Florida wants to build a cybersecurity sector. The question is how?

In 2014, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity was established by the Legislature with several purposes in mind: bringing high-paying jobs to Florida, attracting companies, and educating and training a cybersecurity workforce. So how many companies has the center brought to Florida? FC2 can’t quantify that. How many college graduates has it helped place at local companies? The agency can’t say that, either. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Related, from Florida Trend:
» Video interview with Brian Murphy, CEO of cyber security firm ReliaQuest

Florida cities turn to private inspectors as construction booms, and problems follow

With construction booming throughout Florida, private inspectors are increasingly reviewing the work of building contractors. But that has sometimes led to missed code violations and other problems. "I would agree with the statement: ‘Florida has a dire shortage of inspectors,’" said Doug Wise, current president of the Building Officials Association of Florida. "A common theme of our members throughout the state is the challenge of finding inspectors.’’ [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

There's a problem with stem cell therapy in Florida

Medical experts warn the diseased and desperate are now targets of a booming new stem cell industry in Florida promising better health. But we discover the truth is leaving some patients disappointed, frustrated and in some cases, sicker after treatment. [Source: WPTV]

Related:
» Research from UF shows smoking significantly reduces the ability of fat-derived stem cells to regenerate and improve blood flow in damaged tissue.

Florida's medical marijuana industry takes off

Florida’s 16-month-old medical marijuana business is growing fast, as dispensaries and growers rush to establish themselves. It’s happening even as court battles over state regulations for the young industry rage on. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

New coalition seeks to help Puerto Ricans adapt to life in Florida

A dozen civil organizations are teaming up to help Puerto Rican migrants settle in Central Florida, as islanders seek better economic conditions on the mainland. Abrazo Boricua — which translates to "Puerto Rican hug" — includes national Latino organizations like UnidosUS and the Hispanic Federation, as well as local faith and community organizations. [Source: The Hill]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Business groups back Gov. Scott in Senate run [Orlando Sentinel]
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with state and local affiliates on Thursday officially endorsed Gov. Rick Scott in his bid for U.S. Senate. The move, hyped by Scott and the chambers as a “major announcement” at press conferences in Jacksonville and Orlando, is unsurprising.

› Brightline to launch simulated service to Miami [Press Release]
Brightline trains will begin trips between Fort Lauderdale and Miami this week in preparation of a full service launch to Miami in the coming weeks, the passenger rail service announced Thursday.

› Prison operator Geo's first quarter profits decline on revenue increase of nearly 3 percent [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Boca Raton-based prison operator The Geo Group on Thursday reported lower earnings on higher revenues for its first quarter that ended March 31. Geo said net income was $35 million, or 29 cents a share, a 13 percent decline from $40.4 million, or 35 cents a share, in the first quarter of 2017.

› Ride-sharing Safr coming to Orlando, focuses on women's safety [Orlando Sentinel]
A ride-sharing company with the stated mission of offering safer rides and work environments for women has expanded into Orlando. The company’s decision to target women and children as passengers was a reason it expanded to Orlando, where families visit theme parks year round.

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› State keeps protection for Goliath grouper [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A 28-year ban on killing the goliath grouper was upheld Thursday by the state wildlife commission, maintaining protection for a popular blimp of a fish that can reach 800 pounds.

› Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin’ Brands beats Wall Street forecast in first quarter [Tampa Bay Times]
Growing sales at Outback Steakhouse have once again led parent company Bloomin’ Brands to beat Wall Street’s expectations, the latest quarterly report shows. But the Tampa-based restaurant group’s other chains are failing to keep up.

› Google now documenting South Florida's waterways [WPLG]
The folks at Google are hitting the water and going high tech to document South Florida's waterways in an attempt to make your travels on the water easier. In a first of its kind in the world, Google will map South Florida's Intracoastal Waterway from Jupiter to Ocean Reef.

› Another mosquito species may carry Zika virus [Lawn and Landscape]
Another mosquito may carry the Zika virus, but more research is needed to confirm the early lab tests, University of Florida scientists reported. UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers detected Zika in the saliva of southern house mosquitoes collected in Florida.