Four ways Florida will factor into Trump's presidency

Florida has never sent one of its own to the White House, but Donald Trump may be the closest the country has come to making a Floridian president. The Sunshine State could act as key proving ground for the new president's policies on everything from immigration to healthcare reform to the economy. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

See also:
» Trump will be very good for South Florida real estate, survey says. (See full survey here.)

Florida has the sun and fun. But it’s not so hot for families

WalletHub, known for a surplus of personal finance studies, dissects the best states to raise a family in an analysis released Wednesday. Florida has great beaches, wonderful winter weather and majestic palms. But when it comes down to family friendliness, the Sunshine States isn’t so hot. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

Florida Attorney General goes after two tobacco companies

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's office on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against ITG Brands and R.J. Reynolds that asserts the state is owed $45 million and stands to lose $30 million a year going forward unless the court sides with the state. See the full news release, and a copy of the motion, here.

Healthcare regulation debate rekindled in Florida Legislature

Florida lawmakers could be preparing for a renewed debate about easing regulations in the state's health-care industry. Efforts to revamp health-care regulations in Florida come amid broader questions nationally about changes in the industry. [Source: Health News Florida]

Florida, get ready for less perfect weather as 2016 marks record heat

Not only will 2016 go down as the warmest year across the globe, but places like South Florida will likely see a drop in mild weather, the kind of days with near perfect temperatures hovering between 64 and 86 degrees and little humidity. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› USDA files action against American Fruit & Produce Corporation in Florida [News Release]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative action under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against American Fruit & Produce Corporation.

› Orlando tech groups launch Kickstarter campaign [Orlando Sentinel]
A handful of Orlando tech groups think they are collectively worth $165,000. Thanks to a new Kickstarter campaign that began on Tuesday, they will soon find out if others in the community agree.

› Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins ask about running marine stadium [Miami Today]
The Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins have asked about running a restored Miami Marine Stadium, Mayor Tomás Regalado has told Miami Today, as have global entertainment operators Live Nation, which runs the Fillmore Miami Beach, and SMG, which runs the city’s James L. Knight Center.

› Atlanta Braves pick Sarasota County for spring training [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Atlanta Braves formally plan to move the team's spring training home to North Port in 2019, the team and Sarasota County announced this week. The announcement set the stage for final negotiations this spring on a contract to bring the Major League Baseball team to a new complex.

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› CSX railroad expects modest profit growth in 2017 [Press Release]
CSX railroad officials expect profits to grow this year as the economy improves modestly, coal demand stabilizes and President-elect Donald Trump pursues reforms. The Jacksonville, Florida-based railroad offered a somewhat optimistic outlook Wednesday, a day after reporting a $458 million fourth-quarter profit.

› Duke Energy, U.S. government resolve Florida power plant lawsuit [Florida Trend]
Duke Energy and the U.S. government have reached a settlement to resolve a government lawsuit that alleged Duke Energy committed a technical violation of federal antitrust law related to its recently completed acquisition of a Florida power plant.

› Jacksonville business, civic leaders back HRO ordinance [Florida Times-Union]
A group of Jacksonville’s top business and civic leaders sent a letter Tuesday to City Council members urging them to pass a law that would protect the LGBT community from discrimination.

› Craft beer, oyster bar and doughnuts in Little Havana? It’s happening. [Miami Herald]
Little Havana is no longer a string of run-down buildings and cigar shops, Cuban restaurants and botánicas. It has managed to draw a host of new businesses by young entrepreneurs — particularly in food and drink — without losing the historical look and feel that gives it its identity.