Florida’s citrus forecast increases
Florida citrus growers might squeeze out a few more boxes of oranges than expected as they approach the end of the worst growing season in decades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday released an updated forecast for the season that included a slight increase in the estimate for oranges. The new estimate for oranges is about 35 percent lower than the 18.06 million boxes filled during the 2024-2025 season, which was the lowest since the 1935-1936 season. More from the News Service of Florida.
Wire 3 expands fiber internet in Central Florida with $60 million investment
Wire 3 is broadening its fiber optic internet presence throughout Central Florida. The Daytona Beach-based company announced plans to expand its Volusia County reach into both DeLand and Deltona and add to its workforce through a privately funded $60 million investment. That comes after announcing a $100 million investment in four Lake County municipalities in March. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
University of West Florida UWF President Martha Saunders resigns
Continuing major turnover in the leadership of state universities and colleges, University of West Florida President Martha Saunders announced Monday she will step down from her post. Saunders, who became president of the Pensacola-based school in 2017 and is the longest-serving president in the university system, did not detail reasons for deciding to leave the job but said in a message to the university community that serving in the position “has been one of the great honors of my life.” More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Gainesville Sun.
Leon County prepares for hurricane season with new strategies
After 13 months of chaos in the form of floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, Leon County is putting all their lessons learned to use as they prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which starts in just a few weeks. At the upcoming county commission meeting, county staff will present a status report discussing the implementations of recommendations from the "Bicentennial Storm," the May 10 tornado outbreak and Hurricane Helene for the upcoming 2025 hurricane season. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Longtime St. Petersburg accounting firm announces rebrand
SBF Advisors, a St. Petersburg accounting firm that merged with another firm in February, has officially rebranded. The firm is now known as Sorren. According to a release, the name Sorren blends the meanings of “master of craft” and “coming together as one,” which represents the shared values and collaboration that brought the two firms together. More from the Business Observer.
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Out of the Box
Miami’s newest tech attraction wants to scan your eyeballs, and people are lining up
A new storefront in Wynwood blends right into the creative chaos of street art and specialty coffee shops. But what’s inside is more science fiction than streetwear: eight glossy white orbs arranged under a wood-framed pavilion, quietly inviting people to prove they’re human. Yes, human.
» More from Refresh Miami.
Transportation Trends
Tampa Bay travel
David Gwynn, the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 7 secretary since July 2017, is retiring in early May from his position serving Tampa Bay counties. As his tenure drew to a close, Gwynn reflected with FLORIDA TREND on Tampa Bay's wins, continued challenges and future of its transportation systems.
» Read more from Florida Trend.