Florida's 'water war' legal bill soars to $41 million

Florida's costly, complicated lawsuit against Georgia over regional water use reached another milestone this week without any sign of resolution, as state lawmakers expressed concern about escalating legal fees in the case that could reach $41 million this year. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

See also:
» Two-state water war could become tri-state dispute again
» DEP withdraws request to pay lawyers in ‘water war’

Dow 20,000: What does it mean and where does it go?

With the Dow Jones industrials above 20,000, it's natural to ask what's going on and what, if anything, investors should do. Here are some answers to common questions that people have about the stock market. [Source: AP]

See also:
» Orlando stocks mostly up on Dow’s 20,000 record
» Florida's Top Public Stocks
Your turn » How long do you think this bull market will last? (quick poll)

Florida receives failing grades on tobacco report

New numbers from the American Lung Association show that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and Florida is not doing well helping people quit. The association issued grades in five categories, and Florida failed in four of them. Full story, with a by-the-numbers chart on smokers in Florida, here. Also read more at WESH and NBC Miami.

Lawmakers to weigh costs, benefits of no-fault insurance repeal

The Florida Legislature this spring will debate over a proposal to repeal the no-fault insurance requirement in place since the 1970s. PIP insurance, as it is popularly known, was intended to provide a basic level of medical coverage for people injured in motor vehicle crashes, regardless of who is at fault. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Port Everglades dredging on hold while Corps reworks environmental study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will delay a dredging project for Port Everglades while it takes another look at potential environmental damage, according to federal court filings last week. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Orlando home builders: Let's make a deal [Orlando Sentinel]
Free pools, chances to win a drone, $5,000 in vacation vouchers — those are just a few of the incentives Orlando-area home builders have tossed out in recent months in hopes of attracting buyers.

› Gov. Rick Scott not happy about Florida ports getting legal cargo from Cuba [Tampa Bay Times]
On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned Florida ports that he will push to cut state funding to their operations if they engage in business with Cuba. Scott made the announcements on Twitter (@FLGovScott), saying

• Disappointed some FL ports would enter into any agreement with Cuban dictatorship. (1/3)

• I will recommend restricting state funds for ports that work with Cuba in my budget. (2/3)
• We cannot condone Raul Castro’s oppressive behavior. Serious security/human rights concerns. (3/3)

› Florida state workers getting sign-up discount on pre-paid tuition [AP]
Florida state employees who want to enroll in the state's popular pre-paid tuition program are going to get a small break this year. State workers will get a $25 discount on the application fee if they enroll during this year's open enrollment period.

› 88th All Star Game gets Miami funds, Marlins strike out [Miami Today]
While directors of Miami’s Downtown Development Authority agreed to donate $50,000 to baseball’s 88th All Star Game in July, some were careful to point out that they were doing so to boost tourism downtown, not to support the Miami Marlins.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

›Prices are coming back down to earth for luxury Miami real estate [Miami Herald]
As residential sales and prices flatten out overall in South Florida, the luxury real estate market is taking a beating while local buyers scramble to find affordable single-family homes.

› Orlando airport squares off with Melbourne over name [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando International Airport leaders say they hope to avoid suing Orlando Melbourne International Airport – over its name.

› Sarasota tourism numbers up only slightly over 2015 [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Sarasota County isn't smashing tourism records this season, according to data released Wednesday. December was a relatively flat month, with a less than 1 percent uptick in the number of visitors when compared with 2015.

› Consul general sees Miami as Israel’s Latin America hub [Miami Today]
Israeli Consul General Lior Haiat hopes to attract the Israeli technology sector to Miami.