games, such as blackjack. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

See also:
» Casino giant Genting’s marina gambit: Good for manatees?
» Greyhound lovers ask Seminole leaders for dog racing regulations
» Hialeah decision spurs challenge from horse group

Florida-to-Maine bike path picks up speed along Eastern Seaboard

A continuous Maine-to-Florida cycling path concept that’s been kicking around since the first Bush administration has been basking in the spotlight as of late. Following a couple solid decades of planning, promotion and exploratory tours, the East Coast Greenway in its entirety was officially established and mapped in 2008. More from MNN and Gear Junkie.

Pulse could become the latest tragedy tourism destination

The Pulse nightclub, the gay venue where 49 people were shot and killed last month, has found its way onto itineraries for tourists from around the world who pay their respects and leave handmade memorials. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida’s ‘Do Not Call List’ hits 1 million users

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Tuesday the list had hit the 1-million mark . A total of 928,000 new users have been added to the list since 2012 when it became free to use the service. More from Florida Politics and Patch.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Back to school: Classes starting early this year in many Florida districts [Orlando Sentinel]
Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill allowing schools to open as early as Aug. 10. That measure, signed by Gov. Rick Scott, overturned a 2006 law that prevented schools from opening any earlier than two weeks before Labor Day.

› Firm that received subsidies announces Manatee County layoffs [Business Observer]
Global manufacturer Air Products, which opened a $57 million facility in northeast Manatee County in early 2014, has laid off 30 employees.

› Junior League of Gainesville announces new president [Gainesville Business Report]
Margot DeConna assumes the role of President of the Junior League of Gainesville on July 1. She will serve the organization’s first-ever two year term in that role.

› Boeing shows off Starliner factory at KSC [Florida Today]
Boeing teams are assembling the first flight version of the company’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew capsule, which is expected to fly astronauts to the International Space Station by 2018.

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› Here's why ADP chose Central Florida for major expansion [Orlando Sentinel]
Payroll-processing giant ADP is bringing at least 1,600 new jobs to the region as professional-services job growth jumps across the state. The big hiring plan comes on the heels of similar large expansions locally for firms Deloitte and Verizon.

› Golf’s Willy Wonka? Bubba Watson opens candy store in Florida [Golf Week]
Bubba Watson, the sixth-ranked player in the world, will vie for his third major title this week just west of Manhattan. But four days ago, he was back where he grew up, in Pensacola, for the grand opening of his latest business venture: Bubba’s Sweet Spot.

› South Florida home prices continue slow, steady growth [Miami Herald]
Home prices in South Florida are still rising but not at the rapid levels of the boom years, according to the release of Tuesday’s closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller Home Prices Indices.

› Stadium delays could steal Dolphins, Hurricanes games away from home [Orlando Business Journal]
All eyes in Orlando should be closely watching the construction progress of the Miami Dolphins' new $500 million stadium renovations that are scheduled to be done before the start of the NFL season in September.