Ryan Benk

Big Bend Hospice has been caring for the region’s terminal and end of life patients since 1983, supported by its own not-for-profit foundation and community partners, now it’s getting ready to expand. Florida State Senator Bill Montford spoke about the facility’s three-decade long reputation for compassionate care at the ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday.

The 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1st. Florida officials are getting ready with an annual hurricane drill to test the state’s storm preparedness. Drill participants weren’t given an easy test either; the drill included two hurricanes that affected the entire state.

Tourism has close to $70 billion in economic impact on the state of Florida and in the last two years, the Sunshine State has broken tourism records. Now, the state’s visitors have hit an all-time high for the first quarter of 2013.

“For the month of April Florida’s unemployment rate has dropped to 7.2 percent which puts us once again, below the national average.”

The state of Florida has seen its 30th consecutive month of declining unemployment rates. The jobless rate is the lowest the state has seen since September of 2008.

The jobless rate for the month of April was 7.2 %, down from March’s rate of seven and a half. Most of Florida’s employment gains come from the hospitality and trade industries and coincides with a record breaking quarter for tourism. Governor Rick Scott took credit for the falling rate and said businesses are thriving under his administration.

Tallahassee lost one of its most dedicated sports writers four years ago. Shortly after Steve Ellis passed away, Florida State University’s School of Communication set up a scholarship fund in his name. Now, the scholarship is close to reaching its funding goal and Ellis’ widow, Karen, is hoping a 5-k run in honor of her late husband will help them raise the remaining money.