Citizens exposure shrinks 43% as depopulation accelerated
Citizens had 777,592 policies on Friday, the lowest number at a comparable time of year since June 2021, according to data on its website. Friday’s total also was down from 820,882 policies a week earlier, amid what is known as a “depopulation” program aimed at shifting customers into the private market. With hurricane season starting June 1, the shifts into the private market will slow in the coming months but are expected to pick up again in the fall. More from the News Service of Florida and Artemis.
Southwest Florida arts scene sees post-COVID boom
Southwest Florida is a hotbed for visual arts organizations, museums and arts nonprofits, a report from Florida Gulf Coast University’s Regional Economic Research Institute found. The number of fine arts industry establishments in the region nearly doubled from 1,087 in 2015 to 2,171 in 2023, with a large pop in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. More from Gulfshore Business.
UF board Chairman Mori Hosseini says Jacksonville campus will be 'national model'
The University of Florida is creating a new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville after receiving funding from the state, private donors, and the city. UF Chairman Mori Hosseini said Jacksonville will be a "national model" for how a university can expand by building an urban graduate campus. While the agreement allows considerable time for construction, Hosseini anticipates a faster pace. The campus will bring a piece of UF's growing research capabilities to Jacksonville. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Sarasota eateries report $1.2M in revenue from restaurant weeks
Early results from Savor Sarasota — the county’s summer dining initiative — indicate that business was strong for participating restaurants. Through the program that took place this June, diners could select from $25 two-course lunches and $45 three-course dinners. More than 60 restaurants participated in Savor Sarasota. More from the Business Observer.
In murky deal, Miami may give storied 1926 Olympia theater to Pitbull’s charter school
Miami officials are moving to turn over control of one of the city’s signature cultural and architectural treasures, the historic but run-down Olympia Theater on Flagler Street downtown, to a Little Havana charter school closely affiliated with a politically influential for-profit charter operator. News of the plan, which was developed by city administrators but has not been publicly vetted or discussed, has provoked considerable consternation in political, downtown, cultural and preservation circles. More from the Miami Herald.
Out of the Box
Off-Earth footprint: Florida company will design shoe in space in 2026
Humanity will soon take another step toward establishing an off-Earth economy, if all goes according to plan. The Florida footwear company Syntilay aims to design a shoe in space by mid- to late 2026, showcasing some new technology and blazing a trail for others to follow. "The purpose of this is to push the boundaries of what's possible," Syntilay founder and CEO Ben Weiss said.
» More from Space.com.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Upgrading the boulevard
With development oriented toward its waterways, Fort Lauderdale lacks an attractive entrance from Interstate 95. Aged and run-down commercial properties for the most part line the Broward Boulevard artery to downtown. If known at all, it’s for traffic and keeping the doors locked. That will change a bit with downtown condo development Natiivo Fort Lauderdale, a 40-story project by Harvey Hernandez and his Newgard Development Group.
» Read more from Florida Trend.