Florida builders could get green light from lawmakers for more construction
New legislation in Florida would prevent local governments from denying new home construction based on incompatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. Supporters argue the bill will help ease the state's housing crisis and streamline approvals for more attainable housing. Opponents, including the Florida League of Cities, warn the measure would force automatic approval of developments with little public input. More from the Naples Daily News.
Orlando Pirates: Indoor football returns to downtown as Massachusetts team relocates to Florida
The Kia Center will soon host a brand new indoor football team. The Massachusetts Pirates have relocated to Orlando and will kick off in March as the Orlando Pirates. The Pirates have one Indoor Football League title and have been to several conference championships. “There’s really nowhere else we’d rather be as an organization than the city of Orlando,” said Jawad Yatim, founder, chief executive officer and general manager of the Orlando Pirates. More from the Click Orlandoand WESH.
Miramar attracts Fortune 500 companies as city increases health care, retail presence
From Wynwood’s street-art renaissance to West Palm Beach’s “Wall Street South” boom, South Florida’s neighborhoods have become magnets for creativity, capital and much media attention. But far from the national headlines, Miramar has also been making news. The suburban city of about 135,000 people in southwestern Broward County is now home to one of the highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies in South Florida. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Clearwater gets $15.6 million from Pinellas for marina, softball complex
Pinellas County has approved $15.6 million in tourist tax funds for renovations to the Clearwater Beach Marina and the Eddie C. Moore Complex, Clearwater’s popular softball facility. County commissioners unanimously approved the proposal Tuesday. These two projects are the main recipients of over $26 million approved in March for five Pinellas-based projects intended to promote tourism. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
JEA board approves $260.3 million increase to power purchase agreement with FPL
JEA has committed an additional $260.3 million to a long-term power purchase agreement with Florida Power & Light Co. as overall demand for electricity rises among the city-owned utility’s customer base. Following a 7-0 board vote Nov. 18, JEA will purchase another 100 megawatts from FPL, adding to the previous agreement for 200 megawatts. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Discover Airlines: A new take on takeoff
Travel is more than just moving from A to B. It’s a hobby for the heart and mind. It opens doors to experiences that inspire, delight, and connect us. At Discover Airlines, we do everything we can to make flying comfortable and joyful – so every trip turns into lasting memories. From the sun-kissed Greek islands like Santorini and Crete, to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands or Africa’s breathtaking highlights such as safaris at Kilimanjaro or the white sands of Zanzibar: Discover Airlines connects U.S. travelers with more than 60 dream destinations. [Sponsored report]
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Out of the Box
CapyCove: A capybara ‘oasis’ is coming to St. Pete
A new resort in St. Petersburg will cater to massive South American rodents rather than humans, who are also invited. Brianna Holzerland, founder of CapyCove, calls the long-planned facility a tropical oasis for capybaras. The world’s largest rodent species is known for its docile demeanor and gentle disposition. Holzerland already offers interactions with baby capybaras at a Kahwa Coffee shop in Tampa. She anticipates opening the outdoor experience in St. Petersburg by May 2026.
» More from WUSF.
Profile
When the layoffs hit, this Miami founder built a studio to help people launch their own companies
Chandler Malone, the CEO and cofounder of Bootup Studios, has long had one foot in the future of work. But this time, he’s betting on something different: using AI to turn laid-off workers into entrepreneurs. “We’re seeing all these crazy layoffs this year, a lot of them connected to AI,” Malone told Refresh Miami. “Some are indirect, like big players making room for more AI customers on AWS or Azure. Others are more direct: AI tools taking on basic, entry-level tasks.”
» Read more from Refresh Miami.