Even in Florida's booming economy layoffs happen, which shows why diverse economy is needed

In the past year, Florida added more than 220,000 jobs and has been adding them at a fast pace for several years. But each year it also loses thousands of them. It’s nothing personal. It’s just business. That's why economists and job trainers say it's important to have a diverse economy that is friendly to employers. When one sector stumbles, there should be jobs in other sectors. More from the Naples Daily News and the Fort Myers News-Press.

Florida Trend Exclusive
E-Verify: Improved and effective (maybe too effective)

E-Verify electronically compares information submitted by a prospective employee with data from the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. But employers in industries such as agriculture and hospitality that depend on lower-wage immigrant labor, are often resistant. By installing E-Verify, they feel that they’re cutting themselves off from necessary workers. [Source: Florida Trend]

See also:
» Permanent visas: Employers claim a need for foreign workers for everything from pilots to pilates instructors.

Red tide is spreading in Florida. Hurricane Michael didn't stop it.

As the red tide continues to move northward along Florida's east coast, a new breakaway bloom is moving through the Keys. Counties across the state have been dealing with the Karenia brevis algae, and the marine life it's killed, for months. Now, Indian River is the latest Florida county forced to close its beaches because of red tide. [Source: CNN]

See also:
» U.S. Small Business Administration opens red tide recovery center in Collier

Florida officials aim to prevent python-like spread of other non-native wildlife

The state is targeting several non-native species in hopes of controlling the animals before they become the next Burmese python, the next foreign critter, to invade and eviscerate the Sunshine State. Animals like flying fox squirrels, mongoose, three types of anacondas, Java sparrows and a handful of others are being singled out by wildlife managers before the animals can take hold and cause damage. [Source: Naples Daily News]

Regulators, industry seek to keep Florida AOB abuse in check after Hurricane Michael

In an effort to keep the Florida assignment of benefits (AOB) crisis from further worsening in the state, Florida’s insurance industry, regulators and consumer advocates are on high alert for AOB activity in the wake of Hurricane Michael. [Source: Source]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida Joins United States Department of Justice and other states in CVS/Aetna anticompetitive settlement [Space Coast Daily]
Florida is joining the United States Department of Justice and four other states in a settlement that resolves anticompetitive concerns raised by the proposed $69 million merger between CVS Health Corporation and Aetna Inc— two of the largest companies in the health care market.

› Two salmonella scares across Florida, at least 20 hospitalized so far [WOFL]
A massive outbreak is popping up in states across the country, including here in Florida. There are two salmonella scares out there and the first of them has already gotten nearly 100 people sick in almost 30 states.

› Bealls unveils new concept in West Bradenton [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
At the remodeled Bealls Stores location on Manatee Avenue West, shoppers can kick back and relax, grab a snack from a vending machine and even charge their phones. The clothing, accessories and home merchandise retailer, headquartered in Bradenton, held a re-opening celebration Thursday morning for its flagship store.

› Biggest exhibit of business jets lands in Orlando [Orlando Sentinel]
The world’s biggest exhibit of business jets, which wrapped up Thursday at Orlando Executive Airport, features rows of elegant pterodactyls with elongated limbs and sweeping wings, and gleaming like jewelry not found at the mall.

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› Central Florida luggage handler Bags Inc. sold for $275 million [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando baggage-handling company Bags Inc. has been sold for $275 million to a national parking conglomerate SP Plus Corp. Bags Inc., headed by founder Craig Mateer, delivers luggage and bags from airports to hotels, working with airlines, hotels and resorts.

› Over 400 guns seized from travelers at Florida airports so far in 2018 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Over the past five years, the total number of firearms confiscated at Florida’s 20 largest airports more than doubled from 228 to 511, officials said. Through mid-October of this year, 408 guns have been seized statewide.

› Orlando Ballet breaks ground on new home at Loch Haven Park [Orlando Sentinel]
Government dignitaries, Orlando Ballet officials, dancers and fans gathered in Loch Haven Park to commemorate the start of construction on Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre in the southwest corner of the park, north of downtown.

› Tampa's Riverwalk among finalists for 'Great Places in America' [Tampa Bay Times]
Tampa's Riverwalk could be deemed one of America's favorite places, according to the American Planning Association. All it needs is to capture that title are votes. The Riverwalk is one of five finalists nationwide in the people's choice category of the "Great Places in America," as chosen through an online poll.