PAGE 12 - January 4, 2012
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Florida rings in New Year with
minimumwith minimum wage rates that increased on Jan. 1,
wage increase
Florida is among eight states
2012. Starting Sunday, the Florida minimum wage is $7.67 per hour, up from $7.31.
Florida’s minimum wage applies to all employees in the state who are covered
by the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 an hour. By law, workers are entitled to the
higher rate if the state’s minimum wage exceeds the federal level, which was last adjusted
in 2009.
Also effective Jan. 1, employers of “tipped” employees may count tips actually
received as wages, provided they pay tipped employees a direct hourly wage of $4.65.
Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2004 which created the
state s minimum wage and requires that it keeps pace with inflation. Florida s Department
of Economic Opportunity (DEO) calculates the state s minimum wage based on fluctuations
in the consumer price index for the southern region. When first introduced in May 2005,
Florida’s minimum wage was $6.15, topping what was then the federal wage of $5.15. Since
then, the state’s minimum wage has been raised seven times while the federal rate has gone
up three times.
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempts certain jobs from both state
and federal minimum wage law, including farm and seasonal workers, those who deliver
newspapers and other “informal” workers, such as babysitters.
Twenty-three United States territories and states in 2011 had minimum wages set
at the federal level; the lowest minimum wage was Puerto Rico’s at $4.10 an hour, while
Georgia and Wyoming both had minimum wages of $5.15. The highest minimum wages
were $8.67 in Washington and $8.50 in Oregon. Five states had no state minimum wage.
This week's featured fishing photo is a photo of our End of the Year Trout Contest. 1st place
In addition to Florida, states raising minimum wages effective New Year’s day
right Tommy Williams, 2nd place Jennifer Williams , left 3rd place Kyle Coburn. All three are
are Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Increases range
from Dunnellon and were using Z-Man Lures just out side the Barge Canal .
from 28-37 cents an hour; Washington continues to lead the nation with a minimum wage
Tiger shark, hammerhead prohibitions started Jan. 1
in 2012 of $9.04 – the first state or territory to top $9 per hour – followed by Oregon with
$8.80.
The recreational and commercial harvest of tiger sharks and smooth, scalloped and
San Francisco, one of the few cities that sets its own minimum wage above the
great hammerhead sharks will be prohibited in Florida state waters beginning Jan. 1.
federal level, will raise its rate to $10.24 per hour, becoming the first big city to require an
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the
hourly wage rate of at least $10.
management change at its Nov. 16 Commission meeting in an effort to further protect these
top predators.
Buddy & Freds Hardware and
The new measures also prohibit the possession, sale and exchange of tiger sharks
and great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks harvested from state waters. These
Established 1983
sharks can still be caught and released in state waters and can be taken in adjacent federal
waters. Prohibited species that die while on the line after being caught in state waters should
Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
be returned to the water immediately.
Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(352) 447-2600
The FWC is also working on an educational campaign highlighting fishing and
Phone
Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
handling techniques that increase the survival rate of sharks that are caught and released
while ensuring the safety of the anglers targeting them.
Hardware BBQ Grills & Accessories Electric Fireplaces Kitchen Gear Gifts
& More...
JANUARY MANAGER SPECIALS
Captains Cove Outfitters
• 2012 Garden Seeds
39 W. Hwy. 40 • Inglis, FL • (352) 447-5610
in Stock
More Than A Bait Store
• Electric Fireplaces
Even though we have a great bait selection!
Priced Right
SHIMANO Top Shelf Dealer
• Camo T-Shirts & Jackets
Costa 580 P Dealer
Sizes up to 3x
• W.R. Case Knives on SALE
All Our Staff are Fishermen • Local Guides Available
until January 21st
We have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
Top Quality rods & reels for beginners
Located in Withlacoochee Plaza
next to Food Ranch
to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle
#44 U.S. Hwy. 19 North • Inglis, Florida
Inglis Super Stop Restaurant
Randy Alumbaugh
Todd Sumlin
Cafe-Deli Open 5 am - 8 pm
Construction, Inc.
Subs and Fried Chicken
Plant Manager
Stop a visit the "Beer Cave"
New Homes - Renovations - Additions
HOURS:
Serving Marion, Levy & Citrus Counties
Store open 5 a.m. - 10pm.
INGLIS QUARRY
www.alumbaughconstruction.com
Now Open
10880 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Licensed & Insured CRC058012
Phone (352)447-2209
Dine-In
P.O. Box 519
or Call-Ahead
Fax (352)447-0218
Office: 352-447-0655 - Inglis
Inglis, FL. 34449
Randy Alumbaugh
50
U.S. Hwy. 19
for Take-Out
447-4464
(at C.R. 40)
Fax: 352-447-3013
Cell: 352-266-7113
Shell Gas
352-
Inglis, Florida