Florida lawmakers aim to require supermajority for amendments
After an election in which voters approved 11 constitutional amendments, legislation has been filed at the state capitol that would make it harder to pass future ballot measures. The proposal would require support from two-thirds of voters for passage of constitutional amendments. That would be up from the current 60 percent threshold. More from WTXL and WWSB.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Tipping point: When should waiters be paid minimum wage?
In the fall of 2016, a server at an Outback Steakhouse in suburban Orlando took the company to court. Virgil Goodson, who had waited tables at the restaurant on and off between 2014 and 2016, accused Outback of illegally paying him less than the minimum wage. The claim was based on a provision in a U.S. Department of Labor field manual that agency investigators use to interpret federal minimum wage laws and rules. [Source: Florida Trend]
From $1 tickets to $6M payouts. How the Orange Bowl became a big-money game
The Orange Bowl is a member of the prestigious “New Year’s Six” top-tier bowl group, along with the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. They rotate hosting the two semifinals. The Orange Bowl was also part of the winning South Florida bid for the 2021 National Championship game. [Source: Miami Herald]
Many South Florida millennials can't afford to buy a house
About 40 percent of potential millennial homebuyers in Miami don’t have any down payment savings. A new study estimates it would take half of them more than two decades to save up for a down payment. About 12 percent have saved $10,000 or more. [Source: WLRN]
After three decades on Capitol Hill, Nelson leaves behind legacy of space policy
On one of his last days in office, Senator Bill Nelson saw Congress pass the Space Frontier Bill. It extended the life of the International Space Station and rolled back regulations to help develop commercial space partnerships. It’s fitting that one of Nelson’s last feats as a lawmaker was passing a space bill. For the better part of 30 years, the 76-year-old native-Floridian championed space policy. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› More than just a gym: How Tampa Bay companies are taking a 'holistic' approach to wellness
Corporate in-house fitness centers have become increasingly common as companies beef up benefits in the battle to retain employees, but an industry leader is right here in Tampa Bay.
› Florida Department of Health fights ruling on medical marijuana law
Defending a 2017 law that set regulations for the state’s medical-marijuana industry, Florida Department of Health attorneys have asked an appeals court to overturn a circuit judge’s ruling that they say “injected confusion and uncertainty” into the licensing of marijuana firms.
› What Changes to SNAP Mean for Food-Insecure People in Florida
The Department of Agriculture is proposing stricter requirements for people receiving food stamps. It’s part of the farm bill passed by Congress, and if these new measures are adopted, it could mean more people in Central Florida will go hungry.
› Nathan Benderson Park's economic impact falls nearly $19 million
The nonprofit that runs Nathan Benderson Park said Wednesday that it contributed $32.6 million to the region’s economy in its 2017-2018 fiscal year, almost $19 million less than the year before when it hosted the World Rowing Championships.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Tampa Bay’s hot business stories for 2019 include flood insurance and bridge overhauls
The end of the year is a natural time to take stock and look forward. What will 2019 bring? Tampa Bay faces some important business decisions in the new year. For example: What to do about the troubled flood insurance program will be a hot story in 2019.
› Brevard's best-reviewed restaurants from 2018 share one trait: consistency
Ten restaurants received four stars in the past 12 months, including Amici’s, the Italian restaurant that adjoins the Chef’s Table and Amici’s Bakery & Deli. Dashi’s trio soon will be joined by The Wine Cellar, which is expected to open early in 2019.
› After 10 years, new trial could decide how much Indian River County owes Ocean Concrete owner
A long-running legal battle over a concrete batch plant near Sebastian is about ready to enter its next, and perhaps final, phase. Earlier this month, the Florida Supreme Court, in deciding not to hear the case, set the stage for a new trial to determine how much Indian River County pays an area businessman.
› Property Appraiser Rick Singh settles lawsuit with ex-employee for $145K, denies personal wrongdoing
Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh has settled a federal lawsuit filed in late summer by a former employee who sued him, alleging discrimination and sexual harassment by a former co-worker.