Some foreign buyers raise concerns about real estate in Florida

Foreign buyers have helped hoist Florida’s real estate market into recovery at a slightly faster rate than domestic buyers. But vacation home buyers from other countries have become more cautious about spending time and money in Florida and the U.S. as a whole. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Gov. Scott names Carlos Beruff to chair the powerful Constitution Revision Commission

Gov. Rick Scott has named Sarasota businessman Carlos Beruff to be the chairman of the powerful Constitution Revision Commission, the 37-member commission that has the power to put proposals directly onto the 2018 ballot. News release here. Also read more at the Times/Herald and Florida Politics.

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Community portrait of Polk County

As the business center of Polk County, Lakeland is sporting a rejuvenated downtown with new apartments and restaurants that appeal to younger residents. Lakeland is also home to Publix, Florida's largest private company. Also in this community portrait: industries, vital statistics, quality of life, key sectors, workforce and more. See the full portrait here.

Publix bags record profits for 2016; sales growth slows

Publix Supermarkets rang up a company record $2.03 billion in profits in 2016 and $34 billion in sales for the year. The Lakeland-based grocery store chain reported fourth quarter 2016 and full-year earnings Thursday, noting sales were up 3.1 percent for the year. Company statement is here; read more at the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida starts issuing medical marijuana ID cards

Florida health officials who oversee the medical marijuana program have started processing identification card applications for patients and caregivers. The cards, which are issued through the Office of Compassionate Use, are part of regulations passed by the Florida Legislature last year. [Source: Insurance Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida lobster season: Not as strong, not a disaster [FL Keys Net]
One month remains in the regular lobster season but many of the traps put out by the Florida Keys commercial fleet are back on the hill — meaning pulled ashore until next summer.

› Resigning Miami US attorney joining Holland & Knight firm [News Release]
Miami U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer is joining the Holland & Knight law firm after his resignation takes effect on Friday. The firm announced that Ferrer will lead its global compliance and investigations team, part of its white collar defense practice.

› SeaWorld posts $12 million loss amid attendance drop [Tampa Bay Times]
The Orlando-based company lost $11.9 million in the last quarter of 2016, up from $11 million lost in the fourth quarter of 2015. Overall, fourth quarter attendance was down by about 30,000 visitors, or just under 1 percent. SeaWorld's financial statement is here.

› Florida among toughest states for first-time homebuyers [South Florida Business Journal]
First-time homebuyers in Florida have among the most obstacles in the nation when it comes to bagging a property, according to a study by Bankrate.com.

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› Vast expansion for Miami Jewish Health Systems [Miami Today]
Miami Jewish Health Systems, a medical campus that has grown and evolved since the 1940s, is working on a master plan for the next 30 years and beyond.

› Office Depot's 2016 sales decline 6 percent but profits surge [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Boca Raton-based office supply retailer Office Depot said Wednesday that it had lower sales in 2016 of $11 billion, a decline of 6 percent. For the fourth quarter, sales were $2.7 billion, a decrease of 2 percent.

› Tech conference OrlandoiX to return for 3rd year [Orlando Sentinel]
OrlandoiX leaders announced today that the event will return Aug. 17-20, a departure from previous years, when it was held in October.

› Mote developing app so beachgoers can record red tide observations [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Almost every day, Mote Marine Laboratory environmental health staff scientist Tracy Fanara gets a phone call or email from someone on the Gulf Coast experiencing the effects of red tide, a toxic algae bloom that has lingered since last September.