USF receives $70M to continue research into causes of diabetes

NIH will award the funds over the next four years as part of an ongoing study into the influence of environmental factors in the development of Type 1 diabetes. Researchers at USF believe a variety of external risk factors may be associated with Type 1 diabetes, which was once considered primarily a genetic condition. More from WUSF News.

Pinellas County to tackle affordable housing shortage

The red-hot housing market shows no signs of slowing down and when combined with the population density in Pinellas County, it's easy to see why so many people are having problems getting a home right now. That conundrum has led Pinellas County, its 25 city governments, and Forward Pinellas to band together to tackle the critical shortage of affordable housing. “The price of housing is really through the roof, and it just continues to rise," Whit Blanton, Forward Pinellas' Executive Director said. More from WFTS.

New Valencia College president looks to grow degree programs, campus facilities while focusing on education access

Dr. Kathleen Plinske is the new president of Valencia College, but she's been a part of shaping the college for more than 10 years. President Dr. Sandy Shugart, who just retired, hired Plinske as provost of the Osceola Campus in 2010. Plinske is a first-generation college graduate with a passion for making sure everyone has access to higher-education. More from Spectrum News.

Duke Energy doles out workforce grants for under-represented groups in Central Florida

The Duke Energy Foundation wants to help job-seekers and students from under-represented groups prepare for employment, primarily within the energy sector. Duke Energy also sent the University of Florida and its Aerospace Engineering program a $100,000 grant to create a testing hub and certificate program for sustainable energy. The Florida Chapter of American Association of Blacks in Energy received $28,000 for a youth energy academy, a Black Energy Awareness Month initiative, and other scholarships. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

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The annual dining promotion, which offers fixed-price deals on brunch, lunch and dinner at Miami-Dade County restaurants, has published the 114 restaurants participating this year. Many of the restaurants have also shared their menus. The promotion runs Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. To see the full list of restaurants, visit the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau website. More from the Miami Herald.

Business Beat - Week of July 16

Get the top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.