Prepare for cannabis growth, not ‘green rush’ in Florida

In 2016, voters decided to make medical marijuana legal in Florida. A bill to create an official hemp program in the state just passed the Legislature and awaits the stroke of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pen. But some supporters ask where is the “green rush” of economic growth? Well, comparing green to gold may be the wrong analogy. [Source: Times/Herald]

First measles, now mumps - and Florida is on the list

Mumps has begun to make a comeback in Florida and around the globe, and Alachua County in Florida is among the places it’s gotten a foothold. An increased number of reports of the contagious virus — which brings fever, muscle aches and headaches and its trademark puffy jowls look, among other symptoms — has local health officials worried. [Source: The Destin Log]

Florida History: The biggest hurricanes to hit Florida

Florida’s modern history – since the arrival of Europeans – dates back 500 years, but most of it has occurred in this century. And along with each major development, a hurricane usually has trailed close behind. Of the 289 hurricanes to strike the United States from 1851 to 2015, 108 — more than one third — included a Florida landfall. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Four things that could affect Florida business this summer. One involves flood insurance.

It’s already been a busy year for Florida business. The governor signed off on 350 miles of new toll roads, Amazon struck a deal to bring an air cargo hub to Lakeland, and several South Florida companies were caught up in the largest Medicare scam in history. What happens next? Here are four things to keep an eye on this summer. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

World’s Strongest Man competition, ‘Game of Thrones’ star headed to Bradenton

After attracting rowing, soccer and other international sports events, Sarasota-Manatee will now host a world strongman competition, bringing a “Mountain” with it. The 42nd annual World’s Strongest Man will take place June 13-16 at various Bradenton venues, the first time the competition has taken place in the U.S. since 2014 and the first time ever in Florida. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Miami’s startup focus is not boosting wages. Here’s what will, experts say. [Miami Herald]
A new report by a well-regarded international business organization argues Miami’s status as one of the nation’s top startup hubs has not yet paid dividends. But, it says, the region has what it takes to pivot. The report comes from Endeavor Insight, the research arm of global entrepreneurship group Endeavor, which opened its first U.S. office in Miami in 2013.

› Duke Energy plans to decommission retired Florida nuclear plant by 2027 – nearly 50 years sooner than originally scheduled [Florida Trend]
Today, Duke Energy announced a plan to decommission its previously retired Crystal River Nuclear Plant in Florida by 2027 – nearly 50 years sooner than originally scheduled. The plan has no impact on customer bills.

› University of Miami Rosenstiel School team fishes for mahi farms [Miami Today]
A University of Miami team researching sustainable commercial mahi-mahi farming is aiming to shift the public’s preference toward eating a whole fish at a meal rather than fillets and seeking government incentives for investors to support domestic aquaculture.

› Florida invests millions to tackle invasive plant species [WPTV]
Florida spends $45 million annually in the battle against non-native plant species. A quarter of the budget is going to hydrilla, an aquatic plant known to block waterways and limit boat traffic. South Florida and Central Florida receive the most funding. Experts say these areas have more invasive plants compared to the rest of the state but also an ideal climate that make them grow at a faster rate.

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› Florida Launches Investigation Into Group Trying To Privately Build Border Wall [WLRN]
The state of Florida has officially launched an investigation into the group that raised over $23 million online, in a stated effort to privately build President Trump’s proposed border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

› Fish without a license in Florida this weekend [The Destin Log]
Save these dates if you’re interested in fishing but don’t have a license to do so. On June 1 and June 2, the state will allow saltwater fishing for those without a fishing license, 10 News reported. The following weekend, on June 8 and June 9, license-free freshwater fishing is being offered. The offer applies to residents and visitors.

› Founder and CEO of Q Link Wireless Announces Plans to Acquire Boost Mobile for as Much as $3 Billion [Florida Trend]
Issa Asad, the founder and CEO of Dania Beach-based Q Link Wireless, which employs 400, announced his plans to acquire Boost Mobile for as much as $3 billion. The forced sale of Boost is one of the requirements the FCC has suggested in order for a $26 billion merger between Sprint and T-Mobile to go forward.

› Nonstop flights to Philly to become daily at Sarasota-Bradenton airport [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Nonstop flights offered by American Airlines at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport will go from weekends only to daily starting on Dec. 18, the airport announced. Those flights are on Embraer 175 aircraft. The nonstop Philadelphia service launched on Jan. 12, 2019 and was one of 3 new destinations offered this past season by American.