Florida paid millions settling harassment cases

The state of Florida has paid more than $11 million over a 30-year period to settle hundreds of cases that alleged that state workers were sexually harassed by supervisors and co-workers, or were forced to work in a hostile work environment. [Source: AP]

See also:
» Around Tampa Bay, more people discussing sex abuse after national allegations
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» The recent spate of news of sexual harassment by public officials and celebrities is... (overwhelming, overdue, overblown?)

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New legal waters

Hinshaw & Culbertson have formed a practice group to deal with climate change-related issues. Hinshaw’s Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels Group consists of eight attorneys from different practice areas, including real estate, banking, insurance and environmental law. "I believe this problem is real and not going away any time soon. Most of our clients believe that too," said Eliot Abbott, partner at the firm. Full story here.

Florida fight over open-carry gun law won't be heard by U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to take up a challenge to a Florida law that bars people from openly carrying firearms in public, ending a case that started nearly six years ago when a man with a gun was arrested in St. Lucie County. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida’s growing reliance on natural gas may put ratepayers at risk

Florida law requires utilities to keep electric bills low and to expand clean energy use. Yet Florida’s heavy reliance on natural gas has exposed ratepayers to economic risk and market volatility, according to advocates. [Source: Southeast Energy News]

The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) is coming to North-Central Florida

This year, the North-Central Florida region has been selected for the 8th ACE exchange on December 3-9, 2017, which will bring 50 economic and political decision makers from across the Americas and beyond together for a tour of the innovative hubs, leading firms, and educational and research institutions in six Florida communities. Full news release here.

Related link:
» U.S. Commerce Department announces eighth Americas Competitiveness Exchange

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida's largest dairy cooperative announces new practices after allegations of cow abuse [WPTV]
The animal right group ARM, Animal Recovery Mission, recently released undercover videos from two local dairy farms that they said show abuse of cows. Jim Sleper, CEO of Southeast Milk Inc. (the largest dairy cooperative in Florida), issued a statement addressing the videos, saying "Southeast Milk Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy for animal abuse. As a cooperative of family-owned dairies, we know that caring for our animals is the right thing to do morally, economically, and ethically." Sleper also spoke of greater video surveilance at the farms, plus increased training.

› Panel to consider regulating vaping in Florida [Orlando Political Observer]
Vaping could soon be banned in workplaces, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This would also guarantee people certain rights, including the ability to sue without any limitations.

› Bay Area charities see greater need, donations during holidays after Irma [Tampa Bay Times]
Charities that feed the poor around Tampa Bay say they’ve seen a bump in demand since Hurricane Irma that is continuing into the holidays. But they also are reporting a spike in donations they are attributing to a neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit in the wake of the storm.

› Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services releases "Giving Tuesday" tips [News Release]
Today is "Giving Tuesday," and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants you to be sure the charities you donate to are legitimate. To help protect consumers, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam offers three key steps to avoid being ripped off.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› As more retailers eye Sarasota-Manatee, it’s ‘pardon our dust’ [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The national media has been flooded with obituaries for whole chains and long lists of casualties for individual stores. But as brick-and-mortar retail on the national level is wheezing, many retailers are still eyeing a move to Sarasota.

› Construction freeze could hamper UCF plans [Orlando Sentinel]
The construction cranes that perennially dot the University of Central Florida’s campus have earned it the moniker “Under Construction Forever,” but the Legislature could soon slow the school’s building boom.

› Florida Chamber summit highlights troubling trends in Big Bend, Panhandle counties [Tallahassee Democrat]
The Florida Chamber intends to open a new front in the war on poverty. It's gathering business and political leaders along with academics in Tampa Tuesday to talk hardcore numbers about Florida’s economy.

› Sarasota restaurant concept expands to St. Pete [Business Observer]
Sarasota-based eatery Oak & Stone plans to open a second location, in St. Petersburg, early next year. Oak & Stone specializes in handmade, wood-fire artisan pizzas and house-made burgers, sandwiches, soups, entrees and salads.