FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009
TAMPA:
Odyssey Marine May Lose Treasure to Spain, Says Judge
TECH |
After a two-year trans-Atlantic legal duel, a federal judge urged Odyssey Marine Exploration to hand over millions of dollars in sunken treasure to the Spanish government.
But the Tampa deep-sea salvager said Thursday it will fight the court's recommendation to restore 594,000 coins worth $500 million to Spain.
Read on ... [Source: St. Petersburg Times]
»From Trend: Treasure interrupted
»Video: Odyssey's crew unearths treasure
IMMOKALEE:
2 Farms Agree to Pay Tomato Pickers More
Two Florida farms have decided to participate in a deal to increase the wages of the state's tomato pickers in an agreement with a farmworker advocacy group and upscale Whole Foods Market, the grocery chain announced Thursday.
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Whole Foods said the farms will pay pickers 1 cent more per pound of tomatoes sold to the Austin, Texas, based company. Whole Foods will foot the bill.
Florida provides most of the nation's domestic winter tomato crop.
Florida workers earn about 47 cents per 32-pound bucket.
[Source: Miami Herald]
»Northeast Florida: Prized potatoes take a beating from Mother Nature
STATEWIDE:
Florida's Lehman Brothers Loss: $1 Billion
The cost of the investment firm's fall is widespread starting with the pension fund. The losses could make Florida and its citizens among the biggest casualties in the biggest bankruptcy ever.
More than $440 million disappeared from the pension fund that pays benefits for some 1 million retirees and public employees.
Counties, cities and school districts face a loss of more than $300 million for roads, sewers and schools.
The state has $290 million less to pay for everything from hurricane claims to health care, community colleges and care for infants with disabilities.
[Source: St. Petersburg Times]
»From Trend: Are too generous pension plans a 'prescription for disaster?'
TALLAHASSEE:
Florida Threatens to Suspend Insurer
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty threatened to suspend Liberty National Life Insurance Co. for allegedly discriminating against Americans born abroad.
McCarty said today that Liberty National, which has 182,000 policies in Florida, has 21 days to show why its license shouldn't be suspended or revoked.
The Office of Insurance Regulation launched a five-month investigation last year at Liberty National's office in Birmingham, Ala., after hearing of a class-action lawsuit against it. [Source: Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
small biz advice
›
Use YouTube for Additional Advertising
Dr. Osteryoung: Lately, I have see many businesses start to use YouTube as a way to drive customers to their website -- and it's free.
› McCarty Gets 3.5 Years, Begins Sentence Immediately
Having gone from power broker to supplicant, former Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty rose before U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks and, sobbing, begged forgiveness.
"I apologize to this court and to the victims of my conduct," she said. "My carelessness and irresponsible behavior have humbled me."
› Higher Court Fees Lead to Rush of May Foreclosures
Looks like banks wanted to get in under the wire while the fees were still cheap.
› UCF Students, Faculty Face Program Cuts
The University of Central Florida plans to eliminate five academic programs during the next two years because of state budget cuts, leaving nearly 1,100 students scurrying to complete degrees before their majors disappear.
The cuts also mean 51 employees will lose their jobs, including 45 faculty.
› Top Minds Meet Over Chinese Drywall
Attorneys from all sides of the tainted Chinese drywall issue descended Thursday on Orlando for a two-day conference dedicated to the growing problem -- now apparently international -- and the lawsuits stemming from it. Also: Chinese drywall fix to be tried in south Fort Myers duplex
› Outback COO Avery Announces Retirement
Paul Avery, second in command at Outback Steakhouse's parent company, is retiring July 1.
His departure is voluntary and the leadership of OSI Restaurant Partners praised his service.
› Palm Beach Hotels Launch Campaign to Brighten Summer
With the backdrop of an 11.7% decline in hotel occupancies as of April, the bureau has launched an aggressive marketing program that plays on the county's 100th anniversary. For the program, called "The Deal of the Century," 76 local hotels are offering a night's stay for $19.09 through December.
Also: Fort Lauderdale's W re-opens
› Ground Is Broken for Dade's First Casino
Miami-Dade County horse racing fans will soon be able to expand their gambling beyond betting on horses, as ground was broken for the county's first casino.
› Jacksonville Officials Plan Trip to Paris Air Show
Taxpayers ask if the $18,000 price tag is worth potential business and contacts.
› Dave Aronberg Running for Attorney General
State Sen. Dave Aronberg went into the backyard of his top Republican rival, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, Thursday to announce his entry into the race for attorney general.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› FEMA Flood Aid on Way
The Federal Emergency Management Agency decided Thursday to help local governments in Volusia, Flagler, Baker, Clay and Putnam counties pay for projects related to flood damage that came with last month's record-breaking rainstorms.
›
Stein Mart Inc. Reports Dip in May Sales
Jacksonville-based Stein Mart Inc. had May sales of $105.4 million, compared to $108.4 million for the same month a year ago, the company reported today. Sales year to date were $424.9 million, off 7.7% from 2008.
› IAP Worldwide Services Lands Navy Deal
Cape Canaveral-based IAP Worldwide Services has landed a Naval Support Activity deal worth more than $170 million to provide facility and vehicle maintenance work along with other support services for naval operations in Annapolis and Baltimore.
› Tampa Reservoir Repairs Could Cost $125 Million
Temporary repairs will allow Tampa Bay Water to fill the C.W. "Bill" Young Reservoir this summer and the following two, but a permanent fix is needed, said Gerald Seeber, the utility's general manager. Also: Court rejects Lake O backpumping ban
› 2010 Fla. Election Debates Already in Planning Stages
Leadership Florida, an arm of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Press Association, today announced "Decision 2010: Before You Vote," a series of debates between gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates.
commentary
› Door Is Open, But Will Cuba Walk Through?
Now that the hemisphere's diplomats have opened the door for the readmission of Cuba to the OAS, the question is whether Cuba is ready to come in from the cold. Don't bet on it. Order a cake.
› Infusion of Funds Bolsters Ranch's Community Bank
When Community Bank of Manatee CEO Bill Sedgeman walked into the local Starbucks Thursday morning, his regular barista said it was the first time she had seen him smiling in months. Also: Orlando-based Urban Trust Bank adds more Walmart branches