D. L. Deener News

Fort Lauderdale sees significant job growth across multiple sectors

FloridaCommerce announced today that the Fort Lauderdale metro area leads in job gains over the year in trade, transportation, and utilities (+5,100 jobs); government (+4,200 jobs); and other services (+4,100 jobs). The area’s total nonagricultural employment in June 2024 was 925,500, an increase of 21,100 jobs (+2.3%) over the year. The Fort Lauderdale area’s private sector employment in June 2024 rose by 2.1% (+16,900 jobs) over the year.

Florida's largemouth bass reclassified as distinct species

Genetics studies have confirmed what many anglers and biologists have long believed: Florida bass are distinct. The American Fisheries Society has officially recognized the Florida bass as a separate species from the largemouth bass. Consequently, in most of Florida (excluding the western Panhandle), what was previously known as a largemouth bass is now referred to as a Florida bass.

University of Florida offers online master’s program in tourism

Unlock your potential and elevate your career trajectory through the University of Florida’s dynamic online Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality program. This 100% online curriculum is tailored to help professionals excel in the fast-paced hospitality industry.

JAXPORT collaborates with PRPA at inaugural summit in San Juan

Leadership from the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) recently traveled to San Juan to join the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) in hosting the inaugural Puerto Rico – Jacksonville Ports and Partners Summit on the island. Jacksonville is the number one port in the United States for trade with Puerto Rico, handling nearly 90 percent of all sea trade between the island and the U.S. mainland.

Florida CFO: State’s hurricane home preparedness program helps residents ‘save on insurance’

Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal, said in a June 24 post that the My Safe Florida Home program is helping state residents save money on insurance.

Nine individuals charged in Florida fentanyl trafficking ring

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced the shutdown of a fentanyl trafficking ring. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested 64 individuals involved in the trafficking organization, and Attorney General Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors are charging nine of the defendants with felony counts of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), conspiracy to commit RICO, and fentanyl trafficking among other charges. The group, led by Hector Torres, Miguel Castro-Rivera, and Luis...

Governor DeSantis vetoes vacation rentals bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the following bill:

How tipping impacts various roles within your restaurant

Tipping might seem like a simple exchange—a thank you for good service with a few extra dollars. However, beneath the surface lies a complex economy that impacts everyone in a restaurant, from operators to dishwashers. Understanding how tipping affects each role can reveal its significant impact on employee retention.

Governor DeSantis signs two bills on mobility funding and corporate actions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills into law:

Charges filed against 39 defendants in Florida fentanyl trafficking ring

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against 39 members of a significant drug-trafficking ring operating out of Volusia and Putnam counties. The group, led by Allen Messer, Toure Allen Wilder, Bobby Wilder, and Khyree Douglas Isaac, faces charges including conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, manufacture of fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, money laundering, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Florida Supreme Court disciplines five attorneys

Between April 29, 2024, and May 29, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court disciplined five attorneys licensed with the Florida State Bar, with one disbarment, two suspensions, and two reprimands.

Number of ‘nuclear verdicts’ in Florida decreased in 2023 thanks to tort reform

In 2023, Florida witnessed a decrease in the number of "nuclear verdicts," or jury verdicts exceeding $10 million, as a result of tort reform measures aimed at curbing legal system abuse. This was reported by Marathon Strategies on May 3.

New law requires FDLE to retain sexual offense evidence for 50 years

The Florida Senate announced that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed SB 764 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Linda Stewart (D–Orlando), mandates that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) retain sexual offense evidence kits of non-reporting persons for 50 years.