Repealing the Jones Act could hurt Florida

While Democrats and Republicans from Florida are urging the federal government to do everything in their power to help Puerto Rico, they are also beneficiaries of a law that protects Florida’s shipping industry at the expense of the island. The law is the Jones Act of 1920, and it requires all goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported by U.S. vessels (and operated primarily by Americans). Last week, President Donald Trump temporarily waived the Jones Act to provide faster relief as the island recovers from Hurricane Maria. But now, with discussons underway about a permanent repeal of the Jones Act, that puts Florida in a political quandary in a state with over 1 million Puerto Rican residents. [Source: Miami Herald]

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Palm Beach County Portrait

Palm Beach County is home to 1.4 million residents, 65 global corporations, major research institutions and hordes of seasonal visitors. Assets range from an estimated 160 golf courses to some $2.7 billion in infrastructure projects. This portrait looks in-depth at economic drivers, vital statistics and demographics, business leaders to know, business infrastructure, and much more. Read the section in full, here.

Hurricane Nate could threaten Florida’s western Panhandle late this weekend

Newly-named Tropical Storm Nate is approaching the coast of Nicaragua could perhaps become Hurricane Nate as it brushes past the western portion of Florida’s Panhandle and the northern Gulf Coast late this weekend. Find latest tracking charts at the National Hurricane Center, and read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Filmed near Disney, 'Florida Project' shines bright light on hidden homeless

Kissimmee, Florida, is less than 10 miles away from that fairy tale promise of Disney. In the new film, "The Florida Project," it might as well be on another planet. Families nationwide are living below the poverty line and eking out an existence in cheap motels, but the problem is particularly acute — and ironic — in the shadows of Walt Disney World. More from the Orlando Sentinel, AP, and the Mercury News.

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Florida's top assets

From BusinessFlorida.com: Few states can match Florida's boundless freedom, markets, potential, opportunity, innovation and the quality of life that are desired by all. Find out why KPMG, Amazon, ADP, Arthrex and GKN Aerospace were in the news recently for choosing Florida.

Coming tomorrow: Lists of economic development contacts, business incubators and venture capital firms in Florida.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Tampa an early candidate to host '26 World Cup [Tampa Bay Times]
The United Bid Committee announced Wednesday that Tampa is among 32 North American cities -- including 25 in the U.S. -- that have made the cut to potentially serve as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host.

› Poll shows two-thirds of Florida Hispanics disapprove of Trump performance [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
President Donald Trump is in trouble with Florida Hispanics, a group that’s long been largely in sync with Republicans, with a poll released Wednesday finding two-thirds disapprove of his performance. See the full poll questions and answers here (from Latino Victory Project/Latino Decisions) and more details about the poll here.

› Second Jacksonville event for Puerto Rican hurricane relief set for Saturday [Florida Times-Union]
The Puerto Rican-Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Florida, the Jax Food Truck Food Court along with Sleiman Enterprises are organizing a joint donation drive to provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

› Grameen America will open micro-lending branch in Miami [Miami Herald]
The CEO of Grameen America announced this week that the micro-lending organization for women would be bringing its services by the end of the year to Miami-Dade County, an area with one of the highest poverty rates in the nation.

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› It’s time for tourists to come back to the Keys, Florida governor says during visit [Miami Herald]
“Key West and the Florida Keys are open for business,” Scott said Wednesday to cheers from members of the business community gathered at the Marriott Beachside Hotel in Key West. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure everyone comes back.”

› Universal Orlando is hiring for 3,000 jobs [Orlando Sentinel]
Universal Orlando is looking to hire 3,000 employees for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs, the company announced Wednesday. The departments doing the hiring include attractions, operations, culinary, food services and merchandise.

› Irma-displaced dogs from across Florida headed to Mega Adoption Event in Jacksonville [First Coast News]
About 200 Florida dogs displaced by Hurricane Irma will be among the 1,000 or so animals up for adoption at this weekend’s Mega Adoption Event at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.

› Interior Secretary Zinke to visit Florida this week [Tampa Bay Times]
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke will travel to Florida on Thursday to “conduct on-the-ground assessments of hurricane damage at National Park Service locations and to receive a briefing on Everglades Restoration,” according to a release.