Florida's Constitution Revision Commission stirs up controversy

There was controversy at the Constitution Revision Commission meeting Monday morning in the state capitol. It had to do with combining 24 separate ideas into a dozen items voters will likely see in November. Firefighters' benefits have been combined with a proposal to make it harder to raise college fees. A ban on offshore oil drilling has been combined with a ban on indoor vaping. The multiple subjects covered by six of the amendments has many groups outraged. More from WJHG, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» See the eight revisions that will be on the Florida 2018 General Election ballot for voter consideration.

Publix gets ‘D’ grade for reducing food waste

Publix Super Markets may receive high marks for customer satisfaction, but when it comes to reducing food waste, the Lakeland chain gets a "D" grade. A new study by the Center for Biological Diversity ranked major U.S. supermarkets based on their accountability in food waste, prevention efforts and recovery and recycling. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Gov. Scott asks for delay in revamping Florida's system for restoring felons' rights

Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet formally asked a federal appeals court Monday to delay a judge's order to revamp the state's system of restoring voting rights to convicted felons. The four statewide officials say a delay pending an appeal is necessary to avoid "chaos and uncertainty" in two upcoming elections in Florida. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Snapshot of the economy in Central Florida

This special report looks at the economic strengths and challenges in Central Florida. The report covers the region from Daytona through Melbourne on the east coast, and west through The Villages, Orlando and Orange County. Some highlights include:

• Orlando and Orange County are making progress on economic development and arts and recreation.
• Seminole County’s corporate growth earns it a thumbs up.
• Volusia County continues its economic growth with a series of business expansions.
• Kissimmee/Osceola County taps the brakes on economic development with a six-month moratorium on residential construction.
• Brevard County expands its sports business.
• Lake County makes progress on a network of road expansions.
• The Villages continues to expand with homes planned on non-contiguous land.

» Also in this report are people to watch and regional business briefs.

Florida versus USA. Which is tops in desirability, job growth?

If you were to put Florida and the United States into a head-to-head competition, which would come out on top in the areas of job growth and economic vitality? It would be a tough contest. If Florida were a country, the statewide chamber said, it would rank 16th in the world.[Source: Boca Raton Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Business wins fight with City of Jacksonville after being cited for military flags [Florida Times-Union]
A Jacksonville business won its feud with the City of Jacksonville after city employees cited the shop for flying military flags. Right after the City of Jacksonville caught wind of the citation, its Chief of Staff Brian Hughes said it was reviewing the facts of the case, as well as current ordinances regarding flags and signs.

› Tampa Bay firm buys $80 million in loans backed by Louisiana hotels, restaurants, apartments [Tampa Bay Times]
The collapse of a New Orleans bank is proving a boon to a fast-growing St. Petersburg real estate finance firm. Directed Capital has acquired $80.2 million in distressed loans originated by the failed bank and collateralized by hotels, apartments and dozens of other commercial properties in Louisiana.

› Florida sends firefighters to help battle Oklahoma wildfires [KFOR]
As hundreds of firefighters continue to battle wildfires across northern and western Oklahoma, they’re getting a little help from other agencies.

› South Florida CEOs feel pressure to keep wages competitive [Miami Herald]
This week’s question to South Florida CEOs who are on the Miami Herald CEO Roundtable: Economists say many companies are now feeling the pressure to raise wages. Is that something your company has faced, and how has it handled it?

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› JEA board member resigns, seeks Jacksonville utility’s interim CEO job [Florida Times-Union]
Aaron Zahn, a private investor who joined the JEA board of directors in February, resigned from his short-lived board position so he can apply to become the utility’s interim chief executive officer, adding another twist in the unfolding saga consuming the utility.

› Gas prices poised to spike in Central Florida [Orlando Sentinel]
Gas prices are set to spike in Central Florida by as much as 25 cents. A gallon of regular unleaded dropped in price by 1.1 cents over the last week to $2.54 a gallon while gas prices in the rest of the country went up by five cents. See statewide information on gas prices at this news release from AAA.

See also:
» Check gas prices in your Florida neighborhood, here.

› Python trackers find record breeding group in Florida [Naples Daily News]
The roaming sentinel, a male python named Argo, with a surgically implanted tracking device, needed just three days to lead researchers to the largest trove of pythons found yet in Collier County.

› Can store remodels revive Southeastern Grocers? [Food Dive]
Under its prepackaged restructuring deal, Southeastern will reduce its debt by $500 million — lowering its interest payments and freeing up more money for store remodels, according to the company.