Tab mounts to clean up Irma water debris

Florida continues to spend about $2.4 million a week to clean up debris strewn across state waters during Hurricane Irma two months ago. The state money could soon run dry, even as the weekly costs grow with the cleanup moving deeper into counties more heavily damaged by the storm. [Source: Gainesville Sun]

See also:
» Gov. Scott has proposed $100 million for beach restoration and renourishment, which includes Hurricane Irma aid programs. (This is part of $1.7 billion aimed proposal aimed at protecting and enhancing Florida’s environment)
» SBA Irma loans in Florida top $500M
» Orlando home sales rebound after Hurricane Irma

Initiative aims to strengthen Florida's workforce, increase college attainment

Experts are forecasting that by the year 2025 Florida will have more jobs requiring post-high school education than there will be qualified workers to fill the positions. To meet this anticipated job demand, The Resourcing Industry for a Stronger Economy (RISE) is kicking off the 'Rise to 55' movement. Read more at MyPanhandle and the Panama City News-Herald.

Energy in Florida
Building a smarter energy future

Duke Energy plans to invest an estimated $1 billion to construct or acquire a total of 700 MW of cost-effective solar power facilities in Florida over the next four years, accelerating the company's previous 10-year solar installation plan. Story here. [Sponsored report]

Florida highway named most dangerous in the U.S.

A Florida highway was named the most dangerous in the entire country, with more deaths than the actual length of the road. The highway is Interstate 4, which connects Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach. I-4 the list of 25 Most Dangerous Interstates put out by Teletrac Navman. South Florida's I-95 was also pointed to as the nation's fifth most dangerous highway. See an infographic here. Also read more at Local 10.

Your turn:
» Rate the Florida roads and highways in your area (5 for very good, 1 for terrible): (quick poll)

Commentary: Florida's role pivotal to supplying the aerospace work force

Currently, our nation depends more than ever on an aerospace and defense industry that spurs innovation in space, civil aviation and defense to enhance our nation’s strength, security and economic prosperity. And Florida is pivotal to our industry’s record of innovation. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Publix announces leadership changes [Press Release]
Publix CEO & president Todd Jones announced two new officer positions for the start of 2018. The promotions became necessary as a result of what the company called “expanding initiatives and increased efforts surrounding innovation."

› 2017 Fort Lauderdale boat show draws 105,000 visitors [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Boating enthusiasts turned out in droves for the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which enjoyed a boost in attendance fanned in part by sunnier skies and consumer optimism about the economy.

› VR helps Central Florida theme parks compete for return visitors [Orlando Sentinel]
As more consumers adopt and accept virtual reality, an avenue has opened for smaller, regional theme parks to create content that will make customers want to come back.

› Port Tampa Bay CEO gets 4.5 percent raise following record year with some rough patches [Tampa Bay Times]
Port Tampa Bay president and CEO Paul Anderson is getting his fifth straight rating of "outstanding" in his annual performance review, though a couple port board members want to see better leadership in light of embarrassing news reports about questionable spending.

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› Looking for a job? Hiring — and perks — are at South Florida small businesses [Miami Herald]
If you are looking for a job in South Florida, your options may be growing. And they may even come with perks. Four out of every 10 Miami metro area entrepreneurs plan to hire more employees in the next 12 months.

› Jax company starts trial on cancer-fighting therapy [Jacksonville Business Journal]
Jacksonville-based TapImmune Inc. (Nasdaq: TPIV) has enrolled its final patient in a randomized, Phase 2 clinical study of an immunotherapy that targets breast cancer.

» Is your company a great place to work? Do you attract top talent? Have you got something special that sets your workplace apart? Find out how you stack up by participating in this free program and your company could be listed among the Best Companies To Work For In Florida. Register today – the deadline is January 26, 2018.

› Nation’s first Crystal Lagoon to open in spring 2018 in Wesley Chapel [Tampa Bay Times]
Spring break could mean a new state-of-the-art water amenity for swimmers, paddle boarders and sunbathers in central Pasco County. The nation’s first Crystal Lagoon is scheduled to open in early spring 2018 in the Epperson Ranch development in Wesley Chapel.

› Florida’s Natural Growers diversifying business, re-emphasizing existing products like Donald Duck juices [Lakeland Ledger]
Donald Duck is back. Not that the Disney cartoon character ever went away, but the orange juice brand carrying his name has long been a minor part of business at Lake Wales-based Citrus World Inc., the parent company of the Florida’s Natural Growers brand. No more.