Florida's economy thrives, yet median wages remain the same

By most standards, the economy is thriving. Home prices are soaring, and the markets are hitting new highs. Still though, thousands of middle class families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s because while productivity is up 72 percent since 1979, real median wages have only risen about 9 percent. [Source: WWSB]

Florida scientists talk laurel wilt in California

University of Florida scientists are traveling to California in early August to share information on ways to combat laurel wilt in avocado trees. So far, the disease has not spread to California but it is actively threatening Florida’s $100 million avocado industry. Full story here.

Florida consumer sentiment continues upward in July

Consumer sentiment among Floridians rose 1.5 points in July to 97.7, the second-highest reading since March 2002. Among the five components that make up the index, three increased and two decreased. Full story from UF news, here. Also read more at the AP.

Get your wasps and join the fight against citrus greening

To defend the state’s citrus crop from an industry-crippling infection, scientists with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services are fighting pest with parasite. Florida residents can apply online to the department for tiny parasitic wasps called tamarixia that hunt the Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive insect that spreads the fatal disease “citrus greening.” [Source: Gainesville Sun]

Former Knight Foundation director announces bid for US Congress

The rumors are true: Matt Haggman is running for public office, transitioning from the topsy-turvy world of South Florida startups to the arguably more turbulent environment of national politics. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Litigation involving HOA boards, condo associations often needs "an ounce of prevention." [Sponsored Report]
A court situation that requires appointment of a receiver is challenging. Beware of exorbitant fees that can make a bad situation worse.

› Silver Airways announces new CEO, $1.1B fleet investment [Press Release]
Effective Aug. 7, Steve Rossum will replace Sami Teittinen as the company's CEO. The company said Rossum, who was appointed to the role in 2014, is leaving for personal reasons.

› Jacksonville’s APR Energy inks contract to install power grids in South Australia [Press Release]
Jacksonville-based APR Energy signed a contract to provide its portable power facilities to an area of South Australia where the company is in the midst of an international trade dispute. Also read more at the Florida Times-Unon.

› SeaWorld attorneys deny 'Blackfish' hurt stock prices [Orlando Sentinel]
SeaWorld attorneys, responding to a 2014 lawsuit that accused the company of misleading investors about the "Blackfish” documentary’s impact, have denied in court documents the film greatly affected stock prices.

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› Sarasota mall value drops 70% [Business Observer]
A major credit rating firm has significantly lowered the estimated value of Westfield Corp.’s Sarasota Square Mall in Sarasota County, following the departure of two key anchors and several inline tenants.

› Jacksonville Yellow Pages office to close, laying off 105 [Florida Times-Union]
The Jacksonville offices of DexYP, a marketing company affiliated with phone book publishing, will close in about two months, laying off all 105 employees.

› Harris Corp's quarter sees drop in income, year remains strong [Orlando Sentinel]
Harris Corporation’s sales jumped during its fourth quarter this fiscal year over last, but expenses jumped even greater. The result: an overall loss of net income in the quarter, the Melbourne-based defense and space firm reported Tuesday morning.

› Publix stock drops but sales increase in second quarter [Tampa Bay Times]
Publix, Florida's largest grocery store chain, reported sales for the second quarter of $8.4 billion, a 3.6 percent increase from last year's $8.1 billion.