Many Florida seniors in financial straits and face losing their housing
Rent increases are forcing many Florida seniors to move, and they’re among the hardest hit in the country, a new survey suggests. The new survey from Retirement Living, an Oklahoma-based retirement planning company, used U.S. Census data to show more than 35% of seniors age 65 and older in Florida reported “feeling pressured” to move in the past six months due to rent increases. That’s nearly three times the national rate of 12.3%, it said. The median rent in Florida is $1,719, well above the national median of $1,406. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Trend Exclusive
House of Pitbull
A lot of musicians take up “residency” at a venue — think Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden or U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Miami’s international recording sensation Pitbull has gone a step further, putting his name on a stadium. For at least the next five years, the Florida International University Golden Panthers will play at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium. [Source: Florida Trend]
The 2024 hurricane season ranks 3rd in hurricane spawned tornado outbreaks
The 2024 hurricane season officially ends in about a week. And according to data from the Storm Prediction Center, this season ranks 3rd for the most tropical cyclone induced tornadoes in a hurricane season, over the last 30 years. 178 tornadoes were spawned from tropical cyclones this year. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
Next up to the moon: Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander to ship soon to Florida
Another private company will soon try its hand at sticking a landing on the moon for NASA. Cedar Park, Texas-based Firefly Aerospace was one of several companies that won contracts under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which aims to pay companies to provide a ride to the moon for its experiments. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida's wild turkeys face risk from bird flu and other threats
The most common form of wild turkey seen is Florida is in the shot glasses of partying spring breakers. But beyond the namesake whiskey, there really are wild turkeys in the Sunshine State. They were nearly wiped out in Florida in the early 1900s. Conservation efforts helped them recover. [Source: Florida Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is gifting 8 free memberships. Here’s how to apply
Accessing resources such as financial capital and mentorship can be difficult for minority business owners. With support from the fintech company Fiserv, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is launching a new program to help them. The Diverse Business Empowerment Membership Program will give eight businesses one-year memberships to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Benefits of membership include access to networking, educational seminars and more.
› IAAPA Expo reports record Orlando attendance, uptick in optimism
More than 41,000 attendees made it to last week’s IAAPA Expo, a record number for the event, the Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions reports. The Expo hosted 1,100 exhibitors and 27,000 buyers from 20,000 buying companies at Orange County Convention Center, IAAPA says.
› Pinellas chair to Rays: ‘Declare your intention’ on stadium deal by Dec. 1
Pinellas County Commission Chairperson Kathleen Peters sent a two-page letter to the Tampa Bay Rays asking the team to put in writing whether it intends to move forward on a $1.3 billion stadium voted on in July or provide a notice of termination by Sunday. “I am requesting that you official declare your intention regarding this agreement and whether you intend to see it come to fruition,” Peters wrote.
› JBA collecting for annual Holiday Project
The Jacksonville Bar Association conducts its annual Holiday Project to make the season brighter for older adults in Duval County. Thanks to the generosity of members and the legal community at large, the project has established a long tradition of providing gifts to hundreds of people every year.
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Jacksonville, Florida, leads the nation for industrial rent growth heading into 2025
Jacksonville has often been overshadowed by larger Florida markets including Miami, Orlando and Tampa, but its industrial sector has been punching above its weight for the last few years. The fast-growing city is positioned at the nexus of several major interstate systems, has a substantial rail transit network, and its port provides a global gateway to Florida.
› Brightline reports strong October despite hurricane challenges
Brightline Trains Florida closed October on a high note, reporting increased ridership and revenue despite two hurricanes that briefly disrupted service. The privately-owned intercity rail service, which connects Miami and Orlando through a 235-mile track, has capitalized on its growing long-distance segment, signaling the success of its strategy to refocus on higher-value routes.
› Orange County invests $1 million expanding homeless services in Central Florida
The ongoing rise of homelessness in Central Florida has driven some local governments and organizations to amp up their response. In Orange County, the Mental Health and Homelessness Division has teamed up with the Service & Love Together nonprofit, better known as SALT, granting the organization $1 million dollars to help expand services.
› USF researchers begin landmark 25-year lifespan study on the effects of digital media use
A new study led by a University of South Florida St. Petersburg researcher will track children aged 11 to 13 through 2050 to analyze the long-term impacts of digital media use. The Life in Media Survey will collect insights and experiences regarding smartphones, smartwatches, e-readers, social media and other digital media use on individual well-being from thousands of children as they grow into adults.