Here’s how Florida is already feeling the effect of tariffs
With trade partners from China to South Sudan and $117 billion in commodities — not including goods transported from other states — Florida last year was the 10th largest importer in the U.S., according to international trade data from the Census Bureau. The Tampa Bay Times asked economists and business leaders what consequences the tariffs could bring to Florida residents — and if any of them are happening yet. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Brightline draws caution flags from Wall Street despite revenue and ridership gains
Brightline has not been a profitable railroad. For the year 2024, it posted a net loss of nearly $550 million — attributed to debt refinancing and expansion, as well as a substantial operating loss. Yet, the company has consistently reported year-over-year monthly gains in revenue and ridership. Previously reported monthly and year-over-year revenue and ridership gains have not been enough to keep the bond-rating agencies from concluding that Brightline fell short of the agencies’ respective forecasts. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
What do forecasters say about the 2025 hurricane season? Here are 5 takeaways
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts an above-average hurricane season for 2025, driven by warmer sea temperatures and active weather patterns. With predictions of 13 to 19 named storms, NOAA emphasizes preparedness because even small storms can pose big dangers. [Source: Miami Herald]
Beyond Hollywood: How tax proposals could affect Florida's film industry
Florida's film industry could face challenges from proposed film tariffs. However, the backlash has sparked renewed momentum for long-debated federal tax incentives, which local industry leaders believe could help bring productions and jobs back to the U.S. In the U.S, discussion around the administration and production insiders includes a 10% transferable federal tax credit for states that already offer their own incentives, and a 20% incentive for states like Florida that currently lack one. [Source: WUSF]
Florida bill could block communities from rebuilding stronger after hurricanes
Senate Bill 180, which passed with nearly unanimous support in the House and Senate, includes some provisions to help storm-weary Floridians, like a streamlined permitting system for rebuilding homes after a hurricane and additional training for emergency management officials. But it also would weaken local efforts to build stronger structures after hurricanes — freezing any tougher rules for at least two years. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Can landmark Florida pier restaurant rebuild after hurricane? It’s complicated.
The Rod & Reel Pier is reopening on Anna Maria Island after its destruction in a hurricane — but it’s in a new location. Oliver Lemke, who bought the landmark restaurant a year before hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed it, said he’s planning to revive Rod & Reel in Holmes Beach. Lemke hasn’t revealed an opening date for the restaurant’s new location at the previous home of the Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus restaurant, which closed in November.
› Brazilian software company announces U.S. HQ will be in Miami
Mignow, a technology company providing AI-driven software migration solutions, announced it is opening a US headquarters in Miami. The HQ will serve as the operational base for the company’s North American expansion, which is already underway. The company, based in Sao Paulo, currently services more than 100 clients globally, including over 20 outside Brazil.
› Patrick Space Force Base to add buildings for STARCOM as field command moves from Colorado
A future pair of modular buildings for STARCOM personnel is slated for construction at Patrick Space Force Base in a grassy field west of The Tides Collocated Club, environmental permitting records show. STARCOM — or Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters — is in the midst of moving to Patrick from its former home at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.
› Orlando metro leads Florida in job growth, adds thousands of private sector positions
The Orlando metro area gained the highest number of private sector jobs over the year ending in April 2025 among all metro areas, according to FloridaCommerce — and thousands of them were in the leisure and hospitality sector. The region gained more than 25,500 jobs, up by 1.9% between April 2024 and April 2025.
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› St. Petersburg resuming late fees, shut-offs for water bills
Officials have pointed to potential reasons for the spike in bills — including flooding, runny toilets, old or hard-to-read mechanical meters and broken water pipes caused by downed trees — but have come up with no sweeping explanation for why the city had to adjust 12,180 bills from last July to April 30.
› Startups awarded $100,000 to improve PortMiami cargo operations
The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority has awarded $100,000 each to four businesses that use technology to improve cargo operations at PortMiami. Argu Eye Ltd., Conbo.ai, GenLogs and GridMatrix were selected as the winners of the MDIA's third Public Innovation Challenge. The startups will integrate artificial intelligence, computer vision and advanced analytics to optimize cargo tracking, terminal operations and roadway congestion at the port.
› Epic Universe opens, local businesses brace for boost
Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park officially opened on May 22, and local business owners say the economic impact is already beginning to take shape. The expansion is expected to bring 17,000 new jobs and millions of additional visitors to Central Florida. For small businesses, that could mean a major boost in foot traffic, spending, and long-term growth.
› Home and condo prices keep falling across Southwest Florida
Home and condo prices across the west coast of Florida fell in April, continuing a steady downturn from just a year ago. According to the real estate research firm Homes.com, the average home price fell — again — in Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa Bay and the Fort Myers and Naples markets.