Florida taxpayers gave big boost to winning campaigns

With candidates setting a record this year for pulling in matching funds, Florida taxpayers contributed $4.2 million to the winning campaigns for governor and three Cabinet seats, according to the final totals for the 2018 elections. Another $5.65 million in tax dollars went to the campaigns of six unsuccessful statewide candidates. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]

See also:
» With recounts over, Florida to certify 2018 election results
» Florida's Recount Is Over, But Worries About A 2020 Election 'Meltdown' Persist

Irma claims surpass $11 billion in Florida

Claims for damage from Hurricane Irma in Florida have now topped $11 billion. More than 1 million Florida property owners have filed claims for insured losses from Irma, according to the latest report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Thanksgiving gas prices headed for two-year low

Thanksgiving travel week is upon us, and so, too, are low gas prices. Gas prices in Florida are on track to be the lowest in two years, a boon for the 2.5 million travelers AAA, The Auto Club Group, expects to take to the roadways for the holiday this week. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Incoming Florida Senate President says lawmakers won’t "slow walk" amendments

Tallahassee is looking to run like a freshly oiled engine when new lawmakers take office. Incoming Senate President Bill Galvano is promising that lawmakers won’t do anything to block the nearly dozen constitutional amendments that voters passed this month. [Source: CBS Miami]

Chinese tariffs could slow South Florida's robust economic growth, experts say

As the Trump administration increases tariffs on imported goods, some South Florida manufacturers say they’re already seeing an impact. That could mean higher prices for consumers — and could slow the tricounty region’s robust economic growth, industry observers say. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Five Florida cities make top 20 list of hottest LGBTQ holiday destinations [Tampa Bay Times]
St. Petersburg was named one of the 20 "hottest" holiday travel spots in the world for LGBTQ visitors by gay room-share app, MisterB&B. St. Pete came in at No. 11 on the list, beat out by a few other Florida cities: Wilton Manors near Miami ranked No. 1, Fort Lauderdale No. 3 and Miami Beach No. 5.

› A worker almost lost a finger, so a company might lose almost $400,000 [Miami Herald]
Without protection, a worker almost lost a finger on a punch press machine in Hialeah. Safety violations that include not providing that protection will cost PGT Industries fines proposed to total $398,545, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced.

› Intertape Polymer completes acquisition [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Intertape Polymer Group Inc., the Canadian packaging company with executive headquarters in Sarasota County and Montreal, Quebec, has closed on its acquisition of the outstanding 26 percent in of a packing tape producer in India for $9.9 million.

› Agency helps Orlando small firms navigate tangled web of government contracts [Orlando Sentinel]
Amanda Wang knows that landing government contracts is not always about the lowest or strongest bid. Sometimes, it’s about meeting the right people. It’s a lesson she learned through a Department of Defense effort in Central Florida that helps small businesses land contracts with federal, state and local government agencies.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Entering hotel business, Flagler government dedicates 3 ‘cottages’ at Princess Place for tourism and science [Flagler Live]
It’s been four years since the Flagler County Commission approved building three air-conditioned tourism “cottages” on pristine waterfront land at the Princess Place Preserve, what would be the first of possibly nine 1,000-square-foot structures at the preserve, and 10 more like them at the River-to-Sea Preserve to be built next year.

› Zombie apocalypse coming to Pointe Orlando as new VR business plans opening [Orlando Sentinel]
A new attraction on International Drive will give players a chance to fight their way through a virtual zombie apocalypse with up to three of their friends. San Rafael, Calif.,-based Nomadic VR will open its first location in a 5,000-square-foot space at Pointe Orlando by the end of the month.

› United Airlines adds Sarasota-Bradenton-Denver flights for spring break [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
United Airlines will add nonstop service between Denver, Colorado, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport for four Saturdays during spring break next March. The service will be operated Saturdays only from March 9 to March 30 with an Airbus A320 aircraft ,which holds 150 passengers. Tickets are on sale now.

› Longtime Head of ACLU Florida Is Retiring [AP]
The longtime head of one of Florida's most visible civil rights organizations is retiring. Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU Florida, says he is stepping down from his job at the end of the month.