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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Taxis suing Miami-Dade for $1 billion over new Uber law
Miami-Dade faces a $1 billion lawsuit by taxi companies over legalizing Uber, which the plaintiffs say has demolished the value of the exclusive taxi “medallions” they purchased from the county years ago. A Miami-Dade bill designed to legalize Uber and Lyft will become law next week. Miami-Dade officials say they’re confident the county has no obligation to protect the value of medallions against changes to the local car-for-hire industry. “We can’t be held hostage,” said Mayor Carlos Gimenez, a top Uber supporter. More from the Miami Herald.
» Earlier, from Florida Trend: Fare game: Uber and Lyft test vehicle-for-hire regulations across Florida.
Productivity in U.S. decreases for a second straight quarter
U.S. nonfarm productivity fell in the first quarter, the second quarterly decline, and labor-related costs rose at their fastest pace since 2014 as companies hired more workers to maintain output. More from Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.
See also:
» U.S. international trade in goods and services - March 2016
Fracking at Florida's front door?
This spring, Florida’s environmental community breathed a collective sigh of relief when lawmakers gave up on a bill that would have allowed fracking in Florida. But like other environmental issues that have become perennial for Florida, fracking is expected to come back in 2017 and maybe beyond. More from WUFT.
Vigilant Biosciences cleared to launch its oral cancer test across Europe
Vigilant Biosciences, an early-stage Fort Lauderdale-based company that develops solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, announced that it has CE Marked its OncAlert Oral Cancer RAPID Test, meaning it can market the product in the 28 countries of the European Union. More from the Miami Herald.
SpaceX to launch Japanese satellite, attempt rocket landing
Japanese television viewers could be in for some improved reception when SpaceX launches a rocket into space early Thursday morning from Florida's Space Coast. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Telemedicine
When you don't have time to be sick
Tampa General is harnessing technology that combines the old-fashioned house call with the convenience and quality patients demand today with TGH Virtual Care, a telemedicine program. [Sponsored Report]
Around the State
Code Red
Demand for new computer coders far outstrips supply. As many as 1 million jobs could go unfilled, by some estimates. Universities, colleges and technical schools throughout Florida teach the basics but usually as requisite coursework toward a degree in computer science. Now private boot camps and schools are stepping in, offering crash courses in coding that can cost up to $12,000.
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