Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's biggest landowner
Taxpayers own more of Florida than anyone — and they're hungry for more. Overall, 31% of Florida — 11 million acres — is in conservation through national parks, military installations, or state and local government ownership. The state owns another 321,492 acres for purposes other than conservation — plus another 237,000 (as of a 2019 rough estimate) owned by the state transportation department for rights of way, future roads, the 475-acre SunTrax testing facility in Polk County and other uses. [Source: Florida Trend]
The Florida Supreme Court will hear a case on felon voter fraud
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday said it will take up an appeal by a convicted felon who was one of 20 people accused by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials in 2022 of registering and voting when they were ineligible. Justices issued an order agreeing to hear the appeal by Terry Hubbard, who went to the Supreme Court in October after the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled that charges against him should move forward. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Drought in Florida: What has improved? What has worsened?
Recent rains have made a small dent in some areas where the drought was worsening, especially across South Florida. Unfortunately, the Panhandle and North Florida continue to experience the broadest swath of moderate drought. Even with the fronts prolific with rainfall in recent weeks, the drought is holding tight. [Source: WMNF]
USDA forecasts 33% drop in Florida citrus production for 2024-2025 season
The USDA Agricultural Statistics Board has released its 2024-2025 Florida citrus forecast, projecting total orange production at 12.0 million boxes, unchanged from the December forecast. If realized, this would represent a 33% decrease compared to last season's final production. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
Florida mulls onshore oil as offshore prospects dim
As President-elect Donald Trump takes aim at the Biden administration’s new offshore oil and gas drilling ban, one area will likely remain off-limits: the eastern Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s coast. But a high-profile onshore oil project is inching closer to reality, even if drilling is largely taboo in the Sunshine State. [Source: E&E News]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida legislative leaders call DeSantis’ special session on immigration ‘premature,’ ‘irresponsible’
In a rare act of defiance, Florida’s Republican legislative leaders pushed back late Monday against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for a special session on immigration two weeks from now, calling it “premature” and “irresponsible” and possibly harmful. In a memo to all 160 members of the Legislature released hours after DeSantis’ announcement, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez took umbrage with what they described as DeSantis’ unilateral call for a special session for Jan. 27 on immigration, condominium safety, hurricane recovery and ballot initiatives.
› Armada owner bringing LPT Realty headquarters to Jacksonville soccer stadium
When the Jacksonville Armada FC soccer team completes its stadium at the end of 2025, it will be a year-round facility. Team owner Robert Palmer plans to operate two business ventures in the stadium. In addition to housing the professional soccer team, the facility will be the headquarters for LPT Realty.
› Mini MIXiii Miami healthtech conference bridges ties between Miami and Israel’s tech ecosystems
Florida’s Healthcare Administration Secretary Jason Weida oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BIO Florida and the Israel Advanced Technology Industries Association. The agreement, signed during the first-ever Mini MIXiii Miami 2025 healthcare technology conference last week, represents a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between Florida and Israel’s health-tech and life sciences sectors.
› Jabil partners with Amazon to strengthen cloud technology ties
St. Petersburg electronics giant Jabil Inc. and Amazon are formalizing a partnership to strengthen ties between their cloud-related businesses. Jabil granted Amazon warrants to purchase up to 1.16 million shares at $137.76 per share, or roughly $160 million, according to a disclosure filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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› Orlando tourism may hinge on Trump, with analysts divided
Analysts suggest that 2025 attendance at Orlando’s major attractions, convention center and hotels may largely hinge on President-elect Donald Trump’s influence. But opinions vary on whether the returning president will provide a significant boost to the economy.
› City of Tallahassee to host Florida lawmakers at electric utility facilities
The Florida House of Representatives' Economic Infrastructure subcommittee will be taking a field trip to the City of Tallahassee's electric utility facilities. The panel scheduled a site visit Tuesday morning at the city's utility control center and substation located off of Centerville Road and Medical Drive. Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad said the city is proud of their operation and happy to host.
› Brevard County seeking $2.3 million for damages to parks from hurricanes Helene and Milton
Brevard County is seeking money from its general fund to repair $2.3 million in damages to 19 parks caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to a report from county staff, those two hurricanes caused an array of damages, including shoreline erosion, destruction of docks and boat ramps, roof damage and damage to parking lots.
› Global company culture organization relaunches Tampa Bay chapter
Culture Amp, a global employee engagement and culture firm, has relaunched a chapter of its free programs in Tampa Bay. The new chapter is led by Natalie Johnson, the chief visionary officer for Manatee County-based ViDL Work. Johnson, also a keynote speaker and consultant on culture for a variety of organizations, has long held an interest in rekindling the local chapter of the organization, dubbed Culture First Tampa Bay.