Florida small businesses now eligible for financial drought assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Tuesday that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now being offered for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture and private non-profit organizations that have been adversely affected by the lack of rain this year [Source: Florida Times-Union]

Thanks to beer, over 160,000 have jobs in Florida

You can raise a glass to this! A new study shows America’s beer industry contributes more than $21.6 billion to Florida’s economy. It also supports 160,706 jobs in the state, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, a trade association for brewers. Florida's data in "The Economic Impact of the Beer Insustry" is here. Also read more at WDBO.

Walmart investing big in Florida

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has revealed its statewide growth and investment plans for Florida, which it says will lead to an economic impact of well above $450 million. The mega-retailer’s plan will grow Walmart’s 375-facility footprint in Florida. Full news release here.

New DEP Secretary hailed as consensus builder

Conservation groups, Governor Rick Scott and Cabinet members are praising Florida’s newest top environmental regulator, Noah Valenstein, as a consensus builder dedicated to public service. Full story from WFSU, here. Also read more at  the Palm Beach Post.

John Morgan ready to bet big on medical pot

John Morgan spent nearly $7 million pushing two statewide ballot initiatives to expand medical marijuana throughout the state of Florida. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to what the wealthy Orlando attorney and possible gubernatorial candidate says he’s prepared to invest in the industry now. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida reaction to Trump's budget proposal [Tampa Bay Times]
President Trump's budget proposal brought negative reviews from Florida Democrats and little reaction from Republicans, a telling sign of overall lack of enthusiasm. Democratic Senator Bill Nelson was highly critical, saying, "This plan cuts some of our most critical programs including Medicaid and food stamps." Republican representative Carlos Curbelo was not enthusiastic, saying,"This budget abandons progress already made on programs that enjoy bipartisan support."

Quick poll:
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› Florida official tapped to lead Kentucky Lottery Corporation [AP]
Tom Delacenserie, former secretary and CEO of the Florida Lottery, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation.

› Cape Coral says yes to tiny homes [Fort Myers News-Press]
A Southwest Florida city dipped its toe in the trendy waters of tiny houses. Cape Coral -- queen of the three bedroom, two-bath concrete block home on highly regulated platted lots -- decided those creations seen on Tiny Homes Nation should be part of its real estate inventory.

› Gulf Coast anglers plan protest against fishing limits [AP]
Recreational anglers along the Gulf Coast are planning a floating protest against strict federal limits on red snapper fishing that they say are hurting businesses throughout the region.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Fate of Florida program for children rests with Gov. Scott [AP]
Parents of disabled children are asking Florida Gov. Rick Scott to sign an education bill despite ongoing calls from school officials for a veto.

› Sarasota REIT raises first $3.2 million [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A Sarasota company said Tuesday that it has raised $3.2 million of an offering of up to $30 million to acquire and manage properties leased to federal government agencies.

› Palm Beach County hosts foreign diplomats to “Experience Florida” [Boca Raton Tribune]
Over 21 representatives from foreign consulates were hosted in Palm Beach County last week as “Experience Florida”, a week-long program for participants to strengthen economic, commercial, scientific and cultural relations between the countries they represent and Palm Beach County, once again took place.

› With big concerts approaching, Tampa Bay venues remain vigilant after Manchester attack [Tampa Bay Times]
In the aftermath of an explosion that killed at least 22 people — including children — moments after a pop concert ended in England on Monday night, local venues are assuring the public that security will continue to be tight at the Tampa Bay area's upcoming big-ticket shows.