A record 60 million tourists have visited Florida so far in 2017

Gov. Rick Scott used the backdrop of the Florida Aquarium in Tampa this morning to announce that a record-breaking 60.7 million tourists have visited the state so far this year. That represents a 4.1 percent increase over the first half of 2016. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida budget aided by new gambling deal with Seminoles

A new gambling deal between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe is going to help legislators balance the budget. State officials are meeting Tuesday to draw up new forecasts to predict how much the state will collect in taxes. More from the AP.

Orlando-area home sales down despite record job growth

Orlando real estate agent Serina Marshall said millennials in particular face a challenge as wages stagnate and prices rise for a group of would-be buyers who are affected by student loan debts, too. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida ranks among states with highest hate group numbers

Florida ranks second in the nation with 63 active hate groups, four of which are in Miami-Dade County, according to a new report released by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups and extremists in the U.S. More from the Miam Herald and the AP.

Bloomin' Brands chooses Disney hospitality exec as Fleming's president

Bloomin' Brands, the Tampa-based restaurant conglomerate, has turned to a Disney executive to run one of its better-performing operations. Bloomin' on Monday said it has appointed Beth Scott, 51, as senior vice president of Bloomin' and president of its Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar chain. More from the Tampa Bay Times.