Forecasters predict fewer hurricanes coming to Florida this year

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is increasingly expected to be less active than average, according to an updated seasonal outlook. Including May's Subtropical Storm Alberto, 11 named storms, four hurricanes and only one major hurricane of Category 3 or higher intensity are expected this season in CSU's latest outlook released Monday. More from Weather Underground, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, WPLG, and AccuWeather.

See also:
» Forecast of Atlantic seasonal hurricane activity and landfall strike probability for 2018

How two new Florida hotel concepts are competing with Airbnb, Marriott

Despite the rise of platforms like Airbnb and the overwhelming market share of Marriott, Florida remains one of the healthiest worldwide hospitality centers. According to the state’s tourism board, Visit Florida, Florida consistently outpaces the nation in room occupancy rates and cost-per-room statistics. [Source: Urban Land]

Florida teacher union sues over new law

Florida's largest teacher's union is suing to try to block implementation of a new law that it says unfairly targets education labor organizations. The lawsuit filed Monday in Leon County says the law is unconstitutional because it singles out teacher unions. [Source: AP]

Florida's small butcher shops are in 'a renaissance'

Many specialty meat markets have carved out a niche by offering personalized customer service and products that aren't widely available. New shops are opening as well, spurred by a younger, more health-conscious generation seeking meats sans antibiotics and hormones — and craft beer to wash it all down. [Source: Miami Herald]

Research on Florida hops forced to dig deeper

With any new endeavor, there’s bound to be some bumps in the road. University of Florida researchers are finding this out as they continue to explore hops as an alternative crop. Beyond lack of cumulative data, climate, and harvesting challenges, it appears now nematodes might be trying to worm their way in as a primary pest of the plants. [Source: Growing Produce]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Rick Scott awards final batch of ‘job growth’ dollars [Florida Politics]
As the state’s budget year came to an end, Gov. Rick Scott doled out the last of an initial $85 million pot of “job growth” dollars that lawmakers approved in an economic-development compromise.

› Miami Beach gives initial green light to new convention center hotel plan [Miami Herald]
Miami Beach gave an initial thumbs up to the newest proposal for a convention center headquarter hotel, the city's third attempt in recent years to select a design capable of winning voter approval.

› SpaceX, other private launches mess with airline schedules [Orlando Sentinel]
On Feb. 6, Elon Musk's SpaceX launched its largest rocket into the blue sky above Florida’s Space Coast. Minutes later, fans cheered as Musk topped himself by nailing a simultaneous landing of the Falcon Heavy's boosters. Airlines were somewhat less thrilled.

› Chewy.com enters online pet pharmacy market [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Dania Beach-based Chewy.com has entered the online pet pharmacy market. Beginning Monday, the company is selling veterinarian-prescribed medicines at discount prices.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› JCPenney to hire 400 in South Florida for back-to-school season [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Facing a tight labor market, JCPenney said it will hire 400 seasonal associates in South Florida for the back-to-school shopping season. Nationwide, the retailer said it plans to hire 18,000 seasonal workers.

› A Florida company settles with Spokane [KXLY]
A Miami-based telephone company agreed to pay nearly $930,000 to Spokane after reaching a settlement on its more than eight years of unpaid utility taxes.

› ‘Blue Wave’ or ‘Red Wall’?: Florida GOP defiant amid talk of Democratic surge [St. Augustine Record]
There was an air of defiance mixed in among the Trump pins and MAGA hats and American flag ties worn by the attendees at the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit last week in Orlando. Even the media WiFi password – bigredwall – spoke to GOP frustration with the constant talk of a potential “blue wave” of Democratic victories in November.

› Unlocking the mysteries of tarpon [Florida Times-Union]
In Florida the tarpon fishing industry is worth nearly $2 billion annually, say scientists and economists. Regionally - from the Carolinas to Texas, where tarpon also are caught for sport - tarpon fishing is an over $5 billion per year business.