How long could Florida run on just its reserves? 16 days

The Sunshine State may not be ready for a rainy day. The $1.4 billion that Florida holds in reserves is enough to operate state government for 16.2 days, according to a recent analysis by the non-profit Pew Charitable Trusts. That’s well below the state average of 23 days and less than half of where Florida was in 2002, when it could have run on its rainy day fund for nearly 33 days. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida retailers use ‘dark store' argument to save on property assessments, tax bills

Businesses of all kinds routinely challenge their property assessments in hopes of shaving even small amounts from their tax bills. But the retail industry, in particular, has become more aggressive in the years since the Great Recession. [Source: Florida Trend]

Florida's jobless rate holds at 3.5 percent for March

As the country nears the 10th anniversary of the current economic expansion, Florida's job market is tightening and its economic growth is slowing slightly. According to state figures released Friday, the Sunshine State's unemployment rate held at 3.5 percent in March, while the state added 11,500 jobs during the month. More from the Tampa Bay Times and WJXT.

See also:
» Metro Orlando's unemployment rate drops to 13-year low as Florida remains flat

Florida prison overhaul depends on tough talks

The next two weeks at the Florida Capitol will determine whether state lawmakers enact what some have called the boldest criminal justice reform ever seen in the state. Florida’s 96,000-inmate prison system is the third-largest in the U.S. and commands a $2.4 billion budget. The state’s crime rate is at a 55-year low, but House leaders say that’s a reason to be wary of too much change. [Source: Sarasota Heral;d-Tribune]

New Yorkers continue to flee the state for Florida

The battle between New York and Florida has shifted, for now, from bagels vs. oranges, or snow against sun, to something more tangible: people. Florida is getting them, in droves, from New York (and several other northeast states.) According to recent data from the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research’s latest annual survey on why Floridian’s moved to the state from New York, responses including family, weather and a job transfer all placed ahead of low-cost of living. [Source: Business Observer]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Tampa Bay area boat retailer makes splashy acquisition in Texas [Business Observer]
MarineMax, a Clearwater-based recreational boat and yacht retailer, has purchased Sail & Ski Center, a Texas boat dealership founded in 1969 that operates in Austin and San Antonio. According to a press release, Ski Center is one of the top 10 dealerships in North America, with 2018 revenue in excess of $40 million.

› State begins new e-cigarette awareness campaign [Gainesville Sun]
The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund, is launching a new initiative, E-Epidemic: Vaping and Youth, during Tobacco Free Florida Week, which will begin Monday and continue through Friday.

› Sticker shock zaps Broward's plan to curb hurricane power outages [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
If a hurricane strikes South Florida this year, be prepared for prolonged power outages. Little progress has been made since Hurricane Irma two years ago in dealing with the main culprit of knocked-out electricity: trees, vegetation and other debris being blown onto power lines.

› St. Petersburg approves plan to preserve small storefronts [Tampa Bay Times]
The City Council has approved a plan aimed at supporting small businesses and preserving the character of key downtown areas known for their shops and restaurants. The plan establishes what is being called the Storefront Conservation Corridor plan.

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› Brevard officials propose new rules for fertilizer retailers, other regulations to help lagoon [Florida Today]
Two of Brevard County's top environmental officials detailed for county commissioners proposed regulations and other initiatives that could help efforts clean up the Indian River Lagoon. The first of the proposals — to require fertilizer retailers to post signs at their stores explaining the county's fertilizer use rules — will come before the County Commission for an initial vote on Tuesday.

› Florida Aquarium Conducts a Huge Multi-Agency Conservation Mission in Florida Keys to Help Restore Florida's Reefs [Florida Trend]
The Florida Aquarium staff recently reached another milestone on conservation and research efforts to increase populations of staghorn coral, one of two of the most endangered species of coral, in the Florida Keys. Aquarium staff have dedicated thousands of field and laboratory hours to help give corals a chance not only to survive but to thrive in a challenging and changing environment.

› Virgin Trains finally set to launch construction of West Palm Beach-to-Orlando link [Miami Herald]
Virgin announced Friday it is finally set to build its West Palm Beach-to-Orlando link, thanks to the successful sale of $1.75 billion in bonds. The bond sale ends months of uncertainty over the project’s financing, which was contingent on approval of a plan to use a special bond designation.

› Clearwater's revised downtown incentive thuds again, but not all are discouraged [Tampa Bay Times]
About 15 years ago, Michael Janecek eyed a restaurant space on St. Petersburg's then-quieter Beach Drive but missed out when another business beat him to the punch. Now with his plan to open a casual fine dining restaurant in downtown Clearwater in June, Janecek is convinced this is his second chance to jump in early on a slumbering downtown's ascent to revitalization.