State economists forecast billion dollar budget deficit in Florida

For years now, Florida's capitol has seen plenty of money -- the results of a booming economy. Now, state economists are forecasting a billion dollar budget deficit. And the new speaker of the state house says that deficit could get here sooner than expected. [Source: News 13]

See also:
» New Florida House speaker sends legislators to school
» Takeaways from Tallahassee – Early Christmas presents

Florida Trend Exclusive
Medical tourism: Global med

Tourists have long flocked to Florida for recreation. More recently, medical facilities have become an attraction: In 2015, the state estimates, between 300,000 and 400,000 people traveled to Florida for health care. Access full story.

Rents for office space in Florida up almost 10 percent

Rents for Class A office space in Florida is up almost 10 percent over last year. The real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield said in a report released last week that the average square foot of office space statewide was renting for $32.26. [Source: AP]

Florida defense firms hope for high-tech focus in Trump funding

Orlando's cluster of defense contractors hope a renewed emphasis on defense budgets under a Donald Trump presidency will come with a high-tech focus. If that happens, it could lead to more growth for the industry in Central Florida, as technology investments play into one of the region's strengths. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Meet the woman who wrote the book on Florida real estate

If you've ever studied to become a real estate agent in Florida, chances are you used the textbook written by Linda L. Crawford. A New Orleans native who went to college in Florida, Crawford sold real estate for several years before realizing her true interest was in education and testing. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› A look at Sanford Burnham's shortfall [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando dry cleaners, day cares, and real estate offices are among businesses that would have benefited from a $4.8 million economic boost if Sanford Burnham had met job goals, according to a new analysis.

› Average price for gasoline rising in Florida, nationwide [Naples Daily News]
Gas price averages have risen 9 cents a gallon in Florida since Wednesday's announcement by OPEC to reduce crude oil production by 1.2 million barrels a day.

› Fort Myers firm squeezes leadership team, names new CEO [Business Observer]
Florida orange producer Alico announced Remy Trafelet will become president and CEO of the Fort Myers-based holding company, effective Jan. 1. He replaces CEO Clay Wilson, who will step down from his role Dec. 31.

› UCF teaching hospital, 2 others get initial state approval [Orlando Sentinel]
The state gave a preliminary stamp of approval Friday to three health systems that had applied to build new hospitals in Central Florida, including the UCF-HCA joint application for a teaching hospital in Lake Nona.

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› Taxpayers on hook for $415,000 more to host TaxSlayer Bowl [Florida Times-Union]
Hosting college football games in Jacksonville is on track to get slightly more expensive for taxpayers, as the city must pay $415,000 to install temporary seats in EverBank Field for the upcoming TaxSlayer Bowl.

› Gene analysis lab moves to Deerfield Beach [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Ocean Ridge Biosciences is a survivor in South Florida's fledgling biotech industry. Ocean Ridge Biosciences provides gene-based lab analysis of blood and tissue samples for the development of new drugs and diagnostic tests.

› Orlando tourism, theme parks fuel top broker’s career [Orlando Sentinel]
Tourism development in Orlando requires large chunks of property, and few people understand that business better than Robert McEwan. One of Orlando's veteran land brokers, McEwan has spent 28 years arranging sale of the largest local properties.

› Mosaic announces new water testing plan after sinkhole [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Mosaic Co. has announced a new, limited water well testing program in an effort to reassure Polk and Hillsborough county residents about the safety of their drinking water following a major environmental accident in September.