Leaders hope Florida’s citrus industry will blossom into a brighter season
Florida’s citrus industry is showing a little bit of growth heading into the final stretch of the growing season. The latest USDA forecast is holding steady for orange production with growers expected to harvest 11.6 million boxes. There has also been a modest increase in the quantities of grapefruit, tangerines, and mandarins. While overall production is still near historic lows due to hurricanes and citrus greening Industry leaders say this modest bump shows signs of resilience. More from WFTV and CBS Miami.
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» Florida releases six new citrus varieties with improved HLB tolerance
Florida’s hurricane-battered Gulf Coast beckons spring breakers: ‘We are open’
Spring break season is fraught in some parts of Florida, where the raucous behavior of certain visitors can outweigh their economic benefit. Miami Beach has been on a yearslong campaign to deter the college crowd. But for the businesses and the restaurants along the Gulf of Mexico that were ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, welcoming spring breakers — and anyone else, really — has been imperative. [Source: New York Times]
State officials: More foreign companies bringing businesses to Florida
More companies are deciding to bring their business to Florida, according to the Florida Department of Commerce. They said there's been an increase in foreign companies both coming into the state and expanding on what's already here. One of those companies is Brazilian-based Bauducco Foods which recently broke ground on a 400,000 square-foot facility. [Source: Bay News 9]
Results released for February 2025 bar exam in Florida: Which schools made the grade?
The overall passage rate for first-time takers of the February Florida bar exam was 64.9%, a nearly 9-point increase from the previous year. Florida, as most states do, offers its bar exam twice yearly, in February and July. A greater number of test takers, many of whom have just graduated from law school in May, sit for the summer administration of the exam. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida thoroughbred industry supporters keep saying ‘business is great,’ but data shows otherwise
Thoroughbred horse breeding is in decline in Florida. That much was already known, but new data shows the problem worsening, and it raises new questions about legislation moving through the Legislature that would decouple live racing at Florida tracks from slot machine and card room operations. Namely, if horse racing is so prominent to Florida’s economy, why do races need to be tethered to other wagering activities? [Source: Florida Politics]
How fast, reliable internet powers Florida’s largest car wash
With every new location in the Sunshine State, El Car Wash continues to streamline operations and find new ways to elevate the customer experience. Jerry Gomez currently serves as the company’s Chief Information & Technology Officer. He says success is dependent on connectivity inside their facilities. They wash cars more efficiently when their equipment is powered by fast and reliable internet. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Brightline's South Florida commuter pass is nowhere after it got $34 million in tax money
Brightline has broken its own deadline for reviving its South Florida commuter pass, scrubbing from its website its promise to do so after receiving nearly $34 million in tax money. The for-profit passenger train company announced on Jan. 10 that it would "reintroduce" a commuter pass for passengers traveling between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties thanks to a $33.8 million grant from the Biden administration.
› How downtown Jacksonville's Laura Street could become a dining destination
Laura Street in downtown Jacksonville can boast being the most walkable street in Jacksonville — if only there were more nighttime destinations that actually caused people to walk up and down it. Jacksonville's Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) plans to invest millions to revitalize Laura Street by adding restaurants and cultural attractions.
› Group wins landmark manatee protection case forcing state to scrutinize Brevard sewage
Pollution from septic tanks and sewage spills is killing seagrass, causing threatened manatees to starve to death, and Florida's not doing enough to stop it, a federal judge ruled Friday. It's unclear at this point what exactly the court will require or whether the state will appeal the ruling.
› Tampa Bay schools expect major cuts in programs, positions
Budget cuts appear to be on the way for school districts across the Tampa Bay area and the rest of Florida as they face the squeeze of essentially flat state revenue, shrinking enrollment and rising costs. “It’s going to be a lean budget year,” Pasco County superintendent John Legg said last week. “There will be significant adjustments.”
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› USA TODAY ranks Naples as one of the best small town food scenes
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlight the best in lifestyle, food and drink, and travel. Over the past four weeks, readers voted on their favorite places ― and of course, Naples made the cut. This year, Naples is ranked as having the second best small town food scene in the country.
› Banesco USA to open 1st Broward office with new team
Banesco USA has added a former Amerant Bank executive to serve as its Broward County leader as it gets ready to open its inaugural office there. The Doral-based community bank named Joshua Montagna as Broward market executive and senior VP ahead of the launch of its Plantation location.
› First quarter new-home sales rise 2.5% in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch reported sales of 613 new homes in the first quarter of 2025, a 2.5% increase over the first quarter of last year − outpacing broader market trends and underscoring the community’s continued strength in a shifting housing landscape. Despite softer consumer sentiment and economic headwinds, buyers continue to choose Lakewood Ranch.
› Port Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua christened by ‘Modern Family’ actor
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship Norwegian Aqua may be coming to Port Canaveral at the end of the month, but it slid into Miami for a christening event Sunday. Two-time Emmy winner Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family” fame had never cruised before, but he took on the role of godfather for the new ship.