Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 10/17/2017

Florida farmers may get federal loans to help with Irma damage

Florida farmers in 44 counties may be eligible for federal loans to help cover damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced. Still, Florida might have to wait months for broader federal assistance to the agriculture industry, which sustained more than $2.5 billion in losses from the storm. See Gov. Scott's statement here. Also read more at the Ledger and WOKV.

Manatee County homebuilder submits Amazon headquarters bid

Manatee County, albeit a long shot, could be home to the next headquarters for online giant Amazon — a project that would include up to 50,000 employees and some $5 billion in capital investments. More from the Observer.

Jacksonville-based CSX reports increased earnings

After more than six months of change and controversy, CSX has announced that its earnings increased during the third quarter. The Jacksonville-based railroad had net earnings of $459 million or 51 cents per share during the quarter. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Ballet school attempting to bring Puerto Rican dancers to Sarasota

“Sarasota And Puerto Rico Dance Together” is a fundraising drive to sponsor students’ transportation to Florida and cover their living expenses once they arrive. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Pinellas deputies go door-to-door at dawn to arrest unlicensed contractors

The arrests of roofers, painters and others in the construction trades come two months after Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri started a pilot program –– the Construction Licensing Investigative Unit –– to help the floundering Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board crack down on unlicensed violators. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Government
New Florida driver's license

This month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) expands its issuance of a new, more secure Florida driver license and ID card. Through December, DHSMV will add the more than 200 remaining service centers to the list of offices offering the new credential throughout Florida.

» More from First Coast News and the Tampa Bay Times.

Business Profile
We Craft Box

With a 9-month-old baby, a 2-and-a-half-year-old child, a freelance graphic design career and a new business ramping up, Betsy Wild says she’s “juggling a lot.” Her children were the inspiration behind one of the parts that keeps her most busy — her startup subscription box service called We Craft Box.