Consumer confidence among Floridians rises to 15-year high

Florida consumers last month were the most confident that they have been since 2002, long before the onset of the Great Recession triggered a prolonged slump. The University of Florida's March survey — the most recent data — found that consumers are optimistic about their own finances, present economic conditions and the future of the economy. Full story from UF news, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

Sen. Joe Negron trims controversial water plan

On Tuesday, Senate President Joe Negron revised a wide-ranging water bill intended to protect his district's waterways, as he sought to make it more palatable to House leaders and people living south of Lake Okeechobee. The Stuart Republican's amendment to SB 10 would reduce the price tag from $2.4 billion to $1.5 billion --- with half of the costs covered by the federal government --- and shift the size and location for a water-storage project south of the lake. The amendment will go before the Senate Appropriations Committee today. More from News4Jax and the AP.

Related, from Florida Trend:
» Video interview with engineer Tom MacVicar, on the topic of Lake Okeechobee run-off crisis

Florida business regulators fear lawsuits

Florida’s many volunteer regulatory board members can no longer do their job without the potential of being sued, leaving some disciplinary cases in limbo. Regulatory board members across the country lost their legal protection from antitrust cases after a U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 2015. [Source: NBC2]

Orlando Democratic businessman Chris King announces gubernatorial bid

Democratic businessman Chris King is kicking off his campaign for governor. King hasn't held public office and is highlighting his business experience. He is CEO of Elevation, a company that invests in and manages affordable housing for seniors. More from the AP and WGCU.

See also:
» Here's what Chris King wants to do as governor

Florida ranks low as a Millennial-friendly state, says WalletHub study

With millennials today making up the largest generation in the U.S. workforce yet earning 20 percent less than Baby Boomers did at the same age, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2017's Best & Worst States for Millennials. [Source: Florida Trend]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Attendance rose 14 percent at Palm Beach International Boat Show [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
In spite of a rainy first day, which kept some boating enthusiasts at bay, the 32nd Palm Beach International Boat Show saw a 14 percent increase in overall attendance from a year ago, according to organizer Show Management.

› United Launch Alliance sets new date for rocket launch attempt [Orlando Sentinel]
An on again, off again rocket launch is back on again. An email this week from United Launch Alliance set April 18 as the next day the space company will try to send a cargo load to the International Space Station from Florida.

› How a new kind of fraud puts Florida real estate owners, lenders at risk [Daily Business Review]
A con man is exploiting a loophole in public records access to target South Florida real estate lenders and landowners.

› Proposal to drug test welfare applicants returns to Florida [AP]
A Florida House panel advanced a bill on Tuesday that would require Florida Welfare applicants with prior drug-related convictions to submit to mandatory drug testing. The measure would also require applicants suspected of being on drugs to pay for the drug test before they can receive any welfare assistance.

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› Miami Construction Boom Brings Zika Virus Worries Anew [Tech Times]
Construction sites that opened in Miami as part of the county's second building boom refuel concerns about the deadly Zika virus, since they are known to attract mosquitoes and become flourishing breeding sites.

› Cigarette smoking in Florida is higher in rural areas [WPLG]
While nearly 16 percent of Floridians are hooked on cigarette smoking, the addiction continues to affect Florida's rural counties the most, according to a new report.

› Sarasota County and Airbnb reach agreement on taxes [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The deal outlines how the company will collect, record and pay the short-term rental tax on homes and rooms booked through the site in the county — just as typical hotels and motels do.

› Tampa named an up-and-coming solar energy city [Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa is considered one of the country's "solar builders," a city with up-and-coming solar capabilities. But for the present, Tampa is in the middle of the pack, ranking 32 out of 66 cities in terms of overall solar capabilities.