Can automation help Florida plant nurseries withstand labor shortages?
Florida is a national leader for producing plants such as tropical, foliage and house plants. The Sunshine State's nursery, greenhouse, landscape and garden industry generates more than $30 billion in output sales and provides more than 266,000 jobs statewide, according to a 2022 study by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Farm Credit of Central Florida. More from WUSF.
Legal fight will continue over Titusville's 'Right to Clean Water', activists say
Although a Florida appeals court last week struck down a voter-approved measure that sought to establish the "Right to Clean Water" in Titusville, some voters vowed to continue their fight for the city charter amendment approved at the ballot box more than two years ago. More from Florida Today.
Boca Raton Tri-Rail station may get 8-story addition with shops, eateries and homes
A big plan to overhaul the grounds of the Boca Raton Tri-Rail station could introduce an eight-story development that offers new homes, restaurants and shops off Yamato Road. It aims to become the latest community placed near a South Florida transit hub — an increasingly popular approach — where residents can conveniently walk to catch a commuter train or some other type of transportation. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Party City to auction Florida store leases
Party City is auctioning 59 store leases in Florida after the New Jersey-based retailer announced plans to close all of its nearly 700 stores after 40 years in business. The store closures come two years after the company first filed for bankruptcy. Party City completed that reorganization in September 2023, eliminating nearly $1 billion in debt, and nearly a year later brought on Barry Litwin as president and CEO. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Investors sue operator of Lake Wales business center, say company denied 48% ownership stake
Three investors have sued the company that operates a business incubator in Lake Wales, claiming that Florida Development Corp. is not acknowledging their roles as partial owners. The plaintiffs — all listed as Florida residents â?• invested a combined $260,000 into the Florida Development Corp. in 2022, giving them a collective 47.9% ownership stake, according to the lawsuit. More from the Lakeland Ledger.
Entertainment
Blue Man: New Orlando show will go on despite closures
Blue Man Group is ending long-running productions in New York and Chicago, but the new show will go on in Orlando, officials say. A new 578-seat theater at Icon Park, an International Drive entertainment complex, is planned for a fresh Blue Man offering. The addition was announced in June, a groundbreaking event was held in September, and an opening night was scheduled for April 3.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
A place for vets
In one of the first substantive initiatives to address its affordable housing problem, the city of Pensacola has approved a development lease that will transform a vacant motel into 84 one-bedroom apartments. Under the deal with the Delray Beach-based Smith and Henzy Affordable Group, 42 units will be available to military personnel or veterans and the remaining 42 units to anyone with eligible income levels.
» Read more from Florida Trend.