Florida lawmakers taking stock of tariffs
State lawmakers are watching to see how President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico trickles down to Florida, particularly the citrus industry. Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, a citrus grower from Wauchula, said Tuesday the impact could be “pro and con” for the state’s agricultural industry. Canada has included fresh and dried oranges and grapefruit among items subject to initial retaliatory tariffs. More from the News Service of Florida.
Orlando bucks trend with mortgage growth while other Florida metros decline
Mortgage activity in Central Florida has increased slightly from recent lows, with Orlando seeing an 8.5% year-over-year rise in purchase mortgages, outperforming other Florida metros. However, overall mortgage rates remain stagnant, impacting refinancing and home-buying trends despite Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2024. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Hillsborough moves along $17M in funds from controversial All for Transportation surtax
Hillsborough County is one step closer to seeing transportation projects receive the long-held All for Transportation funds. On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved three tri-party agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation, Plant City, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and ZooTampa for state financial assistance totaling more than $17.13 million. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Melbourne-developed long-range stealth bomber 'ahead of schedule and on budget'
Northrop Grumman is ramping up production of its Melbourne-developed B-21 Raider long-range stealth bomber for the U.S. Air Force, the company confirmed Wednesday. Air Force officials have said the B-21 Raider is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a production goal of at least 100 aircraft. Cost for each aircraft: $692 million, as calculated in 2022 dollars. More from Florida Today.
Boca Raton telecom company files for bankruptcy with nearly $14 million in debt
A telecommunication company founded in Boca Raton over a decade ago has declared bankruptcy. QXC Communications filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Feb. 28, listing nearly $14 million in liabilities and over $11.6 million in assets. The petition was submitted in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in West Palm Beach by the company's CEO, John Von Stein. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Politics and Sunshine speaker series: Bringing leading national voices to Fort Lauderdale
Tripp Scott’s Politics and Sunshine speaker series began in 2012 when the wide-open field of presidential candidates needed to position themselves in the pivotal Florida market. Since then, it has become a must-stop on the statewide and national campaign circuit. This event is not a fundraiser. It’s an opportunity to discuss issues important to area leaders and business owners. [Sponsored report]
Sports Business
Naples pro soccer team scores bank partnership
Memphis-based First Horizon Bank has signed a partnership with FC Naples, a United Soccer League expansion team billed as the first pro sports team in Collier County. Financial terms of the multiyear partnership weren’t disclosed. FC Naples, founded last year, plays its games at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples and will make its debut this season with USL League One.
» More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
Florida company unveils cheesesteak milkshakes
Introduced for fans of University of Miami baseball during the team's recent series against Villanova, the new treat, if it's fair to call it that, is made of vanilla ice cream with vanilla syrup -- good start, so far -- with an added mound of shaved steak and a glob of liquid cheese. The entire concoction is then topped with a mini-cheesesteak for good measure.
» Read more from NBC Philadelphia and the Sporting News.