DeSantis readies AI policies, worries technology could disrupt Florida jobs
Gov. Ron DeSantis is readying new policies to address the influence of artificial intelligence, worried the rapidly evolving technology could harm Floridians. DeSantis has outlined a variety of AI critiques at recent events — from its potential to disrupt the job market to its lack of knowledge about Florida Gators athletics. He hasn’t listed specific policy ideas, but he said Monday he plans to roll out an AI framework within the next few months. He added the approach may require legislative action. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
International home shoppers are buying lots of South Florida’s newest housing
International demand has been high for South Florida’s newest housing — with shoppers abroad buying up nearly half the region’s newly built residences, according to real-estate data released Monday. A combination of overseas political instability, lack of state income tax, a “business-friendly government” and good weather are what’s driving the foreign interest, according to the Miami Realtors. This is amid the challenges in South Florida: high mortgage rates, rising median prices and stricter federal immigration policies. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Is this the year for Jacksonville property tax rate cut?
Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico and several council members say it's time for the city to offer some property tax relief, but City Council has not yet set any specific target for what that might mean for this year's tax bills. Carrico has been joined by several members of City Council saying they want to see if the 2025-26 budget they vote on in September can cut the property tax rate that has largely been the same over the past 12 years. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Tri-Rail's board: Even cutting service might not solve FDOT's $27M cut
Frustrated by a surprise state budget cut, Tri-Rail officials vented July 25 about potentially having to ask local taxpayers to make up for the $27 million deficit, while brainstorming ways to restore the money and end state rules they said stop the train service from making more money. The Florida Department of Transportation is slashing its annual contribution to Tri-Rail to $15 million from $42.1 million. Tri-Rail's last train would roll down the tracks in July 2027 if no sources of money are found to fill that hole, Executive Director David Dech has said. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Manatee County returns from summer recess under pressure to cut budget
Manatee County commissioners return from summer recess this week under an unexpected amount of pressure from the state of Florida, but they appear ready to push back against state laws that stand in the way of the reinstatement of local wetlands protections against development. Commissioners will discuss lobbying efforts against those policies and appoint residents to a committee that will participate in a D.O.G.E.-style audit announced by the state. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Preparing quality graduates: UMA’s commitment to healthcare employers
FloridaCommerce projects that by 2032, the state’s healthcare facilities—including ambulatory care, hospitals, and nursing care centers—will require nearly 70,000 additional professionals to support the growing population. Allied health professionals form the backbone of these institutions, carrying out essential roles such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, preparing medications, and handling billing. [Sponsored report]
Event
Guide to this year’s Tampa Bay Comic Convention, returning this weekend
For nearly two decades now, the Tampa Bay Comic Convention (they got sued for calling it “comic con”) has pumped the Tampa Convention Center full of pop culture delights, from celebrities to comic book artists to voiceover actors. And it brings some of the best cosplayers, which makes people-watching half the fun. From Friday to Sunday, Aug. 1-3, more than 40,000 people are expected to descend on downtown Tampa to meet up with other comic book lovers, anime fans, cosplay pros and film and TV buffs looking to meet their heroes.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Out of the Box
Bird art in South Florida? You’ve gotta see this: ‘It’s kind of astonishing’
On the walls and ceilings of his little Coral Springs house, in his bathrooms and hallways, on his bed and on his tables, South Florida’s birds keep Meir Martin company. Photographs taken by him, of egrets, ibises, herons, cranes and swans, have been blown up to larger-than-life sizes, occupying close to every inch of wall space. It’s almost impossible to count how many pieces are in the collection, which includes furniture and enormous round, rectangular, oval and and square images.
» Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.