The Panhandle may be the next citrus-growing region

There’s a humble copse of 18 trees that recently got planted at an agricultural research station in Jay. It’s an experiment into whether Florida’s iconic crop can migrate up to the Panhandle. It’s also the result of an agricultural agent’s migration, from a suburb where farming was losing a battle against urban encroachment to a place where he believes production agriculture has a better chance of long-term viability. [Source: Crestview Bulletin]

Rick Scott, Florida Job Growth Grant Fund sends $29 million to projects across state

Now in the final weeks of his governorship, Gov. Rick Scott announced at the end of last week that he was sending more than $29 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to programs across the Sunshine State. More from Florida Politics and WUSF.

Remembrance: He founded a fruit company and helped revive UM basketball

On any given day through the 1960s and ‘70s, Irving and Ruth Karp could be found at their business, Carnival Fruit, chatting with customers as the couple sold oranges for a penny apiece. Their successful produce company stood as a community staple for decades, its colorful trucks circling Miami’s streets. After they sold the company, the Karps turned to philanthropy, donating tens of thousands of dollars to the University of Miami and other organizations. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida CEOs discuss their top workforce challenges for 2019

CEOs were asked: Heading into 2019, what do you see as the three biggest challenges for your company’s workforce? Brett Beveridge, CEO and founder of The Revenue Optimization Companies says, "With unemployment now in the vicinity of 3.9 percent, merely competing for great talent is a monumental undertaking." [Source: Miami Herald]

How the government shutdown is affecting South Florida

With the federal government in a partial government shutdown since late Friday, the impact in South Florida is being felt, but in a limited way. Unless you are an employee of the federal government who has been furloughed, the biggest impact can be seen at recreational facilities. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Vac-Con builds unique niche in Clay County [Florida Times-Union]
This is the second consecutive year that Vac-Con, headquartered in Clay County, has been honored by the First Coast Manufacturing Association (FCMA) — receiving a 2018 FCMA Award as Manufacturer of the Year. “It’s certainly an honor, and shows we’re doing something right,” said Vac-Con President Darrell LeSage.

› Big changes, amazing views and food coming to the Tampa Convention Center [WTSP]
The area surrounding the Tampa Convention Center is buzzing with new construction as the 30-year-old facility begins a $30-million improvement plan. The expansion includes 18 additional meeting rooms and 16,000 square feet of new space along the building’s west side.

› Jacksonville nonprofit, church on mission to feed, clothe those in need year-round [Florida Times-Union]
Food on the table can be a luxury to the elderly on fixed incomes, the disabled and families living paycheck to paycheck despite working full-time jobs. That need — more acute during the holidays — is year-round. A Jacksonville-based group in Arlington has made it a mission to feed, clothe and help neighbors as well as strangers experiencing hard times.

› South Florida's Republic Metals files for bankruptcy as 'blood gold' probe continues [Orlando Sentinel]
Republic Metals, the South Florida-based gold refiner that is one of the nation’s largest, has filed for bankruptcy, a further sign of trouble for the U.S. precious metals industry, which has been targeted by federal prosecutors investigating “blood gold” for more than two years.

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› It took 5 tries, but SpaceX finally launched a next-generation GPS satellite [Orlando Sentinel]
It took five tries, working through technical issues, severe weather and even the pressure of a vice presidential visit until, finally, a SpaceX rocket cut through clear skies Sunday on the way to space.

› Tooth powder? How a St. Pete shop is part of the organic care trend [Tampa Bay Times]
Bodhi Basics specializes in essential oils and handmade self-care items, with shelves and tables packed with greenery that removes pollutants and chemicals from the air.

› Sarasota County to hold public workshop on Siesta Key paid parking [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Sarasota County is expected to decide early next year whether it will impose paid parking at Siesta Key beaches. The commission will hold a special workshop tentatively scheduled on Feb. 19 to discuss implementing paid parking at Siesta Key beaches, according to county documents.

› Florida bakery pays workers $28,055 after violating minimum wage and overtime regulations [Miami Herald]
A Sanford bakery was caught flouting federal minimum wage and overtime laws, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced. Central Florida Bakery paid $28,055 in back wages and damages to 18 workers, $1,558.61 per person, and a civil cash dunning of $5,455 after a Wage and Hour Division investigation found problems.