Wednesday’s Afternoon Update

How restoring habitat bolsters the economy and supports jobs in Florida

Coastal restoration might bring to mind images of wetlands, sand dunes, and tidal marshes—but there's another impact of this work: jobs and economic growth. A new economic analysis shows that community-led restoration contributes broadly to local, state, and national economies. It finds that $72.5 million invested across 12 habitat restoration projects in Florida is estimated to support jobs and wages and increase both spending and economic activity. More from NOAA Fisheries.

Inter Miami: How Florida’s soccer club rose to worldwide fame

For years, soccer in the United States was seen as an emerging market, often overshadowed by American football, basketball, and baseball. But in recent times, Florida has become the unlikely epicenter of global soccer attention — all thanks to Inter Miami. Once just another Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club, Inter Miami is now a worldwide name. More from Sarasota Magazaine.

Titusville, Brevard at odds over $1.7 million in economic zone money

Titusville is disputing Brevard County's handling of the remaining money still left with the recently disbanded North Brevard Economic Zone. The zone was established in 2011 as a way of helping the Titusville area weather the economic fallout following the end of the space shuttle program. Zone officials used property tax revenue from new commercial and industrial construction in North Brevard County to help provide economic incentives for projects within the zone. More from Florida Today.

Watch out, Orlando, a new world theme park capital is rising in the Arabian desert

For decades, Orlando has reigned as the global capital of theme parks — a place where Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and countless other attractions have drawn millions of visitors. But a challenger for the crown has emerged from an unlikely place: the deserts of the Arabian Gulf. In a destination once known more for oil wealth and camel racing than roller coasters, Abu Dhabi is building an adrenaline-charged playground that could give Orlando a run for its money. And it just landed the ultimate weapon: Disney. More from Apple Valley News.

Budget boost sought for Charlotte County tourism revamp

Hurricanes and rising travel costs battered Charlotte County’s tourism economy in 2024, forcing cancellations of major events and driving down hotel occupancy. Now the county’s tourism director is asking for a budget boost to help the industry rebound. Tourism Director Sean Doherty is proposing a $7.06 million budget for fiscal 2026, up from $6.09 million last year. More from Gulfshore Business.