Space Florida explores specialized court for orbital disputes as launch activity surges
As SpaceX gears up for a series of rocket launches between Aug. 21–29 — including several from Florida’s Space Coast — the state also is preparing for a different kind of lift-off: a legal infrastructure to support the booming commercial space industry. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, is exploring the creation of a space business court — a specialized venue to handle disputes between companies operating in orbit that could result in more local investment and job growth. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
What’s next in the tropics? ‘Spaghetti models’ show the future of two potential systems
Forecasters are tracking two weather systems in the Atlantic that have the potential to form into the next tropical storm in the wake of Hurricane Erin, which is passing east of the U.S. this week. Do they pose a threat to Florida, the Caribbean or elsewhere in the U.S.? Although the storms are still far away, their threat appears to be minimal, forecasters say. Spaghetti models are out for one of the systems, which is currently in the eastern Atlantic. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Siemens Energy to move longtime Orlando offices to new site
Siemens Energy plans to relocate its Orlando offices from Alafaya Trail to Lake Nona Town Center by 2027, occupying more than 242,000 square feet at 6876 Marwick Lane, Lake Nona’s newest Class A office building. Siemens Energy has been at its Alafaya Trail location for more than 40 years, where just under 3,000 people currently work. The company plans to maintain that scale through a hybrid work model at the new Lake Nona office. More from WESH and the Orlando Business Journal.
Fire in Everglades explodes in size; smoke impacts South Florida
A pair of wildfires burning in the Florida Everglades, about 40 miles outside Miami, have prompted air quality warnings as heavy plumes of smoke drift into nearby communities. The larger of the two fires, dubbed the Mile Marker 39 Fire, has scorched 19,200 acres of land as of Aug. 20, according to the Florida Forest Service. The fire underwent explosive growth from a day earlier when its size was measured at 1,600 acres of land. More from USA Today.
New tariff on Port Canaveral's imported crane, boarding bridge 'dents budget a bit'
Port Canaveral commissioners and staff are happy about the outlook for record revenue, profits, cruise passenger counts and cargo volume for the coming budget year. But they appear less-than-thrilled about how a 15% federal tariff on imports from European Union nations will affect the port's expenses. The tariff "kind of dents the budget a bit," Port Canaveral CEO John Murray told port commissioners at their Aug. 20 meetion. More from Florida Today.
Sports Business
St. Pete to host debut street race for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
For the first time in the history of the division, NASCAR Craftsman Trucks will race through the streets of St. Petersburg during the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix. NASCAR announced the surprise addition during the release of its 2026 national series schedule on Wednesday. The first ever NASCAR Trucks street race will be held Feb. 28, 2026, kicking off the weekend-long 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
» More from the Business Observer.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Betting on legalization
Hialeah native Cristy Aranguiz was just 21 and far from home, working as a television reporter in Missoula, Mont., when Washington became one of the first U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana use. She and her then-boyfriend Tate Kapple decided to move and try to obtain a license. They’ve just secured a medical marijuana license in Florida, allowing Aranguiz, the daughter of Cuban-American refugees, to do business in her hometown.
» Read more from Florida Trend.