Brexit means uncertainty for Florida's tourism, real-estate markets

The Florida tourism industry has waited with uncertainty to see how the Brexit vote last summer and the weak pound that followed it will affect tourism numbers this year. But Florida could be in for a big economic boost if more U.K. residents settle here permanently. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Bradenton Herald.

See also:
» Downsizing retirees driving new-home sales in South Florida
» Earlier: Brexit and what it means for Florida (includes video) from the Florida Chamber of Commerce

Florida students show science gains in national test

The U.S. got its national science report card on Thursday, and Florida students scored at or above the national average. Informally known as The Nation’s Report Card, the national assessment is designed to measure improvements over time and groups students into three categories. More from the Miami Herald and the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida surgeon general demands Zika plan from Miami-Dade

One day after the nation’s top-ranking infectious disease expert praised Miami-Dade for its response to a local Zika outbreak, Florida’s Surgeon General dispatched a letter to Mayor Carlos Gimenez demanding a comprehensive breakdown of spending, specific data on mosquito surveillance and a plan for combating the virus’ spread through winter and into next year. [Source: Miami Herald]

See also:
» Zika may be in the U.S. to stay

Florida citrus growers get reduction in taxes

Florida citrus growers will pay less in taxes for the recently started growing season than in past years, as the industry struggles against deadly citrus-greening disease. The Florida Citrus Commission voted Wednesday to set the tax on each 90-pound box of processed oranges, grapefruit and specialty fruits at 7 cents. [Source: Southeast AgNet]

See also:
» Florida's orange groves are being wiped out by tree-killing bacteria

State requirements for digital classrooms costly, extensive

The Florida Department of Education is easing away from traditional pencil and paper testing on the Florida Standard Assessment, but funding for the state’s Digital Classroom Plan doesn’t provide much wiggle room for school districts hard-pressed to meet digital requirements. [Source: St. Augustine Record]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Insurance regulators provide additional details of legislative priorities [Florida Politics]
Cracking down on shady contractors and attorneys is the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s top priority for the 2017 legislative session, but officials made clear Wednesday they intend to protect consumers’ rights in drafting their proposals.

› New life for old Boca Grande storage facility: exclusive luxury homes [Business Observer]
Seagate Development Group LLC and BCB Homes have begun site and underground utility work for Hill Tide Estates on Boca Grande, a 19-home luxury development on one of Gasparilla Island’s last contiguous undeveloped parcels.

› Jacksonville shipping broker merging with Dallas company, will keep base here [News Release]
Jacksonville-based shipping broker Sunteck Transport Group said Wednesday that is has agreed to merge with Dallas-based broker TTS, LLC, with the combined company, called Sunteck/TTS Holdings, LLC, to be based in Jacksonville.

› KLX Aerospace to add 100 jobs at new headquarters in Hialeah [News Release]
KLX Aerospace said it plans to open a global headquarters in Hialeah and add 100 new jobs, said John Cuomo, vice president and general manager of KLX's Aerospace Solutions Group, which has 650 employees.

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› Miami co-working space expands with $1.1M investment [South Florida Business Journal]
The LAB Miami debuted in 2012, offering 10,000 square feet of co-working space in Miami's Wynwood Arts District and community programming to the city’s growing technology industry and its stakeholders.

› Naples profiled in Where to Retire magazine [Naples Daily News]
Would-be retirees have long chosen Naples as the ultimate destination to live the good life. Now, in its latest edition, Where to Retire magazine has, too.

› Jacksonville City Council Oks $7.5M to rebuild beach dunes [AP]
The Jacksonville City Council has approved spending $7.5 million to rebuild miles of beach dunes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. The city expects the project to rebuild dunes from central Jacksonville Beach to north Atlantic Beach.

› Here are the Tampa Bay companies making a pitch for venture capital [Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Three Tampa Bay companies will be among the 14 Florida firms competing for a $100,000 first place award at next week’s Florida Venture Forum VentureTech Showcase.
» Related: South Florida startups chosen to compete in upcoming tech showcase