Citrus farmers receive half of $343 million in Hurricane Irma relief

Florida has reached the halfway point in dispensing a $343 million federal grant it received for citrus farmers who suffered damage in Hurricane Irma two years ago, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. “I think that that’s been much-needed relief,” DeSantis said of the $173 million that has been distributed, mostly since he took office in January. More from the Orlando Sentinel and WCTV.

Study ranks Florida as one of the least affordable states to live in the U.S.

Americans work more hours than the average country, according to a new study by Joblist.com. That study also found that for many, the long hours aren’t paying off, especially in Florida. “One of the biggest industries is our tourism industry,” said Maria Goodwin, the Director of Workforce Services at CareerSource Gulf Coast. “Historically, those are industries that pay below your average wage.” More from WFLA.

South Florida skyscraper with a futuristic, skeleton look is welcoming its first residents

One of the tallest projects in Miami was envisioned as a condo for wealthy jet-setters where what you see really is what you get. The bones that built One Thousand Museum Residences are on the outside, meant to be exposed — yet a piece of art. The pieces were shipped in from Dubai, totaling 4,800 pieces of precast concrete in 1,000 containers over two years. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

National tech-skills school opens in Orlando

The national coding school General Assembly has opened its first location in downtown Orlando, bringing with it a program acquired by the staffing company Adecco two years ago in a deal worth $412.5 million. The company had been working with local government officials, employers and economic organizations before announcing the move to help solve what some companies have called the biggest challenge: a dwindling tech workforce amid growing need. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

In Manatee, proposed law curbs panhandling by stressing safety

A proposed Manatee County law intended to curtail panhandling does not even mention that 11-letter word referring to begging in public. Instead it emphasizes public safety by prohibiting transactions between pedestrians and occupants of vehicles being operated in the travel lanes of county thoroughfares. More from the Bradenton Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.