Florida in 'low-wage trap' with pre-recession household income levels

Florida is caught in a “low wage job trap” that leads to working poverty and economic insecurity, according to a Labor Day-related report by Florida International University in Miami. The report's author, Ali Bustamonte siad while there are many positive economic signs, there are still too many low-wage jobs that are result in workers living near poverty levels. Florida household incomes are below pre-recession levels. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Report » State of Working Florida 2017
From Florida Trend » Wages in Florida are stuck

Florida Trend Exclusive
The apprentice track

Wiginton Fire Systems in Sanford has 56 apprentices. They start at about $10 per hour and step up in pay as they complete each semester on the four-year journey to becoming licensed journeymen making $19 an hour. This article profiles several companies who have adopted this tactic: hiring apprentices, who work full time for their employer while also attending employer-paid classes. Read the full story from Florida Trend, here.

Hurricane Irma could pose threat to South Florida next week

Hurricane Irma has the potential of threatening South Florida next week, but it remains to be seen just where the storm will go. The powerful storm continued to intensify and follow the strengthening track of Hugo, Floyd and Ivan -- some of the largest and most intense hurricanes forming near the Cape Verde Islands. More from WPLG and the Tampa Bay Times.

Your turn:
» Will you use part of your Labor Day weekend preparing for possible storms? (quick poll)

In Florida, desperation, hope and change for Puerto Rican arrivals

Economic upheaval on the Caribbean island – celebrated for its old Spanish fortresses, postcard perfect weather and once vibrant sugar cane industry – has lead to a mass exodus of “Boricuans” heading to the mainland in search of better paying jobs and better lives for their families. [Source: Florida Today]

Number of Florida pot patients doubles

Floridians are flocking to the state’s new medical marijuana program. More than 33,000 patients were registered to buy weed as of Aug. 23, up from fewer than 17,000 in early June, according to the state Department of Health. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Weak earnings sink Tech Data Corp. shares in after-hours trading [Tampa Bay Times]
Coming off a major acquisition early this year, technology distributor Tech Data Corp. on Thursday reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings.

› Lyft ride share service keeping pace with Uber by adding luxury service in Jacksonville [Florida Times-Union]
Personal ride service Lyft rolled out new pickup options in Jacksonville that provide a swank transportation experience similar to Lyft’s main competitor Uber.

› Will Miami commissioners rebuff the mayor’s $80M marina redevelopment a second time? [Miami Herald]
Four days after verbal jabs failed to whip a majority of Miami’s five city commissioners into attending a specially called vote on a proposed $80 million marina redevelopment plan, it looks like Mayor Tomás Regalado will have a full dais Friday.

› Florida's Largest Home Show is back for Labor Day [FOX 13]
If you’re having “home improvement” block, it might be worth getting out of the house and heading to this weekend’s event -- guaranteed to provide inspiration.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Creative Pinellas seeks art and cultural nonprofits, artists for Largo incubator [Tampa Bay Times]
Creative Pinellas, the county's local art agency, is accepting arts and cultural nonprofits, artists and other creators to rent space in the new Arts Business Incubator, located in former Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo.

› Florida drivers named worst in the country by annual study [WTSP]
The ranking is based on the number of uninsured drivers, DUI arrests, crash deaths, and that Floridians Google questions about traffic tickets more than any other state based on Google trends data.

› Florida cracks down on “designated player games” [Gambling Insider]
Officials from Florida’s gaming regulator have launched legal proceedings against two pari-mutuel venues following their alleged failure to remove so called “designated player games” from their premises.

› Annual HBC highlights economic growth and Hispanic market impact [icFlorida]
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) presented its seventh annual Hispanic Business Conference (HBC), August 24 and 25, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.