MORE SIGNALS FROM RUBIO ABOUT 2016 RACE AS HE JOINS KOCH BROTHERS’ EVENT
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is sending clear signs about an expected run for the presidency in 2016. The first-term Republican lawmaker was due at a California gathering organized by the conservative billionaire Koch brothers, who have a keen interest in the party’s contenders. More than 450 allies and donors to the Koch network were to attend, with the closing event a panel discussion with Rubio and fellow Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas on domestic policy.
FLORIDA CITIES REMAIN TOPS FOR ‘UNDERWATER’ HOMES, TRAILING LAS VEGAS
Florida cities are still among the nation’s top metro areas in the share of “underwater” homes in their communities. A list compiled by the research firm RealtyTrac puts four Florida cities among the top housing markets with seriously “underwater” homes at the end of last year. At the top of the list is Las Vegas but the Nevada gambling mecca is followed by Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Miami, Detroit and Chicago.
FDA MULLS RELEASING GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITOES IN FLORIDA KEYS
Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if British researchers win approval to use the bugs against two extremely painful viral diseases. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is waiting to hear if the Food and Drug Administration will allow them to run an experiment in Key West to see if the modified bugs can suppress the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue and chikungunya.
APPEALS COURT REFUSES TO RECONSIDER CASE ALLOWING CRUISE PASSENGERS TO SUE FOR MALPRACTICE
A federal appeals court has refused to reconsider a decision that opens the door for cruise ship passengers to sue for medical malpractice. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a bid by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to revisit the ruling. The court noted that none of the 11th Circuit judges voted in support of reconsideration. Royal Caribbean could still appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court; a company spokesman said legal options are under review.
COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR MISSING KAYAKER
The U.S. Coast Guard and other local law enforcement agencies are searching off Jacksonville Beach for a 22-year-old kayaker. Officials say Garth Sangree was last seen Friday evening and had said he was going into the Atlantic by himself on Saturday. Jacksonville Beach police notified the Coast Guard of the missing kayaker on Sunday afternoon.
