Record year for Burmese python program means fewer snakes, more hope for native wildlife
A startling milestone has been reached in Florida’s war against the invasive Burmese pythons eating their way across the Everglades. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida reports it has captured and humanely killed 20 tons of the snakes since 2013, including a record 6,300 pounds of pythons killed this past breeding season More from the Miami Herald and Gulf Coast News Now.
UNF survey finds pessimistic outlook from Northeast Florida manufacturers
Manufacturing activity continued to contract in May in the Jacksonville area, with local companies pessimistic about the industry’s outlook, according to a monthly survey by the University of North Florida’s Local Economic Indicators Projects. A Purchasing Manager’s Index derived from the survey registered 47.5 in May. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in Northeast Florida manufacturing activity. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
SBA loans available to Sarasota, Manatee small business, nonprofits
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Florida small businesses and private nonprofits affected by Hurricane Milton. The disaster declaration covers primary counties impacted by the hurricane. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Miami vacation rental startup goes bankrupt after raising millions
Roami, a Miami startup that matches travelers with short-term rentals, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy two years after raising millions of dollars in capital from investors. Roami has between $10 million and $50 million in debts, and between $1 million and $10 million in assets. Those assets include about $5 million in personal property. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Cape Coral bucks national mortgage decline trend
While mortgage originations dropped 14% nationwide in the first quarter of 2025, Cape Coral saw a 23.1% quarter-over-quarter increase, according to ATTOM’s latest mortgage origination report. The city was second only to Asheville, North Carolina, for loan growth among large U.S. metros. Nationwide, loan volume and average loan amounts fell, driven by a 20% drop in home purchase mortgages. More from Gulfshore Business.
Sports Business
Red Lobster sponsors Ice Cube's BIG3 basketball league in latest brand refresh effort
In Red Lobster’s latest effort to breathe fresh life into the brand and update its marketing strategies, the seafood chain will be a major sponsor of the premier 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by musician/actor/producer Ice Cube. The Orlando-based food chain has signed on to be the official restaurant sponsor of BIG3’s upcoming tournament, which kicks off June 14 in Chicago.
» More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Out of the Box
How the founders behind ARKHAUS are charging up Miami with innovation
If you’re out boating this summer in Miami, don’t be surprised if you spot ARKHAUS floating on the horizon. With two pristine, solar-powered yachts connected by a shared deck, it might look like a billionaire’s private retreat, but it’s far from that. ARKHAUS, a zero-emission maritime hospitality experience powered by two solar-electric yachts, commenced pre-launch activities in December 2024 with upscale dining and private event offerings.
» Read more from Refresh Miami.