Filmed in Florida? State's entertainment industry faces challenges

The Showtime series “On Becoming a God in Central Florida” is supposed to take place in the Orlando area. But there's a problem: The show is films in southern Louisiana. Once a top destination for film and TV, Florida is no longer even in the top 10, with productions moving to states with incentives, which is something Florida phased out in 2016. [Source: WFTV]

The Sunshine Economy: Trade with China

Six percent of the global trade done in South Florida is with China, according to data from WorldCity, a global trade information firm based in Coral Gables. Trade with China is most significant at PortMiami, where it is the second largest trading partner after the Dominican Republic. Almost all of the trade business with China in South Florida is in imports. That business is down 20 percent through PortMiami this year. [Source: WLRN]

In hurricane-harassed Florida, it could become easier to bury power lines

State regulators next week will take up proposed rules that could help set the stage for an expansion of underground power lines in hurricane-battered Florida. Utilities already have underground power lines in some areas. But a key part of the law changes how underground power-line projects are financed, a change that could lead to more projects but also higher bills for utility customers. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WUSF.

South Florida’s population is changing. And that’s making real estate change, too

A population increase of foreign-born and northerners is influencing real estate in South Florida. About 94 new people a day moved to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties from July 2017 to July 2018., most of them from out of the country. Meanwhile, about 58,000 Floridians over the course of the year moved to another state, according to data compiled by Bloomberg and the U.S. Census Bureau. [Source: Miami Herald]

Stone crabs in trouble? Mote scientists studying impact of ocean acidification on habitat

Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota are using grant money to study how pH levels in the water affect the area’s stone crab population. Stone crabs are a renewable resource and a $30-million industry in the state of Florida. The scientists are studying how stone crabs in habitats with fluctuating pH levels compare with crabs in habitats with more stable pH levels to see if either is more resistant to increased levels of acidity in the water. More from WTSP and WWSB.

A leader in innovation: Using the latest sustainable technology from field to factory

U.S. Sugar uses the latest science and technology to produce the highest quality sugar, fresh vegetables, and orange juice. Employing advanced practices in planting, harvesting and transportation allows the company to maximize their crops while protecting the environment and communities where their people reside. [Sponsored report]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Stranded Thomas Cook travelers get free day at SeaWorld [Orlando Sentinel]
People stranded in Orlando by the collapse of the Thomas Cook travel company are getting a moment of respite. Now through Sept. 30, SeaWorld Orlando is offering free admission to the marooned travelers. Thomas Cook Group was a British touring company whose origins go back to the 19th century. It was forced into liquidation on Sunday.

› The Douglas Road Metrorail area may be getting even more office and residential spaces [Miami Herald]
The owner of four properties near Douglas Road Metrorail Station wants to add more office and residential spaces to the area. But the project would require rezoning for higher density. City of Miami commissioners will discuss Thursday a redevelopment application for four properties located at 3640 Bird Ave., 3601 Bird Road., 3555 Southwest 29 Terrace and 2990 SW 36 Court near the Douglas Road Metrorail station.

› Panama City airport gets $10.5 million for expansion [AP]
The Federal Aviation Administration is awarding a Florida airport $10.5 million to expand its terminal, build a taxiway and add parking. The agency announced the award Monday for Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which celebrates its 10th year of operation in 2020.

› 2 Orlando firms to build theme park in Dominican Republic [Orlando Sentinel]
Two Orlando companies will partner to build a series of attractions that will eventually form the first theme park in the Dominican Republic. Katmandu Group and Falcon’s Creative Group will first build a new entertainment venue in Punta Cana, which will feature the debut of Falcon’s Suspended Theater. The platform physically moves a group of riders through a narrative, simulating a flight through a fantasy realm.

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› In Manatee, new DeSoto Bridge could be 10+ years away [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
A decade or more could pass before the Florida Department of Transportation breaks ground on a replacement for the DeSoto Bridge and, if warranted, the possible construction of another crossing on the Manatee River. On Monday, members of a regional transportation board asked FDOT project manager Jennifer Marshall how much longer the agency may need for planning and engineering before construction could be underway.

› South Florida brand claims Crate & Barrel stole plate designs, Casper to sell CBD gummies, and more [WSVN]
A local home furnishing company said they created a beautiful dinner plate collection, but another company is now dishing up their design. The Nightteam’s Kevin Ozebek investigates. At first glance, the two plates may seem similar, but Thomas Fuchs said the one he designed is better made.

› Florida-based Coast Guard crew busts submarine carrying over $165 million worth of cocaine [WOGX]
A Florida-based Coast Guard crew busted a submarine carrying over $165 million worth of cocaine. The U.S. Coast Guard said that the Jacksonville-based Cutter Valiant crew intercepted a drug-laden, 40-foot submarine in the eastern Pacific while on patrol.

› Miami Grill Looking to Expand In All Major Florida Markets [Florida Trend]
Miami Grill®, the iconic, fast, casual restaurant chain, is currently seeking franchisees in all major Florida markets. With a primary concentration of restaurants in its home state of Florida, the company is now spearheading an aggressive growth plan to include all major metro areas where Miami Grill has previously opened restaurants.