What’s a slot machine? Florida court will decide

In a legal dispute that’s dragged on for more than three years, an appellate court is grappling with whether popular tabletop games are illegal slot machines or are simply entertainment. Proponents of the tabletop games, known as “pre-reveal games,” contend that the devices are legal because they include a “preview” feature that advises players of the outcome of the games. But critics, including the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, say that doesn’t matter because the “random number generator” used to create the games equates to the definition of slot machines, which are games of “chance,” under state law. More from the Gainesville Sun and Florida Politics.

Lawyers spar in battle over Florida governor's finances

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who was a multimillionaire businessman before he ran for office, is trying to convince an appeals court to end a long-running battle over whether he is flouting the state's financial disclosure law. More from the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.

Robert Traurig, who helped build one of the world’s largest law firms, dies at 93

Robert Traurig helped build Greenberg Traurig – one of the largest law firms in the world – died on Tuesday in Miami at 93. Traurig, considered to be the "Father of Miami Land Use Law" and the "Dean of Zoning," was one of the three founders of Greenberg Traurig, LLP. The law firm he helped start 50 years ago, today has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices worldwide. See the news release from Greenberg Traurig, and read more at the Miami Herald.

National Mango Board celebrates Florida’s mango heritage

The National Mango Board is celebrating mangoes all summer long, with a special emphasis on South Florida’s contributions to the U.S. mango industry. Mangoes were introduced to South Florida more than 200 years ago, and Haden mangoes were developed in Coconut Grove, from the Indian grafted mulgoba variety and the Caribbean turpentine mango. See the full story from The Packer, and read more at Fresh Plaza.

See also:
» 'Mango Maniac' wants to create a mango for the future

Florida now requires special permit to harvest saw palmetto

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) now requires saw palmetto harvesters and sellers to obtain a special permit, winning applause from ingredient suppliers and botanical industry trade groups. More from Nutra-Ingredients and the Florida Farm Bureau.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Visit Florida: Nudist group 'embellished' partnership [Tallahassee Democrat]
Visit Florida was unaware of a recent push for more visitors in the buff at the state's sandy beaches. The American Association for Nude Recreation Florida issued a statement touting a partnership with Visit Florida to increase a "niche marketing effort."

› Florida Tech researcher helps discover another shark species [Florida Institute of Technology]
A Florida Institute of Technology researcher is involved in discovering yet another species of shark, the Squalus clarkae, or "Genie's Dogfish." The "Genie" is an homage to famed shark research pioneer Eugenie Clark. Also read more at Florida Today.

› Toale Brothers — funeral company and brothers — split up [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A family that has owned a funeral home business here since 1948 has ruptured, with several of its members resigning and going to work for a competing corporation based in Texas. Toale Brothers Funeral Home will continue running its four chapels with its longtime staff, funeral director Curt Toale said

› MLB commissioner confident Rays owner is ‘going to get’ stadium deal done [Tampa Bay Times]
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the time is now for the Rays stadium situation to be resolved with partnership from the community and business on financial support and he is confident in principal owner Stuart Sternberg's creative and persuasive ability to work it out: "I think he's going to get this done."

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› Seaweed invading Florida beaches likely to worsen, could break record for annual bloom [TCPalm]
This summer's annual seaweed bloom is likely to worsen through fall and could become the worst in history, scientists said of the stuff piling up on Florida beaches and choking nearshore waters.

› Demolition of iconic Anna Maria pier begins [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The sights, sounds and smells of the Anna Maria Island City Pier can only be enjoyed from memory now as the demolition process for the historic structure has begun. The initial stages of demolition started on July 9, with the complete removal of the bait shop and restaurant taking place three days later, giving the pier even more of a threadbare look than it had previous.

› Commentary: Poverty wages shouldn't fly anywhere in Florida [Orlando Sentinel]
While the airline industry rakes in billions in profits and some airlines aren’t even paying taxes, workers at Orlando International Airport are fighting for a living wage.

› Victims' rights amendment could be taken off Florida ballot [AP]
A Florida attorney wants a judge to remove from this year's ballot a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with victims' rights. Lee Hollander, a criminal defense lawyer based in southwest Florida, filed the lawsuit late last week in a Leon County court.