Recession snares six energy states as Florida economy defies signs of slowdown

Amid all the talk of the U.S. economic rebound and job growth comes news that a bevy of states are, by one respected eye, already in a recession. A report by S&P Global Ratings says recession hit six of the eight biggest oil-producing states in 2016, a result of the impact from the global commodity's slide on the American energy market. More from the Tampa Bay Times and USA Today.

Charcoal — the first legal cargo from Cuba in more than 50 years — arrives at Port Everglades

The first legal cargo exports from Cuba to the United States in more than half a century arrived in Port Everglades Tuesday. The shipment, two containers full of artisanal charcoal produced by private Cuban worker cooperatives, came in under an exception to the embargo. See the statement from Port Everglades or read more at the Miami Herald.

U.S. citrus growers get 60-day stay from Argentine lemon imports

Under apparent guidance from the Trump Administration, the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a 60-day stay against import of fresh lemons from Argentina into the United States. See the ruling from USDA, here. Also read more at Farm Press.

Related:
» Broward homeowners demand state pay for felled citrus trees

'Dreamers' in Florida get some relief as Trump focuses on other immigration issues

Hundreds of thousands of immigrant “Dreamers” feel relief this week after the Trump administration indicated it will not try to deport them and instead seek a legislative solution. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Poisoning a river of grass

Typically found in the world’s more polar regions, which are naturally rich in algae nutrients, blooms are typically rare in South Florida. Now, due to a variety of factors, toxic algal blooms are an added threat to the unique Everglades ecosystem. Read the report from the University of Miami, here.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Orlando startup lands Florida entrepreneur award [News Release]
Terrence Donnelly, who launched the mobile phone app development company Teeps in 2012, received Fla. Gov. Rick Scott’s Young Entrepreneur Award, the governor’s office said on Tuesday.

› Atlanta Braves executives 'can't wait' to land in North Port stadium [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Atlanta Braves executives touted their commitment to bring spring training baseball to North Port to local leaders on Tuesday morning. It was the team officials' first public appearance here since discussions began more than a year ago to relocate the Major League Baseball club to a new spring training stadium.

› Florida Sen. Nelson: Hiring freeze could hurt hurricane response [NBC Miami]
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson says President Donald Trump's hiring freeze could hurt the government's response to a dangerous hurricane.

› South Florida hotel performance slips in December, data shows [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
December showed some softness in consumer demand for South Florida hotel rooms, which led to declines in occupancy and room rates, according to a new report by an industry tracking firm.

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› Will growing competition in Florida slow Publix as it heads north? [Retailwire]
Publix is one of the most successful grocery chains in the U.S. In recent years, it has used the solid foundation (781 stores) in its home market of Florida to expand up the East Coast.

› North Florida Coalition Opposes Water Conservation Dollars Going to South Florida [WLRN]
A coalition calling itself Stand Up North Florida went public Monday. It says it wants more state water conservation money to go to North and Central Florida. Representing the group were local and state politicians and business leaders.

› Magic Leap seeks patent for color blindness treatment device [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
South Florida technology developer Magic Leap has filed a patent application describing a wearable device that uses augmented reality to treat color blindness.

› Florida DOT Secretary Boxold to step down [Progressive Railroading]
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jim Boxold has resigned from the department as of Feb. 3 to accept a new job. He will be succeeded by Rachel Cone, who will serve as interim secretary starting Feb. 4.