New Florida AI center aims to help farmers and protect the environment
Agriculture isn’t just rows of citrus groves and fields of strawberries — it’s Florida’s second-largest economic powerhouse, trailing only tourism. With more than 133,000 jobs riding on its success, farming fuels communities across the Sunshine State. To protect crop yields and the environment, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is leveraging technology driven by artificial intelligence by building a 40,000-square-foot AI hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County. More from UF News.
Tropical Storm Melissa could reach major hurricane strength; Florida told to stay vigilant
Forecasters said Wednesday that Hurricane Melissa will likely form within 24 hours and intensify into a Category 2 hurricane by Sunday, with some models showing it even reaching major hurricane strength. Experts said South Florida should be keeping an eye on the long-range tracking models even though forecasters say the odds of U.S. impact are low. The farther west the storm travels the more likelihood it has of affecting Florida. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.
Tampa’s CentCom helps keep a fragile Israel, Gaza ceasefire
It’s known more for its military strikes than its peacekeeping, but U.S. Central Command is taking a lead on preserving the ceasefire and cultivating stability in Gaza. The Tampa-based command at MacDill Air Force Base that focuses on Middle East military affairs is overseeing a center serving as the main hub for coordinating international assistance to Gaza. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Rising insurance costs put Central Florida childcare centers in jeopardy
In Florida, a childcare center is required to have liability insurance if it accepts state funding, and most do, taking part in Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Program, its subsidized childcare program or both. Centers that serve more affluent families can offset higher insurance costs by raising tuition. But those serving lower-income populations say their families cannot afford to pay more and need childcare so they can work. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami may push Florida to expand senior tax aid
Miami homeowners who’ve lived in their houses for decades could soon see broader property tax relief as city officials push state lawmakers to expand homestead exemptions for low-income seniors. The Miami City Commission is to consider a resolution asking the Florida House of Representatives’ Select Committee on Property Taxes to advance a measure for the November 2026 ballot, or a future ballot, that would fully exempt qualifying seniors from ad valorem, or property value-based, taxes. More from Miami Today.
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Arts Business
$1 million in question as Winter Park arts partnership ends
A plan for Central Florida Vocal Arts to share space with the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts at the former Winter Park Library has been called off, leaving questions about $1 million from Orange County that was earmarked to help renovate the building. The Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Council will meet Nov. 12 to determine whether the $1 million grant will be disbursed. The original grant, recommended by the council, was approved in June by Orange County commissioners as part of the cultural-facilities program.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Cyber CEO
KnowBe4, based in Clearwater, is home to the world’s largest security-awareness training platform that helps customers detect cyber threats. The company works with more than 70,000 organizations globally, amounting to tens of millions of end users. Stu Sjouwerman has led KnowBe4 since he founded the company in 2010. This May, he transitioned to the role of executive chairman.
» Read more from Florida Trend.