Florida Trend Exclusive
Beneath the surface
With endless coastlines and year-round warm temperatures, Florida is a hot spot for shark research — and the discoveries stretch far beyond the surf. With 8,400 miles of coastline, it’s no mystery why Florida has turned into a hub for shark research. Dozens of species roam the state’s warm waters, creating one of the most diverse shark concentrations in the world. It’s enough for shark-based tourism to contribute more than $221 million and 3,700-plus jobs to Florida’s economy, according to a 2017 study by nonprofit Oceana. [Source: Florida Trend]
Business Beat - Week of September 5th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
At-work childcare? Flexible schedules? Florida nonprofit wants more parent-friendly options
The Children’s Movement of Florida, a nonprofit advocating for early childhood education, would like to see more businesses offer benefits to make it easier for parents to work. The organization sees the effort as a way to help Florida’s families and its businesses. Childcare-related employee turnover and absenteeism cost Florida employers an estimated $3.47 billion a year, according to a report from the Florida Chamber Foundation. And the high cost of childcare — about $12,600 a year in Florida — keeps some parents out of the workforce all together. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
‘Big leap forward’: How AI is already shaping your hurricane forecasts
After a hurricane passes, scientists routinely analyze the assorted computer models used to predict its path and power and crown a victor. This year, a surprising new contender has emerged — a forecast model generated by artificial intelligence. The National Hurricane Center has already begun to consult AI. This year, forecasters have begun tapping into the DeepMind model — as well as using a new AI-powered tool developed at the University of Miami — to construct their forecasts. Experts stress there are lots of cautions. [Source: Miami Herald]
Jobless claims dip before holiday
Florida saw a drop in first-time unemployment claims heading into the Labor Day weekend. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 5,576 initial unemployment applications were submitted in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 6,177 during the week that ended Aug. 23. Nationally, an estimated 237,000 claims were filed last week, up from 229,000 the previous week. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Better patient care through clinical and medical research
At Baptist Health South Florida, physician-researchers are redefining how care is delivered by blending patient-centered service with groundbreaking medical research. With a strong focus on clinical trials, key areas of exploration include cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience and orthopedics — fields where advances can have life-changing effects for patients. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Universal exec talks Epic expansion, ticket prices, AI
Three months after the debut of Universal Epic Universe theme park, Mark Woodbury, the CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences is talking about the future – not just in Orlando, but also in other U.S. cities plus the U.K. and Asia. Orlando’s newest park is off to a “pretty great start,” Woodbury said, and he covered ticket prices, financial priorities and the looming possibility of expansion at Epic Universe.
› USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus to build new STEM academic facility
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus announced plans to build the development of a new STEM academic facility, a transformative project that will expand access to high-quality lab instruction in chemistry, biology, and physics for students across all USF campuses. Following the expiration of the lease for lab space at Mote Marine Laboratory in May 2025, USF Sarasota-Manatee submitted a proposal to construct a lab facility on campus.
› Free rideshare service expands in Miami
Freebee, a free rideshare service that uses all-electric vehicles, has expanded its operations to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood through a partnership with the Wynwood Business Improvement District. The program introduces hot pink Volkswagen vans that will provide rides across Wynwood’s 54-block Arts District from now through Nov. 15.
› State will pay $30.8M to preserve Kirkland Ranch in east Pasco
In an area where development runs rampant and big rambling trucks and new homes and businesses are popping up everywhere, Wesley Chapel is getting a little piece of, well, peace. The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced its governing board has approved the purchase of the 974-acre Kirkland Ranch for $30.8 million, ensuring the land will remain off limits to developers in perpetuity.
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› Citizens Insurance targeted in lawsuits that seek to void forced arbitration rulings
Two new lawsuits have been filed that seek to void all settlements and rulings involving customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. who were forced into an arbitration system funded by the state-owned company. The suits, filed in Miami-Dade and Seminole counties, base their arguments on a Hillsborough County judge’s Aug. 2 injunction that suspended Citizens’ ability to send claim disputes to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) while a policyholder pursued his claim that the system violated his constitutional right to a fair trial.
› Forbes: Jaguars value up 22% to $5.6 billion
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ value rose 22% in the last year to $5.6 billion, according to an annual analysis of NFL franchises by Forbes magazine. The Jaguars rank 28th in value among the 32 NFL teams, with every team valued at more than $5 billion in a league where shared revenue makes everyone profitable.
› Melbourne aims to increase air service by showing off area to airlines
Melbourne Orlando International Airport is lobbying airlines to introduce or beef up their air service into and out of Brevard County. Among the airport's tactics will be hosting a conference of airline officials, so they can see what the Space Coast has to offer. The conference will be held in February — at a time when the Space Coast's weather will shine, while the Northeast and Midwest are likely to be mired in snow and cold temperatures.
› Tampa call center to lay off 76 employees
A Tampa call center is laying off a majority of its staff, according to state filings, blaming the cuts on “unforeseen business circumstances.” Guide to Insure announced in an Aug. 29 letter sent to the Florida Department of Commerce that it will be laying off 76 employees. Companies are required to alert local and state authorities of mass layoffs under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.