How Puerto Ricans are changing the face of Florida

As the Puerto Rican economy worsens, resettlement in the United States is skyrocketing, especially to Florida, which many on the island view as more suitable than the traditional migration sites of New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. [Source: Miami Herald]

See also:
» Opinion: Puerto Rican statehood can wait; economy can’t

Florida's latest invasive species: A fern capable of toppling trees

The Old World Climbing Fern is Florida’s latest and greatest invasive plant species. The fern is native to Africa, Asia and Australia and first appeared in Florida as an ornamental plant. With no natural predators here it grew unchecked. [Source: WMFE]

Opinion: Workers’ comp should protect Florida’s businesses, workers

Recent coverage of the workers’ comp system has correctly focused on the lack of transparency and competition in the ratemaking process. There is every indication that the quest for comprehensive workers’ comp reform, including a new ratemaking process, will be one of the leading issues of the upcoming legislative session. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

2017 a busy year for health-care construction in Central Florida

Central Florida hospital systems have a full schedule of ground breakings and ribbon cuttings for facilities this year, ranging from new hospitals to free-standing emergency departments and medical office buildings. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

South Florida tourism industry shows resilience despite headwinds

Although a strong U.S. dollar and a flood of new hotel rooms may pose growth obstacles for South Florida's tourism trade, the region's hospitality leaders are forecasting another strong year of visitor traffic. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› DEP secretary Jon Steverson resigns after stormy 2-year tenure [Tampa Bay Times]
Jon Steverson, who for two stormy years has led the state Department of Environmental Protection under Gov. Rick Scott, resigned late Friday, effective Feb. 3.

› Visit Florida salaries, contracts, soar over 4 years [Tallahassee Democrat]
With a record-breaking number of tourists flocking to Florida’s beaches, theme parks and cities, Visit Florida increased spending by more than $34 million over five years, hiring more employees, increasing cash bonuses and signing multimillion dollar marketing contracts.

› Boca Raton company app combines gaming with shopping [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Gaming and shopping. For consumers and entrepreneurs with those passions, it's an intriguing combination. That's what Boca Raton startup business Social Voucher is counting on to draw players for its new mobile app, Stocket.

› Orlando positioned for business paradigm shifts in 2017 [Orlando Sentinel]
The days of business dominating growth in downtown Orlando and Central Florida retailers building empires by selling merchandise aren't dead — completely.

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› What 10 Brevard leaders expect from Trump [Florida Today]
Florida Today asked 10 local people in government, political or community positions what they expect from the Trump administration.

› Despite Opa-locka’s heavy debts, mayor sees ‘light at end of tunnel’ [Miami Herald]
In the past six years, Opa-locka has taken on nearly $15 million in debts — an amount that is expected to take years to settle before the city is on solid financial ground.

› Duke Energy agrees to $600,000 antitrust settlement over Polk plant [Tampa Bay Times]
Duke Energy has agreed to pay a $600,000 fine to settle a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department accusing it of breaking antitrust law in the purchase of a natural gas power plant in Polk County.

› Indoor trampoline park franchise bounces into Sunrise [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Indoor trampoline parks are springing up across the nation for kids who prefer to celebrate their birthdays by diving into a giant box of foam cubes, somersaulting across a room or jumping to the basketball rim like Michael Jordan.