Florida's GDP hits $1 trillion mark: As a country, it'd rank 17th in world

Florida’s gross domestic product topped $1 trillion Friday, an economic output that would make the Sunshine State the world’s 17th largest economy if it were an independent country, the state chamber said. Florida’s economy has grown larger than Saudi Arabia’s, Switzerland’s and Argentina’s. “Becoming a $1 trillion economy means Florida is continuing to grow and create jobs, keeping unemployment lower than the national average, and creating economic opportunity,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish. See an announcement from the Florida Chamber Foundation, here. Also read more at the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

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Florida's constitutional amendments are a mixed bag

Florida's Constitution Revision Commission, which meets every 20 years, has proposed eight constitutional amendments — many combining multiple measures. Five single-topic proposals from the Legislature or citizens were already slated for the ballot. At this article, you will find explanations for all the proposed amendments, with pros and cons and political context. Full story here.

Your turn:
» Are you clear on the 13 proposed Constitutional Amendments for this fall's ballot? (quick poll)

Will Florida's ‘Lionfish Challenge’ put dent in invasive species? Maybe.

Though eradicating the species no longer seems like an option, the state’s initiative — which began in May and lasts until Labor Day — could help curb the invasive population where it may be most noticeable: local reefs. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

No shortage of ads ahead of Florida 2018 midterm election

Florida's 2018 midterm election is one of the most important in years. The governor's office and all three Cabinet seats are on the ballot; Republican Gov. Rick Scott is challenging three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson; several congressional seats will be competitive; and Floridians will vote on 13 proposed constitutional amendments [Source: AP]

See also:
» Primary season heats up in Florida as absentee ballots go out

Florida's algae crisis: How is it affecting tourism and other businesses?

To be sure, the blue-green and red tide aren't everywhere in Southwest Florida waters. But there's enough of the algal blooms lingering to cause not only health concerns, but pockets of pain for a wide range of businesses. More from the Naples Daily News and WINK.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Brooks Burgers in Naples makes TripAdvisor's list of top 10 burger restaurants in U.S. [Naples Daily News]
Brooks Gourmet Burgers & Dogs and its signature glazed doughnut burger are in the news again. Just weeks after the Naples burger joint was inducted into TripAdvisor's coveted Hall of Fame, Brooks Burgers earned a spot this week on the travel site's list of 10 best restaurants for burgers in the U.S. Also see more in this news release.

› Retail Recap: What's new, what's coming and what's gone in Manatee in 2018 [Bradenton Herald]
With tons of new restaurants and other business opening all the time in Bradenton and around Manatee County, it’s hard to keep track of it all. See a recap of some of the spots that opened and closed in the first half of 2018, as well as what’s to come in the second half of the year.

› Susan G. Komen appoints Palm Beach businessman to national board of directors [Palm Beach Daily News]
Michael Greenwald, senior vice president at the Palm Beach office of Tiedemann Advisors, is a new appointee to the national board of directors of Susan G. Komen, an organization which funds breast cancer research. See more about Greenwald, and other news members of the Susan G Komen Board of Directors, in their news release, here.

› Why are solar trees popping up all over? Thank 20,000 South Florida families [Orlando Sentinel]
Get ready for some unusual plants to start popping up outside public sites all over South Florida. Florida Power & Light is putting up the creatively designed solar panels to increase its harnessing of energy from the sun.

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› Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro Selected for Induction into Florida Women’s Hall of Fame [Space Coast Daily]
Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro will be inducted into the 2018 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Petro is one of three women selected by Florida Governor Rick Scott to receive this honor.

› Sarasota considers paid parking and toll on Siesta Key beaches [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Sarasota County Commission will hold a special workshop sometime this year to discuss implementing paid parking at Siesta Key beaches, a move county officials believe would encourage carpooling to unclog roads and free up parking at the crowded tourist destination.

› Florida beach closed after 2 shark bites in 5 minutes [Orlando Sentinel]
Officials say a Florida beach has been closed following two apparent shark bites just five minutes apart. Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Ty Silcox says a 30-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were bitten on the feet. Neither victim got a clear look at what bit them.

› North Florida Shipyards faces $271,061 in safety violation fines [Florida Times-Union]
A 12-week Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection proposed North Florida Shipyards pay $271,061 for violating safety precautions after a 34-year-old employee drowned in the St. Johns River. The 41-page report listed several safety issues that could lead to drownings, amputation hazards or being struck at the private shipbuilding and repair company downtown.