Minimum wage ballot effort raises concerns
Florida Keys’ chambers of commerce are mulling whether to join the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in opposing an effort to place a Florida constitutional amendment on next year’s presidential election ballot to raise the state’s minimum hourly wage to $15. If passed, this amendment would result in a 77 percent increase in labor costs over the course of six years, with the restaurant and lodging industries feeling the brunt, according to a statement released by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Read more from the KeysNews.
Alachua County’s non-fatal drug overdoses state’s highest
The latest public data from the Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance Program shows that of the state’s 67 counties, Alachua County had the highest number of non-fatal overdoses in relation to its population. Marion and Bradford counties also are listed in the top 10 in that ranking. The data is compiled quarterly by the Florida Department of Health and funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Florida jumps to 20th place among states in culture funding
State budget approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis allocates $21.25 million in arts and culture grants. With the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis on the state’s $91 billion budget, Florida moves from 48th to 20th among among all states in funding for the arts and culture programs. The governor accepted the totals approved in May by the state Legislature, which provided $21.25 million in three grant categories, about eight times the $2.65 million allocated in the current budget year. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Two-thirds of Metrorail technicians unqualified to work alone
Two-thirds of Metrorail technicians are unqualified to work alone, according to a new report that says the expertise shortage “may compromise the safety of the system.” But transit union leaders say much of the report is “simply not true,” pointing instead to training and budget cuts that tax both the system and those who keep it running. As more railcars from manufacturer Hitachi arrive to replace Miami-Dade’s aged fleet, one thing all agree on is this: without changes, things will get worse. [Source: MiamiToday]
Miramar Makes the Grade for Business and Education
Employers, executives and families who have studied Florida’s best cities when looking for a place to build a business or make a home have come to the same conclusion: From kindergarten to grad school, the grade schools, colleges, universities and technical programs in Miramar pass with flying colors. [Source: City of Miramar]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Counter punch: Irked entrepreneur hits back at rival
The Penny Hoarder's experience in dealing with aggressive moves by a larger competitor shows how businesses can never let their guard down. Now a legal showdown looms. Years of high-profile innovation and rapid growth have put a target on the back of The Penny Hoarder, a St. Petersburg-based personal finance advice website.
› Delray police: Man paid thousands in patient-brokering kickbacks
John Hanley, 52, was booked Monday night at the Palm Beach County Jail. He was released late Tuesday after posting a $21,000 bond. He is charged with five counts of patient brokering and one count of soliciting patient brokering.
› New habitat in North Port for endangered scrub jays?
Two tracts of land in North Port are being eyed as part of a ‘stepping stone’ process to give scrub jays in Sarasota and Charlotte counties a better chance for survival. Six families of Florida Scrub Jays call Oscar Scherer State Park home.
› Bradenton area EDC commits $50,000 to Brain Health Initiative in matching challenge
The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC) will match contributions up to a total of $50,000 to support the Brain Health Initiative (BHI), announced Sharon Hillstrom, EDC president and CEO. The Board of Directors for the private, not-for-profit organization, which leads economic development efforts in Manatee County, voted unanimously to support the matching challenge.
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› Venice ranks No. 2 among livable Florida cities
Venice was one of eight Southwest Florida communities tapped for the list of 100 “Best Cities to Live in Florida – 2019” released Tuesday. In the latest of the ubiquitous “best of” lists, Venice was named the second most livable city in Florida by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
› 2019's Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers
With teens obtaining driver’s licenses during the summer more than any other season and an average of six teens dying every day from motor vehicle injuries, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers.
› Disney Star Wars: Crowds kept at bay in California, but how will it work in Orlando?
Walt Disney World leaders are closely watching California to analyze what’s going right and wrong now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has officially opened to the general public at Disneyland. The Smugglers Run attraction posted about an hour wait on average Monday, the first time people no longer need advanced reservations in Anaheim.