Trump plan for oil drilling off coast ripped by Florida leaders — in both parties

The Trump administration unveiled a plan Thursday to open vast new stretches of federal waters to oil and gas drilling, erasing the policies put in place by previous Democratic and Republican administrations and setting up a conflict with state governments fearful about the risk of spills. The proposal drew immediate criticism from Florida officials, including Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who said:

"Based on media reports it is likely that the Department of the Interior will consider Florida as a potential state for offshore oil drilling -- which is something I oppose in Florida. I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected, which is why I proposed $$1.7 billion for the environment in this year's budget."

More from Politico, the Miami Herald, WTSP, Florida Politics, and The Hill.

See also:
» Here’s an issue where Rick Scott is challenging Donald Trump
» Statement from Sen. Bill Nelson: Nelson vows to fight Trump administration's offshore oil drilling plan
» Statement from Sen. Marco Rubio: Regarding the Trump administration's proposal to consider offshore drilling in eastern Gulf of Mexico
» Quick poll: Should oil drilling be allowed off Florida's coast?

Colder weather impacting Florida tourism business

While Florida's colder weather is keeping people from the beach, in part, it's also keeping those people from spending cash at businesses that look to cash in on tourism. Tourism cash is big business in Florida. According to Visit Florida, in 2015 there was more than $108 million spent in the state. [Source: WZVN]

"The hits just keep on coming" to Florida's citrus industry

A powerful winter storm that struck the Southeast this week is the latest blow to an already struggling Florida citrus industry. Heavy snow and high wind pounded the Southeast on Wednesday, dumping snow on Florida's capital for the first time in three decades and damaging crops. [Source: CNBC]

Report: Florida’s agricultural, natural resource industries strengthening

New financial figures from Florida’s agricultural and natural resources sector show that the state’s economy continues to rebound from the Great Recession of 2007-2009. In calendar year 2015, Florida’s agricultural, natural resources and food industries provided $132.04 billion in value-added contributions to the state’s economy. Read more at NorthEscambia.com and see the report from UF/IFAS here.

If your parents are Cuban, you may be eligible for citizenship

The children of Cubans living abroad will be able to apply for and obtain Cuban citizenship starting this week, without the need to live on the island for any length of time. But the government will approve or reject the applicants based on political criteria. [Source: Miami Herald]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida ‘sanctuary cities’ bill could expose police to lawsuits [Tampa Bay Times]
A bill in the Florida Legislature to outlaw "sanctuary cities" would also force some sheriffs and jail workers to break with judicial precedent, opening cities and counties up to civil rights lawsuits.

› Florida sports tourism: Successfully recycling old pro ballparks [Ballpark Digest]
When the Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins and Houston Astros all moved out of previous spring-training homes, the assumption was that the old ballparks would just fade away. Instead, we have facilities that are a key part of Florida sports tourism in 2018 and beyond.

› World-class care, close to home [Sponsored Report]
An estimated one in four Americans will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. In Florida, new cancer cases are on the rise. For many, it may be the start of a frightening journey.

› It was once the flagship Burdines store. Now the Macy’s in downtown Miami is closing. [Miami Herald]
In a sign of the challenges facing brick-and-mortar retail, Macy’s announced Thursday morning that its downtown Miami store will close. The downtown Macy’s is one of 11 stores around the nation that the department store giant said would be getting the ax.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Florida bill would raise pay for workers comp judges [Business Insurance]
A Florida Senate bill introduced Tuesday would increase the pay of workers compensation judges. Under S.B. 1412, sponsored by Sen. David Simmons, R-Longwood, “all full-time judges of compensation claims shall receive a salary equal to that of a county court judge."

› Office Depot appoints former B/E Aerospace executive as CFO [Press Release]
The Boca Raton-based company (Nasdaq: ODP) announced Thursday that Lower will be replacing current Executive VP and CFO Stephen Hare, who is retiring after four years in the role.

› Lack of housing in Central Florida for Puerto Rican evacuees [WMFE]
Local officials and nonprofits have been scrambling to accommodate evacuees who haven’t been staying with family members into hotels and temporary lodgings as they wait for relief. Now on three months of Maria migration, Central Florida lawmakers remain frustrated over housing options for evacuees.

› Jeter’s business model has payrolls well below MLB average, then a big jump in 2021 [Miami Herald]
That $115 million payroll that Jeffrey Loria financed last season before selling the Miami Marlins? New Marlins CEO Derek Jeter’s business model circulated to potential investors indicates the team doesn’t plan to reach that payroll level again until the fourth year of Jeter’s and Bruce Sherman’s ownership, in 2021.