Florida’s recount is over

Gov. Rick Scott won the U.S. Senate race over incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson on Sunday, after a hand recount showed him with a 10,033-vote victory in one of the closest, and at nearly $200 million, the most expensive statewide races in Florida history. The day before, Andrew Gillum conceded his campaign for Florida governor to Ron DeSantis. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.
See also:
» Bill Nelson concedes U.S. Senate race to Rick Scott after recount
» Andrew Gillum concedes in race for governor to Ron DeSantis
» How Nikki Fried won the only statewide office for Democrats
» Bill Nelson’s ending: Sluggish campaign couldn’t overcome Rick Scott’s millions
» With victory, Rick Scott joins an exclusive club of Florida politicians
» Brenda Snipes submits resignation as Broward elections supervisor

Florida unemployment rate dips to 3.4 percent in October

Florida's unemployment rate is 3.4 percent, its lowest level since January 2007. The state released figures Friday that show October unemployment dropped slightly from September's rate of 3.5 percent. There were 350,000 Floridians without jobs out of a workforce of 10.2 million people. More from the Orlando Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» How low can it go? South Florida unemployment lowest in a decade or more

Florida sues Walgreens, CVS over opioid sales

Florida is suing the nation's two largest drugstore chains, Walgreens and CVS, alleging they added to the state and national opioid crisis by overselling painkillers and not taking precautions to stop illegal sales. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced late Friday that she has added the companies to a state-court lawsuit filed last spring against Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and several opioid distributors. [Source: AP]

Grab your helmets, Florida, it’s going to be a busy holiday season

The Florida Retail Federation is predicting that holiday sales this year will inch out last year by 4.5 percent, a healthy increase that’s driven by low unemployment and strong consumer confidence. Floridians feel like they have more money to burn, and retailers are doing everything they can to be the place they choose to spend it. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Pot for pets? South Florida businesses pushing cannabis oils for Fido's aches, anxieties

Pot for pets? It’s the latest offshoot of the ever-evolving legitimization of medicinal marijuana, and a trio of South Florida companies are competing to become the Blue Apron of cannabis oils for pets. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida International University's Decade of Progress

When Florida International University was named among America’s top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, it was more than recognition by the gold standard of higher education rankings. This unprecedented rise in quality and prestige reflects a purpose-driven mission at the nation’s fourth-largest university. [Source: Sponsored Report]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Publix, where shopping is a pleasure for boaters? [Miami Herald]
The only surprising thing about having a Publix supermarket on the water in South Florida, with a boat dock and outdoor cafe tables, is why didn’t they think of it sooner? According to Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, this scenario may be reality within two years.

› Jacksonville’s port leads state in container traffic after record year [Florida Times-Union]
A big jump in cargo has enabled JaxPort to lock down bragging rights as Florida’s busiest port authority for shipments of cargo containers, those stackable metal boxes that move global trade. JaxPort posted a 23-percent jump in the annual volume of containers moved at its three terminals in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

› All Florida disaster recovery centers will be closed Thanksgiving Day [WTXL]
All State-FEMA disaster recovery centers in Florida will be closed Thanksgiving Day. The Florida disaster recovery centers provide guidance to survivors in recovering from Hurricane Michael.

› Amazon brings delivery station to Gainesville [Gainesville Sun]
Amazon’s Gainesville Delivery Station, at the Airport Industrial Park off of Northeast 49th Avenue, is operational. The 10,000-square-foot facility is expected to bring about 100 new full-time and part-time jobs to the area, according to Amazon.

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› Prominent investment firm opens new office in Tampa Bay area [Business Observer]
PROVISE, a Clearwater-based financial planning and investment management firm, has expanded its footprint in the area by opening an office in Tampa’s Westshore business district.

› Study for new Gainesville, Ocala airport takes off [Gainesville Sun]
Despite millions spent to improve parking and expand the terminal and the addition of twice-daily American Airlines routes to Dallas that begin in March, Gainesville Regional’s scanty schedule is seen by some business leaders as a threat to attracting and retaining high-tech companies and a talented workforce.

› ‘American Pickers’ to film in Florida, looking for leads [Tampa Bay Newspapers]
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are coming back to Florida early next year to film episodes of the hit “American Pickers.” Filming is scheduled to take place throughout the region in February. Wolfe and Fritz are looking for leads and would love to explore hidden treasures in the Tampa Bay area.

› Citrix acquires California 'micro app' developer Sapho for $200 million [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Citrix Systems has acquired California-based “micro app” developer Sapho for $200 million. The Fort Lauderdale-based software company said it will use Sapho to enhance capabilities within Citrix’s Workspace, which allows workers to access their apps remotely.