Florida could see influx of Puerto Ricans, who have already shown growing political power

The catastrophe in Puerto Rico has the potential to send tens of thousands of people to Florida, continuing a steady exodus from the economically depressed island. That could have wide ranging effects on services, but also politically, as Puerto Ricans have grown as a force in the state. More from the Times/Herald and Politico.

See also:
» Gov. Scott will travel to Puerto Rico, pledges Florida's help

Florida Trend Exclusive
Bing runs out of energy

In 2011, Bing Energy, a fuelcell technology startup, moved from Chino, Calif., to Tallahassee, planning to create 250 jobs. But last year, Bing laid off its employees and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Bing’s collapse is now the subject of a legal battle. Full story from Florida Trend, here.

» Also at this article, energy updates from around the state including electric vehicles, biodiesel-fueled trains, rooftop solar, utility notes.

MLB owners approve sale of Marlins to Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman

The sale of the Miami Marlins to a group led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter have received the stamp of approval from Major League Baseball owners. Owners on Wednesday voted unanimously in favor of the $1.2 billion deal to buy the franchise from Jeffrey Loria. Full news release from the MLB, here. Also read more at the Miami Herald.

See also:
» Statement from Jeffrey Loria, previous owner of the Miami Marlins

Florida taxpayers may avoid bill from Hurricane Irma

About 70,000 Citizens Property Insurance policyholders are expected to file an estimated $1.23 billion in claims because of damage from Hurricane Irma, the state-backed insurer said Wednesday, a lower-than-projected number that should keep taxpayers from having to foot any part of the bill. More from TBO.com and the Orlando Sentinel.

See also:
» Florida CFO: Urge lawmakers to reform "assignment of benefits"

Citrus bill likely to advance in Congress

Legislation aimed at helping citrus growers replace damaged trees appears likely to pass Congress as part of a hurricane relief package that will be considered next month. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, is sponsoring the citrus bill, which would help Florida growers whose trees were damaged by Hurricane Irma or the devastating citrus greening disease. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Embraer solidifies roots in Brevard, both in Melbourne and Titusville [Florida Today]
About a decade ago, Embraer rolled out the Phenom 100 business class jet. What few people in the area knew at the time was that the Brazilian jet maker also was rolling out a key piece of the Space Coast economy.

› Avis is offering one-way car rentals to Florida from $5 [Conde Nast Traveler]
For volunteers, families, or stranded Floridians in or near Boston, Hartford, Buffalo, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, and Norfolk, car rentals will start at just $5 a day (taxes not included) for up to two weeks of driving, as long as the final drop-off location is in Florida.

› New national coworking chain to open in downtown Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
Based in Miami, Pipeline Workspaces has four other locations in Florida and one in Philadelphia. Its shared workspace model caters to entrepreneurs, corporate teams and professionals.

› Sea rise group to spend $200K on Miami Forever bond campaign [Miami Herald]
A nonprofit linked to a sea-rise advocacy group out of New York is planning a six-figure marketing effort behind Mayor Tomás Regalado’s Miami Forever general obligation bond.

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› Airbnb reportedly wants to offer apartment rentals in Florida [Engadget]
Airbnb is working with a real estate developer in southern Florida, Newgard Development Group, to design a new apartment building as a proof of concept near Orlando in Kissimmee.

› Florida Hospital doctors headed to Puerto Rico to help after Hurricane Maria [Orlando Sentinel]
Several doctors from Florida Hospital will leave for Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning to help with relief efforts on the island. Dr. Katia Lugo, the appointed leader for the weeklong scouting trip, said the initiative started through social media.

› US Southern Command creates 53,000-plus jobs in region [Miami Today]
The US Southern Command, which moved its headquarters to Doral from Panama 20 years ago this month, has amassed a combined economic impact in Miami-Dade of 53,151 jobs, $5.4 billion in sales, $5.1 billion in gross regional product and 4% of total gross product since 2011, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

› Irma's destruction of trailers challenges Keys' lifestyle [AP]
Mobile homes and recreational vehicles didn't survive the storm's 130 mph winds and storm surge. The losses hit people crucial to Keys tourism: service industry and blue collar workers priced out of expensive Key West homes.