Florida projected to have $1 trillion economy in 2018

Florida’s economy is expected to hit the $1 trillion mark — about the size of Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product — in 2018, the Florida Chamber of Commerce projected Tuesday. "It’s time to start viewing Florida on a global scale," chamber president Mark Wilson said at the organization’s annual economic outlook summit in Tallahassee. Full story from the Florida Chamber, here. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Trump administration backs off drilling plan that angered Florida lawmakers

The Trump administration has backtracked on plans to open up drilling off Florida's coast, following a meeting Tuesday between Gov. Rick Scott and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. "Florida is obviously unique," Zinke said. "The president has tasked me to develop an energy policy offshore but also taking into consideration local and state interests." More from the Orlando Sentinel, Times/Herald, and Politico.

See also:
» Gov. Scott statement: "I will never stop fighting for Florida’s environment and our pristine coastline."

Florida economy in Rick Scott era: Success story or disappointment?

Gov. Rick Scott pitches Florida’s post-recession recovery as nothing short of an economic miracle. His detractors say the state’s labor market remains a low-wage nightmare. With the two-term governor expected to vie for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Bill Nelson, Scott’s economic legacy is attracting both praise and criticism. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

See also:
» After storms and scandals, Florida legislators start session

18 states, including Florida, may introduce sports betting bills in 2018

A new report predicts 18 states will introduce bills to regulate sports betting this year, with 11 having a good chance of passing legislation. The U.S. Supreme Court this year will decide a case brought by New Jersey that seeks to overturn a ban on sports betting in all but four states. [Source: AP]

Immigration is a big deal in Florida, so why is the state almost MIA in meeting with Trump?

Florida has as much of a stake in the immigration debate as any state yet was noticeably underrepresented at a bipartisan meeting on the issue with President Trump. Only Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, appeared on the list of attendees for the Tuesday meeting. Sen. Marco Rubio has avoided the immigration debate since being re-elected and running for president. Sen. Bill Nelson was not invited to the meeting. [Source: Times/Herald]

Related:
» Quick poll: Should DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) be allowed to continue, thus protecting the Dreamers?

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Obamacare enrollment remained strong in Florida, despite obstacles [Tampa Bay Times]
While health insurance sign-ups through the Affordable Care Act dipped slightly across the nation for 2018, Floridians bought plans at nearly the same levels as last year despite a much shorter enrollment period, a smaller budget for promotion and repeated efforts to kill the program.

› Tampa tech incubator hires top fundraiser [Business Observer]
Tampa Bay Wave Inc., a nonprofit that helps Tampa-area tech entrepreneurs grow their businesses, appointed Avril Stinson director of development. More about Stinson in Florida Trend's Movers & Influencers.

› Boca-based prison operator Geo Group to pay $550,000 to settle sexual harassment lawsuit [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Boca Raton-based The Geo Group has agreed to pay $550,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Arizona’s attorney general.

» 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.

› The annual meeting of the biggest names in cruising is coming back to Miami Beach [Miami Herald]
The cruise industry’s largest annual meeting is returning to the cruise capital of the world. After a three-year stint at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, Seatrade Cruise Global will return to Miami for its 35th iteration in 2019.

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› South Florida’s own Jeff Bezos is the richest person in history [CBS Miami]
South Florida’s own Jeff Bezos is now the richest man of all time. The news about the Palmetto Senior High grad is something that should put an Amazon smile on his face.

› Northeast Florida new home construction up 12 percent over 2016 [Florida Times-Union]
The number of new homes being built in Northeast Florida continues to climb by more than 10 percent a year. The 8,870 building permits for new single-family homes was almost 1,000 more than were issued in 2016.

› Allegiant Air coming to Sarasota-Bradenton Airport [Press Release]
Allegiant Air is coming to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and bringing two new nonstop routes with it. The ultra-low-cost carrier will begin routes in April to Indianapolis International Airport, Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. Also read more at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

› Billionaire Steyer to make Florida’s youth vote a focus in plan to impeach Trump [Tampa Bay Times]
Democratic activist Tom Steyer's $30 million effort to mobilize young voters and flip control of the House will carry a "big presence" in Florida.