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Monday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida’s struggling citrus industry might be showing signs of recovery
As it hopes for a warm winter, Florida’s struggling citrus industry could be showing signs of recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Ian and progress in the decades-long fight against citrus greening disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday revised a forecast for the 2023-2024 citrus growing season by upping projections for grapefruit and specialty fruits, which are mostly tangerines and tangelos. The projection for oranges remained unchanged from the season’s initial forecast in October. More from the News Service of Florida and Fresh Plaza.
Want to earn $100,000? Miami-Dade looking for your help to improve how the airport runs
Do you have an idea to have Miami International Airport operate more smoothly? Perhaps make it more accessible or easier to move within terminals? And all you need is a little bit of cash plus connections to airport officials to start your journey? Then the second Public Innovation Challenge run by the new Miami-Dade Innovation Authority may be for you. More from Miami Herald.
Despite owner's intentions, some worry Manatee farm will be developed
The owner of Dakin Dairy Farm, Jerry Dakin, has put the 350-acre property up for sale, causing many in the community to worry that the new owner could flatten the farm and build homes. Dakin says he's had several interested buyers — and he seeks to sell it to someone who will keep it a farm. More from the Business Observer.
UF to create 'world-class destination' with project in Gainesville's Innovation District
The University of Florida announced last week plans to develop about 13 acres in Gainesville's Innovation District just east of campus aimed at creating a world-class destination for Fortune 500 research companies and a talent pipeline for UF students seeking high-paying jobs. In collaboration with Concept Companies and Trimark Properties, the project — slated to begin in late 2024 — includes a total buildout of 1.2 million square feet of space. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Port Canaveral CEO to get incentives of $100,000 to $250,000 a year for each year he stays
Port Canaveral commissioners have approved a package of incentives that could pay Chief Executive Officer John Murray an extra $800,000 over the next five years. The increasing annual payments are designed to keep Murray from being lured away by another employer. However, two of the five commissioners â?• Vice Chair Wayne Justice and Commissioner Fritz VanVolkenburgh â?• voted against terms of the employment agreement extension. More from Florida Today.
Transportation Trends
Orlando to Tampa rail proposal chugs along
Passenger rail service in Florida wasn’t included Friday as the White House announced awarding $8.2 billion for a series of major rail projects. But Christine Kefauver, senior vice president of corporate development for the Brightline rail service, told a state House panel last week that the company is “making tremendous strides” toward an Orlando-to-Tampa route after completing a project connecting Miami and Orlando.
» More from the News Service of Florida.
Business Profile
This Florida combo business will cut your hair and send you rolling down the street
An oil-lube joint with an Italian restaurant under the same roof? A bakery sharing space with a shoe store? Yes, they’ve been a thing in South Florida. Now, there’s a barber shop that doubles as a skateboard store in Bradenton, a combo that makes sense for the owners and their customers.
» Read more from Miami Herald.
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