Citrus industry remains ‘in crisis’ from Hurricane Irma

While the month-to-month numbers showed some stability, the industry — which, according to private estimates, was looking forward to producing enough oranges to fill 75 million boxes — is still facing its lowest citrus forecast in more than 75 years. Florida Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shepp said in a statement that the September's Hurricane Irma left "Florida's growers in desperate need of support." Shepp's statement is here. Also see the January citrus forecast from the USDA or read more at the Tampa Bay Times and Florida Politics.

Opioids, wildfires, PTSD among Florida Cabinet priorities

While Florida's three Cabinet members can't sponsor or vote on bills, or sign them into law, they hold important leadership roles in state government and each is working with lawmakers to pass legislation and make budget recommendations. [Source: AP]

Bitcoin fever hits Florida real estate market

Bitcoin fever has hit the US real estate market, especially that of Florida, offering foreign investors a way to dodge currency controls at home and US economic sanctions. As of the end of last year, the digital currency was listed as a way to pay for some 75 properties for sale, especially in south Florida and California, according to the real estate firm Redfin. [Source: AFP]

Earlier:
» 18 Bitcoins will buy the average American home 

Losing luster, Florida restaurants rebrand instead of close

More interest in food variety and quality — generally known as foodie trends — are forcing Florida restaurants to make dramatic changes at an accelerating rate, whether it be remodels, new menus or complete rebrands. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

If Florida’s offshore oil rush ever happens, only one side of the state is likely to see it

Proven and profitable productivity is why the energy industry has pushed for decades to open vast Gulf waters off Florida’s West Coast to exploration and drilling. But it’s far less likely for rigs to rise off Miami Beach, Islamorada or anywhere else along Florida’s heavily populated Atlantic coast. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Brightline begins higher-speed train service — and passengers give thumbs up [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The first paying passengers on Brightline Saturday gave mostly good reviews to the higher-speed express train service that currently runs between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

› JAX Chamber announces top small business leaders in Jacksonville [Press Release]
The top leaders among Jacksonville small businesses were announced Friday by JAX Chamber. The chamber’s business councils representing geographic areas and vocations along with The Beaches and Entrepreneurial Growth divisions combined to make the list of the top 11 small business leaders. Also read more at the Florida Times-Union.

› Otronicon gives Orlando kids glimpse at newest in local tech [Orlando Sentinel]
Small video game-development firms and engineering companies took their place alongside industry giants including Lockheed Martin and The Walt Disney Company at Otronicon, a four-day conference at the Orlando Science Center.

› Trump’s visits increase terrorism risk, Florida County says [Tampa Bay Times]
President Donald Trump’s frequent visits to South Florida make the area a high-risk target for terrorism, one that justifies more money from the federal government, Palm Beach County’s top law enforcement agency says.

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› Move the capital? This ain’t Tallahassee’s first rodeo [Tallahassee Democrat]
As has happened numerous times in the past, a proposal has been made to move the Florida capital from Tallahassee – where it has been since 1824. The claim, as always, is Tallahassee, located in north Florida, is too remote to conveniently serve Florida legislators and citizens.

› St. Augustine sees benefits of healthy boating industry [St. Augustine Record]
About a decade ago, local boat salesman Gary Israel was working for Northeast Florida’s leading retail boat seller, helping the company post millions of dollars in sales. Then the economy took a nosedive, and businesses that sold items for recreational purposes found there were few buyers.

› Florida Keys still recovering from Hurricane Irma's wrath [Tribune Star]
Numerous businesses — including hotels, service stations and restaurants — remained closed in the Middle Keys. Despite extensive September damage, most tourist attractions are up and running, although several are not yet in full operation.

› Orlando airport eateries want to fill 145 positions at job fair [Orlando Sentinel]
The company that provides food services at Orlando International Airport is planning a job fair to hire 145 people for restaurants there such as Chick-fil-A, Outback Steakhouse and Starbucks

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