Outgoing House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz announced Tuesday that she will challenge Republican state Senator Dana Young, thus setting up a tough election fight in a Tampa swing seat.  Matt Dixon reports for Politico Florida. https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/04/10/janet-cruz-officially-announces-challenge-to-dana-young-357738

Rick Scott will appoint a replacement, who would get a two-year term. The circuit covers Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.  TCPalm.com’s Paul Ivice reports. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2018/04/10/circuit-judge-paul-kanarek-retire-voters-wont-get-choose-replacement/504798002/

Many of the state’s largest school districts had already signaled that they would reject the program, the Tampa Bay Times’ Ron Brackett reports. http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/04/11/broward-county-school-board-rejects-arming-school-personnel/

Volkswagen’s diesel scam has netted nearly $3 billion for states to spend on low- or no-pollution cars, buses, trucks, locomotives and other vehicles from forklifts to ships.  Kevin Spear reports for the Orlando Sentinel. South Carolina Department of Insurance Announces …

If a pesticide is good enough for organic crops, it’s good enough to be used on medicinal pot, a Florida medical marijuana provider says.  FloridaPolitics.com’s Jim Rosica reports. http://floridapolitics.com/archives/260821-marijuana-pesticide-regulation

If the industry wins its suit, the result would be a gift to companies like Tampa-based Amscot, the state’s largest payday lender: It could offer much larger loans without the nuisance of the consumer protection rules.  Lawrence Mower reports for the Tampa …

Lawmakers passed 12 bills creating new exemptions this year, including measures to block access to building plans for healthcare facilities; U.S. Census Bureau address information; data used by a state-run insurance company; and documents revealing the valuation of surplus lands …

The “gentleman” of Tallahassee said an official goodbye Tuesday as the representative for Florida’s 71st House District to his county counterparts.  Hannah Morse reports for the Bradenton Herald. http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article208459224.html

Access Insurance, which provides coverage for 42,785 drivers in Pennsylvania, was found to be insolvent in March.  The Philadeliphia Inquirer reports via the PCI SmartBrief. http://www.philly.com/philly/business/access-insurance-insolvent-commission-drivers-uncovered-20180410.html

Insurance Commissioner James Donelon is joining with Representative Kirk Talbot and Representative Major Thibaut along with Senator John Smith to urge the Louisiana Legislature to support House Bill 472 creating a state-wide reinsurance pool that will stabilize the state’s ailing …