Florida continues to gain million-dollar earners, data shows
The number of seven-figure earners in Florida continues to increase at the same time as the metric trends down for most other U.S. states. Data from the Internal Revenue Service shows Florida tax filers who made at least $1 million in 2022 were up 8% from 2021 to 77,670, reinforcing the idea of wealth migration to Florida in recent years. In almost every other state there was a drop in seven-figure earners from 2021 to 2022. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
Is the Sunshine State being snubbed? These artists aren’t coming to Florida on 2025 tours
Although Taylor Swift's massively successful worldwide "Eras Tour" came to a close in 2024, this year is still guaranteed to be a big one for concert tours. Some huge names are hitting the road in 2025, including Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Usher, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Zayn Malik, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Shakira, Billy Joel, Gracie Abrams and more. But a significant amount of artists touring this year aren't making any stops in Florida while on the road. [Source: Florida Today]
Citrus growers have mixed feelings about tariffs, retaliation by Canada
While economists heaved a collective sigh of relief at the delay of proposed tariffs — 25% on imports from both Mexico and Canada — some Florida citrus farmers said they actually would have benefited from the tariffs. Doug Feek, a citrus grower, explains why the proposed tariffs across North America would actually benefit his citrus-packing business. [Source: USA Today]
Drought conditions spreading across Florida. Will fire danger follow?
Recent rains, not to mention a tornado, in Florida haven't changed the fact that several counties are experiencing drought conditions, especially in South Florida. As of Feb. 14, there are 17 Florida counties with a drought index over 500, which indicates drought and increased fire danger, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. There are 50 active wildfires across the state as of Friday, Feb. 14, burning about 806 acres, the Florida Forest Service said. [Source: Florida Today]
Eligible taxpayers in Florida file for free with IRS Direct File
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes for free with the agency using IRS Direct File. The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers. [Source: WINK News]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Northeast Florida economy exceeds expectations ‘due to a sturdy consumer’
State numbers show that Northeast Florida’s 3% unemployment rate, accompanied by a projected 2.1% population growth along with job gains and income increases, positioned the economy in 2024 for a healthy 2025. Commercial real estate companies and developers are banking on that while watching in the new year for headwinds that include the effects of tariffs, interest rates, inflation, political and workforce (specifically work-from-home) policies and the unexpected or unpredictable, such as hurricanes.
› Meta-backed gaming company to occupy former Tervis headquarters in North Venice
The former home of Tervis Tumbler Co. has a new, high-tech tenant. Combat Waffle Studios Inc., a gaming software company backed by Meta, is leasing the drinkware company’s former headquarters at 201 Triple Diamond Blvd. in North Venice from the real estate investment firm that now owns it. The deal comes just days after Tervis announced it exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
› One of Broward's last flea markets to be demolished for new project
Foundry Commercial has the Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach under contract, and plans to replace it with warehouses. The current owner purchased the Festival Flea Market for $56 million and continued operating it. In 2021, it sold a parking lot south of the flea market to an industrial developer to use for truck parking. In 2022, IMC Equity Group filed plans to change the land use for the flea market to industrial, and it was ultimately approved by the city.
› Rays presidents say Pinellas, St. Petersburg ‘broke’ stadium deal
The Tampa Bay Rays' team presidents took to sports talk radio to make their case that Pinellas County and St. Petersburg are to blame for uncertainty surrounding the club’s future in Tampa Bay. Appearing on a season preview show on WDAE-AM late last week, team presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld accused Pinellas County commissioners of breaking an agreement to build a new $1.3 billion stadium by delaying a vote in October that was supposed to be a formality.
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› An 85-year-old hotel in Miami Beach just got a $100M upgrade. See what’s new — and old
One of Miami Beach’s oldest oceanfront hotels is reopening to guests after undergoing a $100 million renovation that modernized the landmark and also brought back some of its original design. The Shelborne, 1801 Collins Ave., has started taking reservations for stays beginning May 1, 2025.
› St. Lucie County Fire District 'employs' therapy dogs for first responders
A trio of four-legged friends – Kona, Birdie and Pierce – are coming to work at the St. Lucie County Fire District as part of a behavioral health program to help firefighters and first responders after stressful situations. Therapy dogs at fire rescue agencies, Jessica Bolduc, a fire investigator, said, are relatively new. “I think the idea of mental health is more acceptable now and is more of a cultural norm,” she said.
› Orlando Ballet’s new executive director: ‘We have to lead with joy’
Roughly three months into the job, Orlando Ballet executive director Bradley Renner is smiling. “I’m an eternal optimist,” he says. “I want to focus on telling stories that I know are going to inspire. We have to lead with joy.” There’s reason to be smiling at Orlando Ballet, which is coming off another record-setting run of perennial favorite “The Nutcracker.” The holiday show brought in more than $2 million in ticket-sales.
› With monster housing prices, what percent of Collier's workers have to commute?
The Naples area employs nearly 140,000 workers, but close to 40% of them have to commute to Collier County, which has some of the nation's highest home prices, according to the newest state figures. Over half of Collier County workers who live outside the county earn more than $3,333 per month.