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Wednesday's Afternoon Update

Lawmakers roll the dice again on a gambling plan

The issue of gambling was supposed to be off the table this legislative session, but a constitutional amendment on the November ballot has sparked a flurry of talks between House and Senate leaders on what could be the Legislature’s final opportunity to craft its own gambling footprint for the state. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Sun Hydraulics gears up for growth

Not long after Wolfgang Dangel took the helm at Sun Hydraulics Corp., he unveiled an ambitious plan to grow the company to $1 billion in annual revenue by 2025. Now, Sun is taking a big, unprecedented step toward that goal by selling up to 4.6 million shares of common stock in a public offering. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Tallahassee Chamber study finds consolidation would boost economy

A study commissioned by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce found merging Leon County and the city of Tallahassee could boost economic growth and lead to a more accessible and accountable local government. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Eglin upgrades could bring military contracts

Eglin Air Force Base could be a source of significant military contracts with its “NexGen Eglin” strategy to rebuild, renovate and redevelop aging infrastructure, attendees at a two-day Air Force “contracting summit” learned this week. More from the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Enterprise Florida sending trade mission to Hong Kong

For the first time in over a decade, the state economic development agency Enterprise Florida will send a trade mission to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. The export matchmaking sales mission June 1-9 will focus on areas such as energy efficiency, clean technology, healthcare and e-commerce. More from Miami Today.

Public Safety
Lawmakers Want Qualified Interpreters at Hurricane Briefings

 A warning about pizza and a big bear as Hurricane Irma approached Florida is prompting a bill addressing how the state communicates with hearing impaired residents during weather emergencies. A House unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would require the officials to include a qualified sign language interpreter at televised hurricane briefings.

» More from the AP.

 

Sports Business
Braves Delay Spring Training Departure from Walt Disney World

florida originalsThe Atlanta Braves will be playing two more spring seasons at Walt Disney World. The team and Disney announced Wednesday that the Braves will hold spring training at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex this spring and through April 2019.

» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.