Push continues for oil drilling off Florida coast

Proponents of drilling for oil and natural gas haven’t given up on tapping areas closer to Florida’s shoreline despite repeated assurances those waters will be exempt from a White House plan to expand exploration. The Washington, D.C.-based American Petroleum Institute (API) announced Wednesday a multi-state “Explore Offshore” coalition to support the Trump administration’s plan to open previously protected parts of the Atlantic Ocean and eastern Gulf of Mexico. See the news release from API here. Also read more at the News Chief, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida appeals judicial decision to lift ban on smokable medical pot

The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday quickly asked an appeals court to review a decision that could clear the way for patients to smoke medical marijuana. Leon County Circuit Judge Karen Gievers on Tuesday lifted a stay of her earlier ruling that said a ban on smoking medical pot was unconstitutional. More from WJXT and TBO.com.

Why are so many Florida honeybees dying?

Honeybees are critical to pollinating Florida’s $4 billion blueberry, cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, raspberry and watermelon crops. Florida bees matter nationwide: Twenty to 25 percent of the nation’s honeybees pass through Florida, often wintering here to gain strength before or after pollinating California almonds. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Solar-as-a-service coming to Sunshine State

Floridians who want solar panels on their rooftop but are skittish about the cost will soon have an option: Sunrun. The solar-as-a-service biz is coming to the Sunshine State this summer with plans allowing customers to start generating their own electricity for as little as $0 upfront. See the announcement from SunRun and read more at Florida Politics.

See also:
» San Francisco solar company to create Tampa Bay jobs by leasing panels

Florida's population Is booming -- but should we worry about income growth?

The Sunshine state continues to be a popular place to call home. Florida is the third-most populous state in the country, behind only California and Texas, and it’s widening its lead over fourth-place New York. But, at the same time, income growth in Florida lags the national average. Should Floridians be worried? [Source: Forbes]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Kissimmee lands 1st aerospace firm under new incentives program [Orlando Sentinel]
A $4.5 million project in Kissimmee is one of the first to use the city’s new incentives program aimed at attracting aerospace and aviation businesses. Know 2 Solutions connects aircraft from all over the world through satellite communications hardware and services.

› A rare day at Tech Data as one CEO hands leadership of the company to the next [Tampa Bay Times]
In 44 years, Tech Data has marked the transition from one CEO to the next just three times. The first was in 1986, Steven Raymund became CEO of the small company that his father, Edward Raymund, had founded. The second was in 2006, when Robert Dutkowsky succeeded Raymund. And the third was Wednesday.

Earlier:
» Tech Data announces leadership succession
» Profile of Bob Dutkowsky by Florida Trend (2016)

› City of Orlando launches grant program for tech-focused events [Orlando Sentinel]
The City of Orlando has opened an application period for grants of up to $10,000 for organizations developing tech-focused events in the city. The Orlando Technology Community Support Pilot Program is a $65,000 fund that requires agencies that win awards to match the grant total.

› Federal Reserve Bank focuses on Miami’s economy [Miami Today]
Florida’s construction business is booming, while job prospects continue to decline in information, the most recent statewide employment index from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta shows.

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› Deductibles, spoiled food, evacuation costs: New hurricane coverage pays what traditional policies won’t [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A new supplemental insurance product covers insurance deductibles following storms, plus food spoilage, evacuation expenses, tree damage, boat docks and seawalls, power outages, damage from storm surges, pool cages and more, according to Assured Risk Cover. Find more information about "StormPeace," policy that pays out-of-pocket expenses not covered by homeowners insurance, here (press releaase).

› Algae bloom on Lake Okeechobee has groups, scientists concerned [Fort Myers News-Press]
An algae bloom on Lake Okeechobee has some local groups and scientists concerned that water from the big lake may soon bring a bloom to the Fort Myers area. The freshwater bloom is already washing into the St. Lucie River and estuary, the east coast drainage version of the Caloosahatchee River.

› Appeals court can rule any day on David Beckham stadium deal. Then it gets complicated. [Miami Herald]
Miami-Dade County on Tuesday fought for the right to sell David Beckham land for a stadium in a no-bid deal, making its case before an appeals court at a time when it's not clear the retired soccer star even wants the public property anymore.

› Renters in better position to create wealth than homebuyers, South Florida professors say [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
As U.S. housing markets including South Florida's approach the peaks of their price cycles, it’s better to rent than buy a home, according to the latest “Buy vs. Rent” index produced by two South Florida professors.