As climate change hits Florida agriculture, could the future be ‘carbon farming’?

The agriculture industry, one of the state’s most politically and economically important forces, has largely stayed quiet in the climate change conversation even as the impacts have begun to take a toll on the bottom line. That is changing fast, as more farmers and ranchers open up about the impacts of a warming world on their crops and livestock — and propose ways they might help fix it. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida gas prices aren't likely to rise much, AAA says

Florida gas prices are nearing their lowest of summer, and according to AAA, the Auto Club Group, they're likely to stay that way. "Fortunately, the highest gas prices of the year are likely far behind us," said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. "As long as economic and global demand concerns continue, it's unlikely drivers will see a significant jump at the pump anytime soon." Read more from AAA and the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida citrus farmers facing challenges, optimistic about 2019 season

Agriculture is the second leading industry in our state behind tourism. And Florida produces more than 70% of the United State’s supply of citrus, according to Visit Florida. Growers are optimistic for the 2019 citrus season. One farmer says the past couple of years have been tough, but says it's a part of the business. “You don’t plant a crop when it’s good, you plant when you need to plant, and same thing with growing citrus, we do the things we have to do irregardless of what we are facing,” said Wayne Simmons, Manager, Labelle Fruit Company, LLC. [Source: WFTX]

Proposal takes aim at Florida’s fireworks ban

Floridians could add more sparkle to the Fourth of July and two other holidays, under the latest attempt to water down the state’s prohibition against fireworks. The push to make the sale of fireworks legal on Independence Day, Memorial Day and New Year’s Eve is being spearheaded by Sen. Travis Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican, and Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral. More from FOX 35, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Daytona Beach News Journal.

As Florida ponders legalized pot, it’s unclear how it’s worked in other states

The push to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida is alive and well. A petition to put legal weed on the ballot in 2020 has triggered a Supreme Court review, a recent Quinnipiac University poll shows 65 percent of Florida voters support fully legalizing the drug and bill proposals are pitching legalization as a potential boon for Florida’s tourism economy, a step toward criminal justice reform and a way to boost local businesses in periphery markets. One of the key selling points? Taxes. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

See also:
» Recreational marijuana in Florida targeted as a major issue for 2020

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Sarasota branding agency pushing all the right buttons [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
MagnifyGood branding agency scores huge successes with image makeovers. Transplanted to Sarasota from Vermont in 2004, the enterprise was initially known as CAP Brand Marketing, tailored to for-profit businesses. But after the 2008 market crash and advertising’s subsequent shift into digital modes, the owners reimagined a way forward through social media, with emphasis on nonprofits. After all, Sarasota has hundreds of those.

› Zillow begins buying homes in Palm Beach County [Palm Beach Post]
A new player will begin snapping up homes in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Seattle-based Zillow said Monday that its Zillow Offers program has debuted in South Florida. >>Related: New home-buying model promises no-hassle sales Zillow calls it “a stress-free way to sell.” Owners of houses and townhouses that fit Zillow Offers’ buying criteria can solicit offers and unload their property in as little as five days, although Zillow Offers said it will extend deals for as long as three months.

› A travel website ranked America’s friendliest states. Florida didn’t do so well [Miami Herald]
It probably had something to do with the heavy traffic and the lack of turn signals. A new poll found that Florida lacks the southern charm that often distinguishes states below the Mason Dixon line. Florida is the 42nd most friendly state, according to rankings published by Big 7 Travel.

› Is Tampa Bay about to enter Water War Two? [Tampa Bay Times]
The kumbaya sing-along on both sides of Tampa Bay appears to be over. The latest brawl? Water. At a Tampa Bay Water board meeting Monday, sparring between St. Petersburg City Council member Darden Rice and Tampa City Council member Charlie Miranda got particularly intense. Rice accused Tampa of ducking transparency. Miranda compared Rice’s desire to seek outside legal advice to a $1 million divorce fight.

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› Two Fort Myers banks evaluated by feds in 2018 [Florida Business Daily]
A total of two banks in Fort Myers, Florida received "satisfactory" ratings from federal regulators in 2018. Under the Consumer Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977, federally insured banks in the United States are required to meet the credit needs of the entire community in which they serve -- including low- and moderate-income community members -- through the use of safe and sound banking operations.

› Nestle to lay off nearly 70 in Weston [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Nestle USA, which operates an ice cream distributor in Weston, issued a state notice that it would lay off 67 workers from Oct. 18 to Dec. 31. The entire operation, at 3255 Meridian Parkway, will be closed by Dec. 31, according to a state notice. Employees have been informed of the layoff, according to the letter to the state from Penny Finley, Nestle USA director of human resources.

› Ready for this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Fest? This sneak peek may help your strategy [Orlando Sentinel]
It’s the 24th year for the festival, and fun, new flavors, returning favorites and all kinds of activities abound, but festival chefs are universally excited about the all-new Alps marketplace, where the ooey-gooey (and uber trendy) visual that is raclette will be doing a star turn.

› Jacksonville animal shelters work to regain no-kill status, but still national animal-welfare leader [Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville achieved no-kill status, which means at least 90 percent of all animals left shelters alive for 12 consecutive months, in 2014 after years of pushing adoption, fosters and spay-neuter programs. But the city shelter’s live-release rate dropped to 86 percent in 2018, removing its no-kill designation.