Trump returns to Florida to unveil Cuba policy

Stopping short of a complete turnabout, President Donald Trump is expected to announce a revised Cuba policy aimed at stopping the flow of U.S. cash to the country's military and security services while maintaining diplomatic relations and allowing U.S. airlines and cruise ships to continue service to the island.

A draft of President Trump's directive indicates travelers must be with a group accompanied by a company representative, and must keep detailed records of every expediture. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who worked with Trump on the changes, is pushing for a harder line. "Economic practices that benefit the Cuban military at the expense of the Cuban people will soon be coming to an end," Rubio wrote on Twitter. Full story from Reuters is here. Also read more at the Miami Herald, Politico, and the Palm Beach Post.

See also:
» Reaction to Trump's Cuba shift
» Cuba action could set back Trump’s hotel rivals
» The Cuban visa business: murky but profitable
» Cubans now face same deportation risk as other immigrants
» Gov. Rick Scott cheering on Donald Trump’s Cuba plan

Gov. Scott to visit Connecticut to lure businesses to Florida

If its November, there is no shortage of Connecticut snowbirds heading south to hibernate the winter months away in Florida. And these days if it is June, it is about even money the Sunshine State’s governor is heading north to prod more businesspeople to make his state their year-round home. Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement, saying, " Connecticut leaders are out of touch with business." Full news release from the governor is here. Also read more at the Greenwich Times and WFSB.

Florida crime rate at 46-year low, but are you really safer?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s most recent 2016 Annual Uniform Crime Report showed there were 18,146 fewer crimes in 2016 then the previous year across the state. But a closer look into the numbers paints a more conflicted picture about public safety in Florida because even though there have been decreases in robberies and burglaries, crimes involving guns are up across the board. And car thefts are up. Full stats from the FDLE are here. Also read more at WDBO and WWSB.

See also:
» Pulse nightclub shootings drive up Florida's murder rate
» Leon County crime rate ranked highest Florida for three consecutive years
» Crime rate drops in Florida but goes up in Broward and Palm Beach counties
» Overall crime down, but murders up in Orange County in 2016

Florida drought coverage drops nearly 60 percent in two weeks

Florida's drought coverage decreased by nearly 60 percent following heavy rains across the Sunshine State during June's first full week. Some 72 percent of the state was classified under drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor on May 30, but the most recent drought monitor as of Tuesday has brought that number down to about 12 percent. More from the Weather Channel and the Palm Beach Post.

Conservative group says "No" to death penalty in Florida

A State Supreme Court ruling that said previous death sentences are unconstitutional will send hundreds of death row cases back to the courts for resentencing. When that happens, the group Florida Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty hopes prosecutors seek life without parole, not death. [Source: WMFE]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Deal expanding recreational red snapper season panned by environmentalists, charter industry [Pensacola News-Journal]
In a sharp reversal from Obama-era rules, the Trump administration is extending by more than five weeks the amount of time recreational anglers have to harvest red snapper in federal waters off the Gulf of Mexico. See the announcement about expanded Gulf red snapper fishing from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, here.

› In a sign it will stay in Florida, Molina of California to file rate request for health insurance marketplace [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Molina Healthcare intends to submit rates for approval to remain on Florida’s health insurance marketplace in 2018, a company spokeswoman said.

› When it's time to take the next step [Sponsored Report]
As one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, Saint Leo University provides a values-based, student-centered community, offering an array of innovative programming. Saint Leo opens the opportunity for students to access a dynamic education at every stage of life. 

› Gov. Rick Scott said to consider Jimmy Patronis to be next CFO [Times/Herald]
Gov. Rick Scott is considering appointing Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Patronis to be Florida's next chief financial officer. CFO Jeff Atwater will resign June 30 so the governor must fill the powerful elected Cabinet post within 15 days.

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› City’s kick can block Miami Beckham United stadium deal [Miami Today]
A last-minute change to a deal between Miami-Dade County and Miami Beckham United clearing the way for the firm to buy county land for a Major League Soccer stadium in Miami has left City of Miami officials crying foul.

› Median home price back above $200,000 in Northeast Florida [Florida Times-Union]
The number of homes sold in Northeast Florida rose last month, and so did the price they sold for. In fact, the median sales price in the area is getting close to almost twice what it was 5½ years ago.

› Stay Safe: How to prepare for Florida’s hurricane season [CBS Miami]
Preparation for any type of emergency is crucial. And with storm season upon us, it’s time to make sure you, your family and your business has a plan to put into action when storm warnings and watches are posted.

› Clearwater tries new option to lure businesses downtown: cash [Tampa Bay Times]
With vacant storefronts still dominating downtown Clearwater, city officials are now trying to lure businesses with their most aggressive strategy yet: cash.