Gov. Scott issues emergency order on Red Tide algae bloom

Gov. Rick Scott is declaring a state of emergency across parts of Florida that have been overrun by a toxic algae bloom that is killing fish and emptying beaches and restaurants. Scott is ordering $100,000 for additional scientists to help with clean-up efforts and another $500,000 to help local communities and businesses struggling with lost income as tourists flee. See the full news release, here. Scott's Executive Order 18-221 is here. Read more at the AP, the Tampa Bay Times, WTSP, and WWSB.

Florida's orange crop is bouncing back from bugs and a hurricane

After enduring pestilence and a deadly hurricane, Florida’s orange growers are finally catching a break. In the season that starts Oct. 1, the state may reap 70 million boxes of the fruit, according to the average estimate of four traders and analysts in a Bloomberg survey. [Source: Bloomberg]

Why Florida law may shield companies behind deadly FIU bridge from criminal charges

Florida law treats contractors favorably after construction accidents, experts say. Under state statute, prosecutors have to show that defendants acted with “reckless disregard for human life” or had “a grossly careless disregard for the safety and welfare of the public.” It’s a high burden of proof. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida sending help to battle California blazes

Florida’s forest firefighters are joining the legions of people heading west to battle ongoing wildfires across the region. As of Friday, 120 Florida Forest Service officials, most of them firefighters, are spread out across nine states – California, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Texas and Montana. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]

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» Florida Forest Service sending additional personnel, equipment to help battle California wildfires

Florida gas prices rise, other states drop

Gas prices climbed five cents in Florida in a week despite dropping in Georgia and Tennessee, and Palm Beach County pumps dispensed the state’s priciest fuel at $2.89 per gallon. Motorist group AAA chalked it up to high demand on Monday. [Source: Palm Beach Post]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Naples farm wins $46.8 million federal contract for produce [Naples Daily News]
A Florida farmer has won a multimillion-dollar federal contract that will put his fruits and vegetables in the hands and mouths of more students and military workers in Florida. The Defense Logistics Agency recently awarded Oakes Farms Food & Distribution Services in Naples a multiyear contract with a value of up to $46.8 million.

› Venezuelan bank spins off Mercantil in Florida [American Banker]
Mercantil Bank Holding in Coral Gables, Fla., has been spun off from its former parent company. Mercantil Servicios Financieros in Venezuela disclosed in a regulatory filing Monday that it had completed the spinoff of the $8.4 billion-asset bank by distributing nearly 105 million shares of stock to shareholders.

› Spring Hill tool man builds national business, expands local offerings [Tampa Bay Times]
As a youngster, Ronnie Manuele scrubbed so many old tools for his dad, a professional tool fixer, that he swore he’d never do such work when he grew up. Today, at R & R Tool Repair Inc., owner Manuele repairs tools for major companies from which his father formerly bought his tools and parts.

› Correct Craft’s Ralph C. Meloon dies at age 100 [Boating Industry]
Correct Craft has announced the passing of National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame member and industry icon Ralph C. Meloon at the age of 100. The middle of three brothers, Meloon was seven years old when his father Walter C. Meloon moved the family from New Hampshire to Florida and started the Florida Variety Boat Co. (now Correct Craft) in 1925.

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› Ad wars: Rick Scott rules Florida's airwaves, but Bill Nelson is about to respond [USA Today]
After months of being overpowered on the Florida airwaves by Republican Gov. Rick Scott, Sen. Bill Nelson is about to start punching back. The Florida Democrat and his political allies have reserved about $42 million in broadcast, cable and satellite television ad buys in the state's 10 markets.

› Businesses coming soon to Tallahassee: Chamber Conference details projects in progress [Tallahassee Democrat]
One of the most popular presentations at the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Conference highlights upcoming developments. This year's presentation married taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects with details on upcoming developments mushrooming downtown and all over Tallahassee.

› Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale to spend $7 million on overhaul, new suites [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The Pelican Grand Hotel & Resort, one of the few hotels in Fort Lauderdale that sits right on the beach, is launching a $7 million renovation aimed at remodeling all of its 146 guest rooms and 16 suites.

› Orlando man sued, accused of stealing trade secrets from defense contractor [Orlando Sentinel]
Defense contractor Raytheon is suing an Orlando man, contending he stole trade secrets that he took to his new job at competitor Lockheed Martin. When William Rebarick left Raytheon in 2009, “he took significant amounts of confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information with him,” according to an amended lawsuit filed Monday .