Home rule battle heating up across Florida

In Tallahassee and across Florida, the debate of state control versus local control has heated up over the term “Home Rule”. Last week, dozens of local elected officials stood in the chambers of the Florida Senate to voice their concerns about state government wanting to thwart local control. Home Rule means that local matters are handled at the local level. While the state does have broad powers explicitly identified in the Florida Constitution, the default is for local communities to have say over things like zoning and other matters. More from Florida Daily.

See also:
» Florida legislators want to take away local authority over vacation rentals
» Florida mayors blast Legislature for bills they say are an assault on home rule
» Opinion: Legislature rolls back home rule

Florida Opportunity Zones could help Panama City's economy

Panama City officials are hopeful the three designated opportunity zones in the city limits will get more investors to help stimulate the economy. Florida Opportunity Zones nominated by Florida's previous Governor, Rick Scott, were certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in June. More from WJHG.

Miami debuts nonstop flight to Morocco, first to Africa in two decades

The walled cities, souks and garden courtyards of Morocco are now a non-stop flight away. Beginning Wednesday, April 3, Royal Air Maroc will operate three weekly flights from Miami International Airport to Casablanca. (Marrakesh, Fes and Tangier require a connecting flight or train ride.) More from the Miami Herald.

If Orlando is picked to host 2026 World Cup soccer matches, the price tag could be $50 million

If Orlando is picked to host men’s World Cup soccer matches in 2026, the price tag for staging the games could top $50 million, Greater Orlando Sports Commission CEO Jason Siegel told the Tourist Development Council during a briefing last week. But the economic impact on the region could be much, much bigger — $600 million or more, Siegel said. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida labor bill could aid victims of domestic violence

Survivors of domestic violence qualify for unemployment benefits in 41 states. But in Florida - which averages more than 117,000 reported cases of domestic violence per year - there is no such compensation. That could change soon under a bill being considered by the Florida Legislature that would provide a financial safety net to victims in need. More from WTXL.