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Wednesday's Daily Pulse

Florida has settled only a single storm-related price-gouging case

In the weeks after Hurricane Irma forced the largest mass evacuation in U.S. history, thousands of angry consumers swamped Attorney General Pam Bondi with complaints of price gouging by hotels, gas stations, retailers and restaurants. Total complaints: 7,500. Total settlements so far: One. But Bondi says, “We’ve just gotten started.” More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Herald, and the AP.

Citrus forecast drop spurs more calls for federal relief

Florida elections 2017

Florida agriculture leaders say the latest projected decline in citrus production underscores a dire need for federal disaster relief after Hurricane Irma. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated Tuesday that Florida will grow enough oranges to fill a decades-low 46 million 90-pound boxes, 8 percent less than in a November estimate. Full story from the Packer, here. See the statement from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam on the updated citrus crop forecast and the need for federal assistance, and read more at WUSF.

Is Andrew Gillum for real? The polls say one thing. The fundraising numbers, another

Even if Gillum's polling momentum is real, his fundraising prospects are downright grim. In November — Gillum's worst fundraising month to date — the candidate raised about $51,000 less in monetary contributions than he spent between his campaign and political committee. [Source: TBO.com]

Where have the stone crabs gone? Shortage of Florida delicacy drives up prices

Less than halfway through Florida’s lucrative stone crab season, traps are drying up, dealing another blow to a fishing industry still recovering from a beating delivered by a brutal Hurricane Irma. Medium claws that sold for about $19 a pound last year are now going for $26.99. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida’s constitution commission debating right to a ‘clean and healthy environment’

A proposal to give Floridians the right to “a clean and healthy environment” by placing it into the state’s constitution will be debated in Tallahassee this week, one of five environment-related proposals moving forward. [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› The wait for Wawa is over in Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida residents who ask “what’s a Wawa?” can answer it for themselves starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at two stores in Duval and Clay counties. Northeastern natives who grew up with the Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain swear by its made-to-order hoagies and self-serve coffee.

› Wayfair to create 100 jobs at three new distributions centers across Florida
Governor Scott announced that Wayfair Inc., one of the world’s largest online retailers for home goods, is opening three new distribution centers in Tampa, Orlando and Miami.

› Coming soon to Miami Beach: ‘Art Basel,’ but for cars
Car collectors, rev your engines. The Swiss company that presents Art Basel is bringing a new event to Miami Beach, and it’s focused on that Miami obsession, the automobile. Grand Basel, as the event is called, will bring together classic collectible cars from the past and present with future concept models.

› Utility regulators to allow FPL to charge customers $133 million for Turkey Point canal cleanup
The Florida Public Service Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow Florida Power & Light Co. to recover about $132.6 million in costs associated with cleaning up pollution from leaking cooling canals at its Turkey Point nuclear plant in Homestead.

FloridaTrend's Corporate Travel Guide
Follow these links to great ideas for your next corporate meeting! [Sponsored]

Tampa International Airport   |  Saddlebrook Resort
Visit Sarasota   |  Visit St. Petersburg / Clearwater


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› Home-builder family launches anew with 9 communities in Osceola, Lake
A family team known for launching and selling home-construction companies is rolling out its newest venture, Hanover Family Builders, with nine communities in Osceola and Lake counties.

› Pasco cuts tourism aid to annual Dick’s lacrosse tournament
For $90,000, Pasco County is supposed to receive year-long national publicity and exposure to tourists as part of its presenting sponsorship of the annual Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions lacrosse tournament in Wesley Chapel.

› New 'Smart' Bikes Causing Parking War in South Florida
They’re hard to miss – bright green bikes popping up on street corners across South Florida. People are calling them the Uber of rental bikes. You can use your smart phone to locate one, pay a dollar to ride it, and you can park the bicycle anywhere you want when you’re done.

Earlier
» Key Biscayne becomes first U.S. city to launch dockless bike sharing program

› Senate bill would abolish tree protection laws in every Florida city
In 2000, a year in which Florida earned a reputation for divisive elections and razor-thin margins, 76 percent of Jacksonville voters came together in favor of one thing: citywide tree protection. In January, the will of those voters could be undone by the Florida Legislature.