Florida cattle industry hit by withdrawal from TPP

President Donald Trump's decision this week to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact drew muted reaction from most of Florida's agriculture community. The notable exception was the Florida cattle industry, which with its national counterparts had strongly supported the pact. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Florida lawmakers look to Colorado for cannabis advice

In Florida, dispensing organizations are vertically integrated—meaning they’re responsible for growing, processing and selling their treatments. Former Colorado Marijuana Czar Andrew Freedman explains his state moved away from that system. Full story from WFSU, here. Also read more at Florida Politics.

See also:
» High risk for Florida doctors who order medical marijuana
» South Florida marijuana company gets Massachusetts investor
» Trulieve opens medical marijuana dispensary in Tampa

Apps help the public fight invasive species in Florida

From invasive Burmese pythons to Argentine black and white tegus, from Clown Knifefish in the water to the climbing, coiling kudzu plants, Florida’s native plants and animals face displacement by nonnative species. But now, a series of apps are helping civilians to fight back. [Source: WLRN]

New Visit Florida study shows out-of-state tourism spending jumped

A new study commissioned by Florida’s tourism bureau shows the economic impact from the out-of-state visitation industry is growing. The report analyzed out-of-state tourism activity in the Sunshine State and showed tourism-related spending, revenue and jobs all increased in 2015. See the full report here (PDF). Also read more at the Florida Times-Union.

Florida company gets OK to ship electric cars to Cuba

A Miami-based auto company has received the green light to ship American-made electric cars to Cuba, following an effort by former President Obama to restore diplomatic relations with the island nation.  [Source: The Hill]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Bills allowing grocery store liquor sales back for another shot [Florida Times-Union]
Florida legislators will again debate whether liquor sales should be allowed in grocery stores, a contentious proposal that has some of the biggest names in retail lined up against each other.

› Reports put Jacksonville-based CSX as takeover target [Florida Times-Union]
CSX stock is rising quickly amid reports that a longtime industry leader has his eye on the Jacksonville-based railroad.

› Royal Caribbean sails to $1.28 billion profit in 2016 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The Miami-based cruise operator posted record earnings in 2016, buoyed in part by higher ticket prices, increased onboard spending and cost savings, the cruise company said Thursday.

› Pasco ice skating rink billed as largest in the Southeast is open for business [Tampa Bay Times]
A new five-rink ice skating facility billed by its owners as the largest of its kind in the southeast opened up in Wesley Chapel this week.

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› Very first Checkers and Rally’s “Model 4.0” design prototype now open in Gainesville [Gainesville Business Report]
The Gainesville Checkers located near UF’s campus was selected by the company, which operates Checkers & Rally’s restaurant locations nationwide, to be the very first location to undergo remodeling toward the chain’s new design prototype.

› Palm Beach County moves forward with medical marijuana moratorium [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Palm Beach County is moving forward with a temporary ban on medical marijuana dispensaries that aims to give state legislators time to craft regulations for the industry.

› IAAPA hires Doug Stagner, former SeaWorld executive [Orlando Sentinel]
Former SeaWorld executive Doug Stagner has joined the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions as its chief operating officer and executive vice president of worldwide operations.

› Miami-Dade is getting free Wi-Fi at 300 kiosks and on public buses and trains [Miami Herald]
A Massachusetts company will begin installing kiosks with free WiFi near transit stops around Miami-Dade under an agreement approved by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners this week.