More money, more problems? Florida’s budget battle belies chronic issues
Florida is flush with cash, but its public workforce is running on empty. The Florida National Guard has been helping staff state prisons for two and a half years. There’s a teacher shortage and a nursing shortage. There are 1,800 troopers patrolling a state with 7 million vehicles and more than 140 million tourists per year. All this in a state in strong fiscal health with ample reserves and a lean budget compared to other large states. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Tallahassee Democrat.
Unemployment claims in Florida declined last week
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Florida dropped last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 5,523 in the week ending May 31, down from 7,154 the week before, the Labor Department said. U.S. unemployment claims rose to 247,000 last week, up 8,000 claims from 239,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis. More from Florida Today.
Jacksonville luxury home sales plummet 27%, leading nationwide slowdown
Luxury homebuyers in Jacksonville hit the brakes this spring, sidelined by economic jitters and market volatility that sent sales tumbling faster than in any other major U.S. city. Jacksonville posted the steepest year-over-year decline in luxury home sales in April — down 27.6% — while pending sales fell 16.3%, according to new data from Redfin. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
DEP gives OK to sugar rock mine in Everglades despite Treasure Coast opposition
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection gave its OK to a controversial proposed rock mine project that critics, including some from the Treasure Coast, contend could harm the crown jewel of Everglades restoration projects: the Everglades Agricultural Area. The proposal would turn sugar farming land into a rock mine, which will become a water storage facility in the future. More from TC Palm.
Condo next door sues developer building tallest twin towers on Fort Lauderdale beach
Can you sue over a view? Alhambra Place, a condo tower in Fort Lauderdale with a view of the beach, is doing just that — alleging breach of contract and seeking more than $10 million in damages. For 24 years, residents of the 16-story condo tower at 209 N. Birch Road have enjoyed an unfettered view of the ocean. Then along came Selene, twin 26-story condo towers going up to the east of Alhambra Place. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Expanding access to pediatric healthcare in South Florida
At Nicklaus Children’s Health System, we understand that children are the future of our communities. That is why our mission is to inspire hope and promote lifelong health by providing the best care to every child. It is a bold mission that is of utmost importance to everyone at Nicklaus Children’s. With the rapid population growth in South Florida, it is imperative that we steadily expand our services, ensuring that families don’t have to travel long distances for world-class care. [Sponsored report]
Business Beat - Week of June 6th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Dining
Best burgers in Florida: 11 juicy spots worth the road trip detour
The weather is heating up and so are the grills. It's easy to forget all the pleasures of a good, hand-cooked burger when you can conveniently grab them at a drive-thru while on the road. But if you plan to explore more of Florida this summer, you'll also get to explore the charming atmosphere of its burger joints, from pop-ups to food trucks and breweries who've got it going on.
» Read more from the Tallahassee Democrat.