The nightmare scenario for Florida's coastal homeowners

Officials and residents in Florida are grappling with the risk that climate change could drag down housing markets. The effects of climate-driven price drops could ripple across the economy, and eventually force the federal government to decide what is owed to people whose home values are ruined by climate change. [Source: Bloomberg]

The budget battle in the Sunshine economy

With three weeks left before the end of the regularly scheduled legislative session, the two chambers of the Florida Legislature are about $4 billion apart on their spending plans. While the gap is closing, the fundamental position of the top budget lawmaker in the House is to shrink state spending. The final 2017 state budget is scheduled to be completed by May 2. [Source: WLRN]

See also:
» Full House-approved budget
» Full Senate-approved budget

Skilled workers wanted, but costly in South Florida

Half of more than 300 South Florida employers surveyed say they’re finding it difficult to find employees who have the technical and soft skills they need, according to a new tri-county Workforce Skills Gap report. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida wildlife officials say there should be no bear hunt this year

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission director Nick Wiley said during a quarterly meeting that while the agency believes science and population numbers support another bear hunt, there is still more work to do to convince the public. [Source: WKMG] The Commission issued this statement:

"As shown by today’s staff presentation on population, habitat, human-bear conflict and outreach, we have a long-standing, proactive approach to bear management and will continue to build on that existing foundation. We will continue implementing our comprehensive approach to bear management. We directed staff to bring back a revised bear management plan in two years, including hunting as a management tool."
- Brian Yablonski, Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Another session will end with the reviled write-in loophole intact

Another year will pass without lawmakers closing the notorious "write-in loophole" that candidates, consultants and political parties use to manipulate election outcomes by preventing independent voters from having a voice in primary elections in all 67 counties. [Source: Times/Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Venezuelan humanitarian crisis spills into South Florida's immigration courts [WPLG]
Immigration authorities reported that 18,155 Venezuelans submitted asylum requests last year, a 150 percent increase over 2015. There were 2,334 requests in December alone.

› Can Chewy.com remain special after it's acquired by PetSmart? [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
It’s been a wild and fast ride for Ryan Cohen and Michael “Blake” Day, co-founders of Dania Beach-based online pet supply retailer Chewy.com. Less than a decade ago, they were a pair of computer nerds pooling their money to start an online jewelry business.

Earlier:
» PetSmart announces agreement to acquire Florida-based Chewy, a leading online pet retailer

› Florida may scrap auto insurance law [AP]
Florida may change the kinds of auto insurance drivers must purchase. The Florida House on Wednesday voted 89-29 to repeal a requirement that motorists carry a type of auto insurance known as personal injury protection. Read more about HB 1063 - Motor Vehicle Insurance, here.

› PortMiami traffic with Asia rises 11% [Miami Today]
PortMiami, which was dredged to 50 feet last year in anticipation of a widened Panama Canal, can now welcome up to six Post-Panamax vessels a week, which has translated into an uptick in the port’s cargo business side of operations.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Subtropical Depression One forms in Atlantic, poses no threat to land [Orlando Sentinel]
An area of low pressure in the central Atlantic has organized into a Subtropical Depression One and forecasters say it could become the first named storm in April since 2003.

› Florida Solar Amendment 4 moves one step closer to implementation [Palm Beach Post]
Amendment 4 is viewed by many as a catalyst for growth in Florida’s solar industry. Once the law is enacted, the renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and windmills will be exempt from state tangible property taxes.

› South Florida’s office markets cool during the first quarter of 2017 [The Real Deal]
Class A office rents in South Florida are stabilizing following a period of rapid growth and market uncertainty, according to a new report.

› Tampa International Airport details $543 million second phase of massive construction plan [Tampa Bay Times]
At Tampa International Airport, looking to the future is a bit like a mother planning for a child's growth spurt while trying to keep him in the same size sneakers. The airport's footprint isn't getting any bigger. But my, how the passenger numbers are growing.