Millions donated to Florida politicians amid 2017 session

Some of the biggest companies involved in battles at the state Capitol showered campaign contributions to the state's political parties and other top politicians in the first few months of the year. [Source: AP]

See also:
» Both major parties in Florida show tepid money-raising

Florida's support of Trump travel ban surprises state's top industry -- tourism

Florida’s support of a travel ban is surprising some in the state’s tourism industry. Some say the proposed ban already is discouraging international travelers from visiting the state, although it is too soon to know the full scope of its impact. [Source: WMFE]

Prosecutor sues Gov. Scott after he took death cases from her

State Attorney Aramis Ayala filed lawsuits Tuesday in federal court and with Florida's highest court, challenging Scott's ability to remove her from death-penalty cases in her district, which covers Orlando and its suburbs. In Ayala's complaint, she states:

(Gov.) Scott violated the Constitution of the United States, usurped Ayala’s authority, and deprived voters in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of their chosen State Attorney when, under color of law, he removed Ayala from 23 pending homicide cases in her circuit and replaced her with King, a State Attorney who was not elected by voters from Orange and Osceola Counties.

See Ayala's second filing, the "Emergency Non-Routine Petiion," here. Also read more at the AP.

Disease drives up orange juice prices

The price of orange juice is forecast to jump after disease ravaged crops and squeezed global supplies. The world’s largest orange growers, Brazil and Florida, have suffered poor harvests as they struggle to halt the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid. [Source: The Times]

Column: Legal aid positively impacts Florida's economy

Those of us in the legal community have long understood the positive impact of legal aid on low-income families, but we now have powerful evidence that legal aid also benefits the economy in our community and statewide. [Source: Daily Commercial]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Sarasota commits $144K to woo firm, 72 jobs [Business Observer]
Sarasota County commissioners approved a $144,000 jobs performance-based incentive package to lure a digital marketing company to relocate to town — and choose Sarasota over Boca Raton.

› Movie "Gifted" set in St. Petersburg filmed in Georgia [Fox 13]
Another missed opportunity for the Florida film industry will soon hit theaters nationwide. The movie "Gifted", about a single man (Chris Evans) raising a child (McKenna Grace), is set in St. Petersburg, Florida, but the movie was filmed in Georgia.

› Judicial term limits proposal now faces more skeptical lawmakers in Senate [Florida Record]
A constitutional amendment to impose 12-year term limits on state Supreme Court and appellate judges passed the Florida House by a bare one-vote margin on March 30, but it will now go before senators who have voiced skepticism about judicial term limits.

› Rising sea level grows as threat to South Florida, U.S. senators told [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
As the Trump administration proposes cuts in programs dealing with climate change, witnesses told a Senate panel this week that South Florida is experiencing worsening effects from rising sea levels.

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› Why Related Group pulled the plug on Auberge [Miami Herald]
A combination of Miami’s slowing luxury condo market and a landlocked location may have factored into the Related Group’s decision to cancel its planned Auberge Residences & Spa Miami condo tower near the Arsht Center.

› Spirit Airlines is the most improved U.S. airline in 2016 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Miramar-based Spirit Airlines’ efforts to improve customer service appear to be paying off, according to findings of a new airline quality performance released Monday.

› Florida county's ban on puppy sales moves forward [WDBO]
Hillsborough County commissioners are moving ahead with a proposal to ban the commercial sale of cats and dogs, as they look to curb puppy mills. New pet stores would be able to sell only dogs or cats purchased from local animal rescues.

› Fort Lauderdale company locks in $75M loan to expand [South Florida Business Journal]
Fort Lauderdale commercial lighting company Future Energy Solutions has secured a $75 million loan through a New York City-based private equity firm.