Florida retirees keep a close eye on their savings following tariffs
With 4.5 million-plus residents age 65 and older, Florida has long been hailed the land of retirees. It’s where seniors from across the country come to enjoy a slower pace of life in a warmer climate. But turmoil in the stock market brought on by tariffs has disrupted that peace for many Florida retirees who rely on 401(k)s and other investments as a main source of income. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
A Pinellas nonprofit fought to save untouched Florida land. It won.
Pinellas County has bought a 14-acre preserve near Tarpon Springs following a conservation campaign led by neighbors who fought to save it from development. West Klosterman Preserve is home to Florida scrub habitat, one of the rarest ecosystems in the country, and supports more than 60 endangered plants and animals native to the state. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Jacksonville competes with Detroit, Philadelphia for urban planning conference
Jacksonville has been selected as one of three finalists vying to co-host the prestigious fifth International Placemaking Week in 2026, Downtown Vision Inc. announced Thursday. The city joins Detroit and Philadelphia as top contenders in a competitive global field. International Placemaking Week, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Project for Public Spaces, draws over 400 placemakers, urban planners, designers and community leaders from around the world. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
A ‘second life’ for your old sneakers. Miami company recycles and reuses them
Whether you’re a marathon runner or someone who just takes the dog on a walk, chances are you’ve bought multiple pairs of sneakers in a year. But when those brand crisp new white shoes turn brown, the soles go thin or your toes poke through a hole, they eventually get thrown in the Goodwill pile during spring cleaning or in the trash. Either way, your old shoes are likely to end up in a landfill. Moe Hachem thinks there’s a way to give those shoes a ‘second life.’ More from the Miami Herald.
Tallahassee weighs big change for Gulfstream racetrack in Hallandale Beach
Both houses of the Florida Legislature are weighing a bill that would bring big changes to Gulfstream Park, behind the scenes at first but inevitably at the racetrack itself, according to critics of the plan. The issue is being debated under the umbrella term “decoupling,” but the bills in front of the Florida House and Florida Senate contain enough differences that even if both pass, it’s not clear the changes could be ironed out in time for the end of the Florida legislative session, which ends May 2. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Business Beat - Week of April 11th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Hurricane proof
Despite hurricane disruptions, the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company has continued to blossom on Florida’s west coast. It now serves more than 500 families from Marco Island to north of Tampa, boasting a 98% client retention rate. Its employee base has swelled from 40 to 64 in two years. The new Fort Myers office is established and thriving. Company assets now total over $5 billion.
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