Florida GDP growth in first quarter 2017 ranks 21st among states, still outpacing U.S.

Florida's gross domestic product or GDP rose 1.4 percent in the first quarter, slightly faster than the nation's growth of 1.2 percent and placing Florida 21st among the states for growth rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Florida's 1.4 percent bump in GDP was well ahead of the state's 0.8 percent decline in GDP reported in the first quarter of 2016. Last year was a roller coaster for the state's economy with quarterly GDP growth rates of 3.3, 6.7 and 3.1 percent rates reported for the second, third and fourth quarters of last year. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

See also:
» Gross domestic product by state: First quarter of 2017

Florida Gov. wants another raise for state law-enforcement

Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants the state's highway patrol troopers, wildlife officers and law-enforcement agents to get another pay raise. This year legislators agreed to give the state's nearly 4,000 sworn-law enforcement officers a 5 percent raise, or approx. $30 million total. On Wednesday, Governor Rick Scott proposed to double that amount, and give an additional $30 million in pay raises for state law enforcement agencies. See the proposal from Gov. Scott here. Also read more at the AP.

$36 million worth of guns stolen in Florida in four years

An estimated $36 million worth of guns was stolen in Florida from 2012 to 2015, according to an analysis released this week by the Center for American Progress. The nonpartisan institute examined FBI data to determine the total value of stolen guns per state. “In just one day, there are 720 guns stolen in the U.S. In Florida, it’s 55 a day. And those are just the reported thefts. Stolen guns put us all at risk,” said Patti Brigham, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. More from Florida Politics, WFTS, and the Tampa Bay Times.

Disney union says it will seek ‘historic change’ in wages

With the lowest unemployment rate in 10 years in Florida, Disney World’s largest council of unions said Wednesday it will seek “historic change” in wages for the region’s hospitality workers. Disney has stated it will offer an employment package that is “fair and equitable” this year, but has withheld further comment. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

As Gov. Scott touts sales tax holiday, tax group labels it 'poor policy'

Gov. Rick Scott was in Miami Wednesday to promote the state's upcoming three-day back-to-school sales tax holiday. At the same time, the Tax Foundation issued a report that calls sales tax holidays "politically expedient but poor tax policy, costing states revenue while providing little benefit." [Source: Times/Herald]

See also:
» Back-to-school tax free holiday begins August 4
» What's new for Florida's back-to-school tax-free weekend
» Full list of what will be tax-free, what won't
» FAQs about this tax holiday

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› How Marlins bidder Jorge Mas made his money [Miami Herald]
To baseball fans, Jorge Mas seemed to emerged out of the mist as a bidder for the Miami Marlins. But to those familiar with MasTec, the family-business-turned-public company he chairs, the die-hard sports fan is a quietly strategic business power.

› FPL parent NextEra income grows 11 percent in second quarter [Press Release]
Juno Beach-based NextEra Energy, parent company of Florida Power & Light, on Wednesday reported an 11 percent increase in adjusted earnings in the second quarter of 2017, compared to a year earlier. Also read more at the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

› Restoration of Miami Marine Stadium a $40 million ticket [Miami Today]
Planned restoration of Miami Marine Stadium is estimated to cost more than $40 million and considers a new version of a floating stage for entertainment acts.

› Tallahassee residents file second suit against state over university funds [Tallahassee Democrat]
A second lawsuit was filed this week in an effort to force the state of Florida to pay more than $1 billion the plaintiffs say is owed to public universities, colleges and students.

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› Where are retirees moving? Latest study probably won’t surprise you [Palm Beach Post]
The Sunshine State is continuing its reputation as being the crème de la crème for retirees. Florida ranked first place in a study by SmartAsset that looked at where retirees — which they defined as those 60 and older — are moving.

› Former federal judge nominee to seek Ros-Lehtinen’s seat in Congress [Miami Herald]
The teeming Democratic race to replace U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is about to get more crowded: Mary Barzee Flores, a well-regarded local attorney and former circuit court judge, launched her candidacy Wednesday for Florida’s congressional district.

› James Moore & Company recognized as Top Wealth Advisory Firm [Gainesville Business Report]
James Moore & Company (James Moore) has been given the 2017 Top Wealth Advisory Firm award from HK Financial Services (HKFS). James Moore was selected in recognition of its commitment and dedication to its clients.

› Study: Arts have $71.3 million impact on Brevard economy [Florida Today]
How's this for an economic bump? According to a 2017 study released Tuesday by the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Brevard's arts and cultural events add $71.3 million to local GDP. The study, which can be read here, cited numbers from 12 months that make up the Alliance's FY 2016. The study was conducted by PRÆCIPIO EFS, which is run by Michael Slotkin, associate professor of economics in the College of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.