Visit Florida's future at risk without state funding
We all know Tourism is one of the biggest players in Florida's economy. But the sun could be setting on Visit Florida this year if lawmakers don't approve state funding for the tourism marketing agency. Visit Florida will dissolve in October if lawmakers don't approve funding. State representatives say they want to see that the agency benefits Florida. More from WTXL and Meetings & Conventions.
See also:
» Legislators Split On Visit Florida's Future
» Opinion: Why Visit Florida should continue promoting the state
Florida workers could see new benefits under special risk bill
Florida lawmakers are considering giving higher pay and early retirement to state employees working with people who have a criminal past and also a mental illness. Under House Bill 803, employees at 4 Florida mental facilities will have similar benefits to law enforcement, firefighters and correctional facility workers. [Source: WTXL]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Spotlight on Florida workers with disabilities
People with disabilities work in all sectors of Florida’s economy, in companies ranging from small firms to big companies including Pepsi, SAP, JPMorgan Chase, EY and CVS, which all have been lauded for their disability employment programs. Statewide, roughly 400,000 people with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities are employed in Florida. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida lawmakers push to receive more film incentive programs
Advocates for film and TV are trying to revive Florida’s incentive programs. They say the state can’t afford to be without it. Some lawmakers want to revive film and TV industry productions in the sunshine state. They say these industries create more high paying jobs and increase tourism. [Source: WJCT]
Florida Trend Exclusive
New tax break for hurricane preparedness proposed
Urged on by a large manufacturer, the Florida Legislature is considering a new tax break this spring designed to spur more sales of hurricane-strength windows and doors. Under the proposal, lawmakers would add “impact-resistant” windows and doors to an annual sales-tax holiday for hurricane-preparedness supplies such as batteries, tarps and generators. [Source: Florida Trend]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Growth forces employee-owned Fort Myers contracting firm to add space
Citing substantial growth during the past three years, employee-owned B&I Contractors has relocated its service department. The Fort Myers-based subcontracting and building services firm has expanded into space on Country Lakes Drive near Luckett Road, about six miles from its headquarters and manufacturing facility on Prince Street.
› A&E's 'Tiny House Nation' to feature Melbourne tiny home builder Movable Roots
Mike and Nikki Cheatham were looking to downsize in 2017 and started looking at tiny houses as customers. Their search turned into a successful business - Movable Roots - making small homes for others.
› Lawyers coming to Sarasota County to recruit clients for Legacy Trail lawsuits
Attorneys touting their resumes are frequenting the county claiming they’re the best litigators to represent property owners who will have parts of their land seized to build the planned 10-mile Legacy Trail extension.
› Freebee, a no-charge ride-hailing service, expands to Doral, adds 10-passenger cars
Freebee, the free ride-hailing service that has beguiled passengers throughout traffic-choked South Florida, is expanding to Doral, shuttling schoolchildren in Miami Lakes and adding 10-passenger cars to its all-electric fleet.
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› Florida Wrestles Over Felon Voting Rights Restoration
Karen Leicht is a convicted felon from Miami and a self-described “cat lady” who wants to vote. Although Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for most felons, she told a Senate committee Monday that she hasn’t registered because she wasn’t sure if she was eligible.
› Your guide to the Palm Beach International Boat Show
You’ve got one last chance this season to see boats big and small, plus the latest gear and accessories as the 34th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show caps South Florida’s 2018-19 boat show season this weekend in West Palm Beach.
› Sprouts Farmers Market sets opening date for 2nd Central Florida store in Oviedo
Sprouts Farmers Market will open its Oviedo store June 19, the second store in Central Florida for the niche grocery chain. Sprouts is part of the new wave of smaller format grocery stores that have recently entered Central Florida, focusing more on fresh produce, meats and fresh foods than on pre-packaged goods.
› Miami Lyft riders may soon find a smoother ride. And your driver may be happier, too
Ahead of a planned initial public offering that analysts say could value the company north of $20 billion, Lyft is making its own offering to drivers: Get your car tuned up at a discount. It may be an enticing proposition, given new ridesharing drivers say they can experience an earnings shock when they realize the cost of regular tune-ups.