Amid tariffs, Florida seafood reigns supreme
As tariffs roil markets, Floridians are looking closer to home to buy their favorite seafood. Florida ranks fifth across the country for the most landed commercial seafood in 2023, bringing in more than $286 million in wholesale value. As the tariff turmoil continues, there is a renewed push to support local, fresh-from-Florida seafood. More from WFTS.
Jacksonville-based Fidelity National Financial becoming Nevada-centric
Fidelity National Financial Inc.’s relocation from California in 2003 was a coup for Jacksonville, bringing a Fortune 500 headquarters office to the city. However, a decade after Fidelity Chairman Bill Foley moved to Las Vegas to run his National Hockey League team, Las Vegas is becoming the center of much of the title insurance company’s activities. More from the Jacksonville Daily Recordand the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Miami City Commission to vote next week on proposal to skip November election
The Miami City Commission is slated to vote on a proposal that would push the upcoming November election to 2026, giving the current commissioners and Mayor Francis Suarez an extra year in office. If approved next week, the legislation would still need to pass a second vote at a future meeting. City Attorney George Wysong said the issue does not need to go to voters and can be passed by the commission via ordinance. More from the Miami Herald.
Court seizes ownership of Big Storm Brewing and other Govoni firms
A federal bankruptcy court this week took away ownership of more than 100 companies owned or partly owned by Leo Govoni, the Clearwater businessman accused in court records of taking $100 million from medical trust funds. The order issued Tuesday by federal bankruptcy judge Roberta Colton orders Govoni to hand over stock certificates for all limited liability corporations owned by him and his Boston Finance Group company. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Manatee County approves ban on retail sale of dogs and cats, with key restriction
Manatee County has approved a new ordinance that bans new retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats. Existing stores will be allowed to continue operations, but only under strict rules. They’re no longer permitted to expand, and if they relocate the new location must be smaller, both in total square footage and the number of kennels. Public debate continues between animal welfare advocates seeking a full ban and industry representatives defending their practices. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Health Care
Tampa General, combining tech and high-touch care, leads U.S. in organ transplants
In 2022, Tampa General Hospital, already a top-five hospital in size with 1,040 beds and the 17th largest in the nation, set its sights on what Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute, called two "big, hairy, audacious" goals: to be the largest transplant center in the country and to perform 1,000 transplants in one year.
» More from the Business Observer.
Sports Business
Club World Cup teams training in Florida
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held in stadiums across the United States this month, including three in Florida. Acting as a de facto dry run for the 2026 World Cup, this event features 32 teams, most of whom have won their men's club soccer championship. Matches will be played June 14 to July 13 with 14 split between Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
» Read more from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Miami Herald.