Federal judge orders Florida to make voting rights changes

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered Florida to devise a new way to decide when and how former prisoners can get their voting rights restored, saying Gov. Rick Scott and state officials can no longer rely on "whims, passing emotions, or perceptions" in that process. More from the AP, the Tampa Bay Times, and The Hill.

Statement from the Office of Gov. Scott on this ruling:
“We will review the court’s ruling. Officials elected by Floridians, not judges, have the authority to determine Florida’s clemency process for convicted felons. This is outlined in Florida’s Constitution and has been in place for more than a century and under multiple gubernatorial administrations. The Governor continues to stand with victims of crime. He believes that people who have been convicted of felony offenses including crimes like murder, violence against children and domestic violence, should demonstrate that they can live a life free of crime while being accountable to our communities.” – John Tupps, Governor Rick Scott’s Communications Director

Florida Trend Exclusive
Making headway: Researchers tout advancements in cancer care

Dr. Beth-Ann Lesnikoski became the first medical director of the breast institute at JFK Medical Center in Palm Beach County and now helps oversee both patient care and research at the breast cancer program at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. She spoke to Florida Trend about the progress being made in treating breast cancer and new prevention methods. Full story here.

Also in the series on cancer care in Florida:
» Closing the cancer gap: A new initiative targets treatment and prevention abroad.
» A cure at a cost
» Wider approval: The FDA takes a broader approach to approving drug therapy

This series will be running all week on FloridaTrend.com. Visit FloridaTrend.com/news for the latest installment, or find links to all the latest in cancer care and treatment, here. 

Florida farmers say year-round daylight saving time should be nationwide

Interstate commerce could take a hit from permanent daylight saving time, said Josh McLendon, assistant manager at the University of Florida’s Beef Teaching Unit. The whole nation should make the switch or no one should, he said. Shipping schedule problems, issues with animal feeding schedules, communications issues are just some of the problems that will arise. Full story from WUFT , here.

Winn-Dixie parent files for bankruptcy protection

The Jacksonville-based parent company of Winn-Dixie stores filed Tuesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, setting in motion a previously announced plan to reorganize the company by slashing debt and closing under-performing stores. More from the Florida Times-Union and Reuters.

See also:
» Announcment of restructuring from Southeastern Grocers

Achieving and advancing: FSU College of Business

Collaboration. Connections. Confidence. And, the know-how to get things done. That’s the short list of assets and skills Erica Menendez said she acquired and honed by completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2017 at Florida State University. Full story here. [Sponsored report]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Port Canaveral gets post-Panamax cargo ships [Orlando Sentinel]
Port Canaveral is now getting post-Panamax cargo ships, the largest cargo vessels in its history, the port said in an announcement Monday. Post-Panamax refers to larger cargo ships that are able to fit through the Panama Canal following its widening in 2016.

› 4 Florida cities make best places for start-ups list [WFLA]
Whether you’re fresh out of college or considering a new opportunity, chances are in Florida you'll find a promising start-up near you. Florida is considered one of the best states for entrepreneurs and start-ups, according to Business.org.

› Orlando near top for lack of affordable rentals [Orlando Sentinel]
Metro Orlando recently ranked third nationally for its shortage of rentals that are affordable enough for the region’s lowest-income residents, a new study shows. Central Florida seniors, disabled residents and families working multiple low-wage jobs face the most daunting hunt for shelter.

› HomeBancorp shareholders approve merger with First Citizens Bank [Tampa Bay Times]
Shareholders of Tampa-based HomeBancorp Inc. voted Tuesday to approve a merger with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. The North Carolina bank agreed to purchase HomeBancorp in December, paying $15.03 per share to HomeBancorp shareholders.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Venice Regional CEO says rebuilding public confidence is still a major challenge [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Venice Regional Bayfront Health CEO Bob Moore told the Central Venice Coalition Monday evening that his biggest challenge during his first year has been regaining public confidence after several incidents in 2014 and 2015 that severely damaged the 67-year-old hospital’s reputation.

› CareerSource Pinellas will not pay settlement to ousted leader after all [Tampa Bay Times]
. The board for CareerSource Pinellas rescinded an offer altogether that would have paid former president and CEO Edward Peachey $117,000 if he agreed to accept his termination without challenging it in court.

› Tallahassee community comes together to help The Patio Shop [WTXL]
Last week, a local family owned business, The Patio Shop, suffered a major loss when a late night break-in resulted in over $20,000 worth of damage. Now community members and nearby businesses have banded together to help the local shop.

› Cuban eatery in business more than 20 years to open in Miami's Brickell [South Florida Business Journal]
Latin Café 2000 first opened its doors in 1998 on 42nd Avenue in Miami and has three locations serving breakfast lunch and dinner. Its menu includes appetizers, salads, soups, desserts, wines and coffee.