Visit Florida prepares to answer Gov. Scott, lawmakers

Agency officials said they will defend how they spend money to promote the state, something Florida House leaders have questioned. The full board meets Tuesday for the first time since Will Seccombe agreed last month to step down as president and CEO and the positions of two other executives were eliminated. [Source: Gainesville Sun]

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» Like Pitbull deal, terminating Florida tourism chief will be pricey

Flesh-eating screwworm found on Florida mainland

Agriculture officials say New World screwworm has been found for the first time in decades on Florida's mainland in a stray dog. State and federal agriculture officials have been trying since October to contain the first U.S. screwworm infestation in over 30 years to the Florida Keys. Full story here. Also read more at the AP and WLRN.

Cuba, U.S. sign deal on oil-spill prevention

Cuba and the United States have signed an accord on preventing and cleaning up oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. Monday's agreement is another step in the Obama Administration's efforts to solidify its legacy of normalization with Cuba before a Republican administration takes over. [Source: NBC Miami]

More Florida teachers qualify for smaller Best and Brightest bonus

A growing number of Florida teachers has qualified for the controversial Best and Brightest bonus that's based, in part, on their college entry exam scores. Lawmakers added about $5 million to the Best and Brightest pot last spring, but the amount did not allow for the bonuses to reach 2015-16 levels of $8,800. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida to take a second swing at daily fantasy sports legality

Florida is one of a large swath of states where lawmakers introduced daily fantasy sports legislation that didn’t become law in 2016. Eight states did move to legalize DFS last year. In 2017, Florida will likely be one of the states the DFS industry focuses on most in its quest for legal clarity around the US. More from Legal Sports Report and Florida Politics.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Jacksonville’s APR Energy in financial rebound with renewal of General Electric partnership [Florida Times-Union]
After a couple of financially bumpy years, Jacksonville-based APR Energy officials say they’re poised for a rebound upon the renewal of a partnership agreement with General Electric.

› Former Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli won't run for Ag Commissioner [Tampa Bay Times]
Previously expected to run for state agriculture commissioner in 2018, former House Speaker Steve Crisafulli announced Monday that that campaign isn't in the cards for him.

› Cuban American lost his business bid after obtaining permanent residence in Cuba [Miami Herald]
Saul Berenthal was to become the first Cuban American investor on the island with a plan to assemble tractors to help small farmers. But his full embrace of his Cuban roots backfired.

› Divide between large companies, startups closing in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Entrepreneurs in Orlando say a divide remains between small, growing companies and established businesses — one that could close off potential partnerships capable of helping the city's emerging tech scene.

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› Key senators will fight to protect NW Florida BP dollars [Northwest Florida Daily News]
State Sen. Jack Latvala, who as chairman of the upper chamber's Appropriations Committee holds great sway over how Florida's dollars are spent, said he and Senate President Joe Negron want to see BP lawsuit settlement dollars spent primarily in Northwest Florida.

› St. Augustine sees increase of more than 200 building permits year to year [St. Augustine Record]
From 2015 to 2016, St. Augustine saw an uptick in building permits and a jump in the combined price of projects.

› Bradenton lobbyist picked to run trade group [Business Observer]
Area executive Gene Moran has been named executive director of the Florida Defense Contractors Association. In his new role with the FDCA, Moran will coordinate external communication, event programming and membership matters.

› Stuart Boat Show features plenty of new/shiny products [TCPalm]
At this week's Stuart Boat Show, attendees will find plenty of boats, marine electronics, accessories, equipment and everything to complement the boating lifestyle.