Florida has bright economic outlook, but workers aren't benefiting

Florida has a bright economic outlook, with increased productivity and booming job creation, but the state’s workers are not reaping the benefits of all this robust productivity according to Florida International University’s 2018 “State of Working Florida” report, which was released just ahead of Labor Day. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Court says 'pre-reveal' games are illegal slot machines

Siding with state regulators, an appeals court Thursday ruled that controversial electronic games played in bars and other establishments are illegal slot machines. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judge’s decision that what are known as “pre-reveal” games violate laws preventing slot machines in most of Florida. [Source: WJXT]

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» New polling shows most Floridians want veto power over gambling expansion

Labor Day weekend travelers face highest gas prices since 2014

The final travel holiday of the summer is upon us, and soon, its traffic will be, too. About 2 million Floridians are expected to travel for Labor Day Weekend according to AAA, The Auto Club Group, and motorists hitting the road for the long weekend will face some of the highest gas prices since 2014. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Fishing rules altered because of Florida's red tide

Florida wildlife officials have changed fishing rules for snook and redfish in areas hit hard by a devastating red tide just ahead of the opening of the popular snook season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Thursday that the two sport fish will be designated catch-and-release only along parts of the Gulf coast to protect the stock. [Source: AP]

After years of consumer complaints, state sues rental car firm for ‘deceptive’ fees

After years of complaints from outraged consumers, many of them tourists, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed suit Thursday against a rental car giant, accusing the firm of deceiving motorists. Bondi filed suit against Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, accusing the company of gouging its own customers. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Siesta Key businesses feel the financial toll from red tide [Your Observer]
Stores, restaurants and hotels throughout Siesta Key have been reporting losses and some small businesses have been forced to close for a few days. As customers stay away, driven by beach conditions, cutbacks in operating hours and staff layoffs begin to mount.

› Amazon to hire more than 1,000 workers for Miami-area warehouse [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The robots can’t do it all. Amazon is hiring for its Miami-area warehouse in Opa-locka, which the company said is scheduled to open “in the coming weeks.” The e-commerce giant is looking for more than 1,000 workers for its robotics fulfillment center.

› UCF researcher gets $1 million from National Science Foundation for microchip research [Orlando Sentinel]
The National Science Foundation is paying a University of Central Florida researcher $1 million to boost hurricane-prediction models and cyberdefense systems. Associate professor Sumit Jha will work to create faster computer chips that will be able to process big amounts of data without overheating.

› Keys resort reopens nearly a year after Hurricane Irma [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Almost a year after Hurricane Irma pummeled the Florida Keys, another major resort is resuming operations. Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key formally reopened Thursday after a $50 million project to repair damage caused by Irma.

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› Residents try to save historic 1950s Florida motel sign [WFLA]
Efforts are underway to save an iconic Florida motel sign that has greeted people in Gainesville since the 1950s. The location is undergoing a major renovation and will become part of a hotel chain.

› Opinion: Why Florida needs tort reform to stop wasteful litigation [Florida Today]
Simply because something is legal it does not mean it is right. And it certainly does not mean we should refrain from amending bad outdated laws. Advocates of tort reform are well aware that trial lawyers simply follow the money trail when deciding which industries to target.

› Judge denies extension for Hurricane Maria evacuees staying in hotels [Orlando Sentinel]
A federal Judge on Thursday denied a request to extend a program that let Puerto Rican people who left their homes after Hurricane Maria stay in hotels. People still staying in taxpayer-funded hotels and motels under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Transitional Shelter Assistance program, commonly called TSA, will be allowed to stay until Sept. 14.

› SEC alleges Hallandale cash advance firm defrauded 3,400 investors out of $287 million [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed civil charges against 1 Global Capital of Hallandale Beach and ex-CEO Carl Ruderman for allegedly defrauding at least 3,400 retail investors out of $287 million.