The past couple of years have been difficult for the state's real estate market-- particularly in South Florida. However, real estate agents now say that Miami's market is finally booming after years of a lull.

According to Bloomberg News,

The proposal to build mega-casinos in South Florida never made it to a final vote in the last session of the Florida Legislature. Now it looks like the issue may not be coming up again for at least another year.

Senate President Don Gaetz is setting up a new committee to examine Florida gambling which he says is both over- and under-regulated. But Gaetz is considered an opponent of gambling and he's in no hurry to pass a casino gambling bill.

A small group of fans recently gathered at the Marlins' new half-billion dollar stadium in Miami's Little Havana to protest in both in Spanish and in English. They want new owners after the team's latest purge: the trade of All-Stars Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson to the Blue Jays in return for seven mostly unknown players.

The move, which came after the team finished in last place, will save the Marlins more than $160 million in future payroll obligations. It comes within a year of the Marlins' move into their new, mostly taxpayer-funded stadium.

Everyone knows that the some of the busiest shopping days of year are in full force. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so much of South Florida will spend their next few days buying things.

For those who would prefer doing something other than shopping, fear not! 

Here are some things you can do this weekend:

One of Palm Beach County's oldest public schools is hoping to become one of Florida's greenest.

Two weeks ago, we asked you to co-author a story with Junot Diaz.

Last week, we asked you to remix that story with submissions that may or may not have made the final narrative.

This week, we have a winner.

Pollsters call him "highly vulnerable" and his approvals remain in the cellar, but Gov. Rick Scott's reelection campaign treasury is beginning to fill up.