Few Florida businesses sign up for red tide financial assistance

High interest rates on state-offered loans and a lack of publicity on the SBA’s part have made local entrepreneurs reluctant to apply, leaving their businesses still gasping for air in an environment starved of tourism. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

See also:
» Rick Scott directs $2.2 million for red tide mitigation
» Struggling against Red Tide, a Redington Beach liquor store is too small to qualify for local aid

The Sunshine Economy: The business of betting

Gambling in Florida is a perennial issue for politicians and the public. It will be on this fall’s ballot for voters in two forms. One proposed constitutional amendment would ban greyhound racing. The other question is much larger: should voters have the exclusive right to expand gambling? [Source: WLRN]

Medical marijuana in Florida is a cash-only business

Unlike other drugs that can be picked up at a pharmacy, patients have to go to a licensed dispensary to purchase medical marijuana. Inside each of those dispensaries, you will find an ATM machine. There is a reason for it. While the state of Florida allows the use of medical marijuana, the federal government does not. That means a patient cannot use a credit card to buy the drug. [Source: NBC Miami]

New Florida laws kick in Oct. 1

Laws will take effect next week that will add benefits for first responders who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and impose harsher penalties on people who abuse animals, along with other measures signed by Gov. Rick Scott after the 2018 legislative session. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Your home insurance options are growing, thanks to a healthier market

Private market insurers are starting to expand options available to Florida homeowners — and that’s a sign the state’s home insurance market is healthier than ever, experts say. Florida homeowners are no longer limited by hurricane-weary companies to bare-bones coverage choices. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Drone technology at Duke Energy

For nearly a century, unmanned aerial vehicles – or drones – were military tools, but in the last decade, drone use for civilian tasks has skyrocketed. The energy industry is no exception. Duke Energy started using drones in 2015 to inspect wind and solar sites. Read the full report here. [Sponsored]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Could any of the current tropical systems affect Florida? [WKMG]
Will Leslie do a loop? Will Kirk become a thing again? What about that tropical system near the East Coast? And what does it all mean for Florida?

› Tallahassee MSA economy falls from top per capita spot [Tallahassee Democrat]
The Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area no longer has the fastest growing economy per capita in the state, a report released last week from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates. The Tallahassee MSA per capita ranked second behind Palm Bay/Melbourne and Titusville MSA.

› Olive Garden says don't count on home delivery anytime soon [Orlando Sentinel]
. Even though the Orlando-based restaurant chain has ventured into catering on orders of $100 or more, Darden CEO Gene Lee said last week during an earnings call with investors that the company doesn’t want to jump into the delivery business on small orders.

› Port Tampa Bay marks 1 million cruise passengers in a year for the first time ever [Tampa Bay Times]
Port Tampa Bay last week welcomed its 1-millionth cruise ship passenger for the first time ever in a single year. The port hit the milestone on Sept. 17, when the count hit 1,000,524 for this fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Despite loud objections from JEA, Plant Vogtle gets OK from Georgia power agency [Florida Times-Union]
Despite a concerted pressure campaign by leaders of Jacksonville’s electric utility, the directors of a Georgia power agency emerged from a closed-door session Monday and voted to move forward with a controversial nuclear power project in that state.

› Still have damage from Irma? A new center will help those in need of hurricane repairs [Orlando Sentinel]
More than a year since Hurricane Irma blew through Orlando, hundreds of low-income families are still dealing with the aftermath: Punctured roofs, downed fences and infestations of mold.

› 'A true giant:' Jacksonville civic leader James Horner Winston dies [Jax Daily Record]
Jacksonville civic leader James Horner Winston is being remembered for his kindness and support. “He was known as a leader and he was a true one. He will be missed,” said former City Council member Faye Rustin.

› If Rod Rosentein is out, this official from Florida recount could step in [Tampa Bay Times]
U.S. solicitor general Noel Francisco, who would be next in line to lead the investigation if Rosenstein leaves his post or is fired, once worked for President George W. Bush's team during the 2000 Florida recount that ultimately resulted in Bush becoming president over then-Vice President Al Gore.