Study: China tariffs could cost Florida thousands of jobs

A new study suggests Florida will lose 7,128 jobs a year if President Donald Trump levies tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports. A study published by the National Retail Federation and the Consumer Technology Association says the tariffs, and China’s pledged retaliation, could reduce gross domestic product by $3 billion and cause the United States to lose 134,000 jobs. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

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» As Trump's tariffs bite, small U.S. manufacturers begin to tap the brakes

Hurricane Irma powers sharp increase in lawsuits against insurers

Lawsuits against property and casualty insurers with the largest market shares in Florida increased sharply in the first quarter of 2018 compared with the same period last year, and Hurricane Irma claims are to blame, insurers say. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida Supreme Court rejects red-light camera law challenge

Florida drivers hoping the state Supreme Court will toss out their red-light camera tickets won't be getting their fines returned. The court rejected an argument Thursday that the city of Aventura gave too much power to an outside vendor to determine whether photos caught by the cameras were traffic violations. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

A tropical 'disturbance' is moving toward Florida, and forecasters are watching it

For the first time this year, the tropics seem to be coming to life. But there’s no reason to sound any alarm bells. It’s more of a reminder that with the official start of the hurricane season less than a month away, the Atlantic tropical region is emerging from its off-season hibernation. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald.

Florida CFO to top financial regulator: ‘I no longer have confidence in your ability to lead’

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis says there are problems in the Office of Financial Regulation. In a surprising letter Thursday, Patronis wrote the OFR's commissioner, Drew Breakspear, to tell him that he is prepared to seek a change at the top of the agency. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Investors want to bring Miami a steel mill, thanks in part to President Trump [Miami Herald]
A local investment group wants to build a modernized $240 million steel mill complex in Homestead, claiming the Miami construction industry can support the facility at a time when President Donald Trump is pushing for a revival in heavy manufacturing across the country.

› Florida Gov. orders hiring of election security consultants [AP]
Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday that the state would hire special election security consultants in advance of this year’s critical elections despite state legislators rejecting a similar request earlier this year.

› Amazon says 75,00 Florida small businesses sell on its marketplace [Inc.]
Amazon says more than 1 million small- and medium-sized businesses in the U.S., including 75,000 in Florida, sell products through its online bazaar, offering another level of detail about an increasingly important line of business for the retailer.

› Florida’s largest business group endorses Putnam for governor [Tampa Bay Times]
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in his race to be the state's next governor. The business group announced that it had selected Putnam over his Republican primary opponent, Rep. Ron DeSantis, and the Democratic field.

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› Direct flights to Europe make a return to Southwest Florida International Airport [WBBH]
Direct flights to and from Europe are once again taking off at Southwest Florida International Airport. This comes after Air Berlin ended its service last October. Budget airliner Eurowings is now offering flights to and from three German cities.

› Millions of dollars paid to former executives at Office Depot [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Boca Raton-headquartered Office Depot has paid millions of dollars in severance to departing executives in the past year, as the company’s latest CEO, Gerry Smith, replaces top leaders.

› Universal Orlando offering rare BOGO deal for Florida residents [WESH]
Universal Orlando is offering a rare buy one get one free deal for Florida residents. The resort announced Wednesday that Floridians who buy a day at Universal will get a second day free. All you need is a UPC code from a 12 oz. can of Sprite or Fanta Orange.

› FEMA approves extension of housing program for Puerto Rican evacuees [Orlando Sentinel]
The hotel voucher program for Puerto Rican evacuees on the mainland was extended to June 30. The governor of Puerto Rico made the initial request for an unconditional extension until June 30th, two days before an April 20 deadline of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.