Florida population growth slowing, but Puerto Ricans help keep numbers up
Despite slowing birth rates, Florida is still growing. Since 2015 growth has been slowing down, but the influx of Puerto Ricans helped to keep last year’s growth closer to predicted levels. Clyde Diao, an economist with the state, said, “My assumption there is that the influx of Puerto Ricans occurred right after Maria. So the influx is expected to continue on, but at a much slower rate as the Puerto Rican economy continues to struggle.” More from WFSU here.
See also:
» Puerto Ricans in Florida play key role in Senate race
Florida Trend Exclusive
Profile: Jorge Perez and his Related Group
In 1979, Jorge Perez, just starting out as a developer, rehabilitated a small, government-subsidized apartment building for low-income residents in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Last month, Perez completed SLS LUX, a 450-unit condo tower in downtown Miami. By the time he finished SLS LUX, his Related Group had $6 billion in projects underway and more than $1.4 billion in annual sales. Read the full profile of Perez here. Ths is part of Florida Trend's annual look at the largest companies in the state.
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» The 350 biggest public and private companies in Florida
Florida pension investments flow to Russian companies targeted by Trump administration
Florida’s massive public pension fund includes $160 million invested in Russian companies sanctioned this year by the Trump administration, including a handful of holdings on the state’s own list of “scrutinized companies” because of their ties to Iran. [Source: Politico]
Beryl could return and come pretty close to Florida; Chris likely to become hurricane
Beryl has dissipated in the Caribbean Sea but her story might not be over. She could make a comeback. According to the National Hurricane Center, the remains of Beryl had a 50 percent chance over the next five days of regenerating into a tropical cyclone as of Monday afternoon. See the forecast from the National Hurricane Center, and read more at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Survey: Half of Puerto Ricans who left for Florida want to stay
In a survey conducted of Puerto Ricans who left the island in the past several years, nearly half of the participants said they were not returning, according to a study conducted by Florida International University and commissioned by the Puerto Rican Alliance of Florida. [Source: Caribbean Business]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Much riding on Rays’ Ybor City ballpark design
The more than decade-long stadium drama that surrounds the Tampa Bay Rays will enter a new phase today when Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg unveils the design of the ballpark the team wants built in Ybor City.
› Gas remains at 4-year high in Florida
Florida motorists have found the most expensive summer gas prices in four years. Since June 1, gas prices in the state averaged $2.76 per gallon - an increase of nearly 50 cents compared to the average price last summer. "Reduced global oil supplies have caused summer travelers to pay a higher price at the pump this year," AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said.
› Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood tops off guitar-shaped hotel
Amid the cheers of hundreds of tribe members, construction workers and other visitors, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood on Monday topped off its massive guitar-shaped hotel, which is now visible for miles from locations around Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
› Orlando rents spike as more millennials consider home buying
Orlando renters in large apartment complexes are paying $107 more on average per month than a year ago, according to a national analyst — and that coincides with a rise in millennials buying homes
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› Gulf coast county attorney to lead FACA
Lee County Attorney Richard Wesch has been named president of the Florida Association of County Attorneys. Wesch had previously served as vice president of the nonprofit organization.
› Tiny houses might be coming to a St. Petersburg neighborhood
In the past few years, the Tampa Bay area has seen a blockbuster number of big new houses. Now, it could get its first tiny-house community. St. Petersburg’s Development Review Commission will consider plans Wednesday for six teensy houses in the city’s Midtown area.
› Algae bloom in Florida prompts fears about harm to health and economy
The scene at Lake Okeechobee, which is used mainly for commercial and sport fishing, is one of several across the United States that scientists are monitoring. There’s a perception that algae blooms are becoming more frequent and severe but federal agencies, including NOAA and the United States Geological Survey, are doing research to determine whether that is the case.
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» On Monday, Gov. Scott issued emergency order to combat algal blooms in South Florida
› UF Cybersecurity Researchers Gaining New Ground in Protecting Businesses and Consumers from Fraud
As director of the University of Florida Cybersecurity Research, Patrick Traynor has a mission to help businesses, industries and consumers protect their assets and privacy, and to provide security for unauthorized use of data.