Citrus growth path uncertain as Florida real estate surges

After the bust of 2008, the state is back on a growth track and the economy is heating up. In general, 2017 looks bullish for real estate. Citrus groves located in the path of growth are highly desirable for commercial or residential real estate. Groves located in the historic farming districts of Southwest Florida, could be developed into other crops. [Source: Growing Produce]

Florida is apologizing for misdeeds in its past

The Florida House is formally apologizing for decades of abuse at a north Florida reform school and to the families of four young black men accused of raping a white woman 68 years ago in what’s now seen as a case of racial injustice. [Source: AP]

Time to take immediate action on Everglades, says Florida TaxWatch

Continued inaction on the Everglades problem will be a detriment to taxpayers and the future of the state, says the latest report from Florida TaxWatch. The organization finds that if the state does not find a solution to the algae blooms and other problems from diversion of water from Lake Okeechobee, the state, tourism industry and the overall economy would lose millions in revenues, not to mention the negative health and environmental impacts. Full story here.

Lenny Curry vs. Pat Neal for Florida CFO

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Manatee County developer Pat Neal, in that order, are widely seen as Rick Scott's most likely picks for Chief Financial Officer -- a stepping stone away from governor -- after Republican Jeff Atwater steps down after the legislative session ends. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Opinion: BP restoration process just getting started

Between now and 2031, Florida will receive approximately $74 million dollars a year, the result of BP’s Oil Pollution Act fines and Clean Water Act civil penalties, which come to us via the RESTORE Act. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Jacksonville awarded NCAA men’s basketball regional for 2019 [Florida Times-Union]
The NCAA on Tuesday awarded a Division I men’s basketball regional to Jacksonville for 2019, the fourth time since 2006 that the city has been a part of March Madness.

› Space Coast realtors group begins headquarters project [Florida Today]
The Space Coast Association of Realtors 15,266-square-foot headquarters will combine two sites the organization has operated from since the 2013 merging of the Melbourne Area Association of Realtors and Space Coast Realtors into the Space Coast Association of Realtors.

› PetSmart acquiring Dania Beach-based online pet supply retailer Chewy.com [News Release]
PetSmart, the nation’s largest pet supply retailer, on Tuesday announced it is acquiring Dania Beach-based Chewy.com, an online-only pet retailer.

› Florida Railroad Museum plans $3 million expansion [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Already averaging 80,000 passengers and grossing about $1.7 million in sales annually, the Florida Railroad Museum expects to continue to grow in popularity and expand its offerings.

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› United Launch Alliance rocket takes off from Florida [Orlando Sentinel]
A rocket carrying cargo took off from Florida Tuesday morning, rising to the sky at its scheduled lift off time, carving a path toward the International Space Station.

› Lakeland’s Posto 9 abandons no-tipping policy [Lakeland Ledger]
From the start, the restaurant’s decision to ignore convention and pay servers and bartenders a competitive salary along with health and other benefits was something of a gamble.

› PortMiami’s local impact has grown — but does a new study paint too rosy a picture? [Miami Herald]
A PortMiami-commissioned study released Monday paints a rosy picture of the port’s local economic impact — perhaps too rosy.

› Bill Nelson seeks to turn Internet privacy into campaign issue [Tampa Bay Times]
Sen. Bill Nelson is joining a Democratic trend and turning Internet privacy into a campaign issue.