Foreign buyers' passion fades in Florida

International buyers still love Florida real estate, but their passion is fading. Foreign buyers spent $4.3 billion less on residential real estate in the Sunshine State last year, an 18 percent plunge blamed on a stronger dollar, rising home prices and economic uncertainties. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Meet Florida's Millennial generation

The Millennial generation in Florida is big, diverse — and different. Read about their lifestyles, values, economic lives, where they work and defining traits – and how the stereotypes stack up against the facts. This series of articles, from Florida Trend's February issue, also examines Millennials vs. Boomers, three generations in a nutshell, employer views on their Millennial workers, the diversity of the generation, and much more. Click for synopsis of all stories, or access the cover story, here.

Governor proposes pay raise for Florida corrections officers

After years of refusing to give Florida corrections officers a pay raise, Gov. Rick Scott wants to spend $38 million to boost pay for officers in Florida's prison system. Scott spokesman McKinley Lewis tells news outlets that the plan will be unveiled as part of Scott's recommended budget Tuesday. [Source: AP]

Florida citrus growers find creative ways to survive despite deadly greening disease

About $250 million has been invested in citrus-greening research over the past decade, according to the trade group Florida Citrus Mutual. The state's $10.8 billion citrus industry is at stake. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Take a number: Florida college campuses swamped by students who need counseling

Florida's higher education leaders are calling it a crisis. College students wait up to a month for appointments at short-staffed centers. They get shorter appointments, less often, as universities flounder under the pressure of unprecedented demand for mental health services. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› It's Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Tampa Bay Rays in scramble for fans, money in St. Pete sports market [Tampa Bay Times]
The sports climate is shifting rapidly in St. Petersburg. As the Tampa Bay Rays get more serious about looking elsewhere for a new baseball stadium, the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team is looking to solidify its claim as the future professional sports team in downtown St. Pete.

› Column: Port Canaveral enters new, steadier era [Florida Today]
Two billion dollars economic impact generating 20,000 jobs and contributing $90-million annually in taxes: Port Canaveral drives our community forward.

› Aetna was actually making money off Obamacare in Florida, ruling reveals [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Aetna wasn't losing money selling Obamacare plans in Florida after all, according to a federal court ruling blocking the insurer's proposed $37 billion merger with Humana.

› Health guru Deepak Chopra is now designing South Florida condos [Miami Herald]
Deepak Chopra, the endocrinologist who has bloomed into a world famous but sometimes controversial new-age health guru, is taking a shot at a new line of work: designing luxury condo units in South Florida.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Smart City's networks head to the Super Bowl [Orlando Sentinel]
A tech business with roots as a Disney contractor, fresh off providing wi-fi for two of President Donald Trump’s inaugural balls, is headed to the Super Bowl.

› Made in Jax: Vak Pak swimming toward expansion in aquatics filtration industry [Florida Times-Union]
The company manufactures industrial filtration systems mostly for commercial pools, spas, fountains and water parks, although there are some high-end residential products that Vak Pak will produce.

› American Express opens regional headquarters in Sunrise [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
After nearly two years of construction, Monday is moving day to Sunrise for the first wave of American Express employees currently in Plantation, Miramar and Miami.

› Gov. Scott to host economic summit in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Gov. Rick Scott will visit Orlando this week for a two-day summit to tout his plans to boost jobs in the state. The event will be held Thursday and Friday at the Caribe Royale hotel and feature business executives and leaders of Scott’s economic development agencies as speakers.