Rocket launches at sea? Florida-linked startups developing floating offshore launchpads
On Florida's Space Coast, the number of orbital launches has skyrocketed to annual records of 31 in 2021, 57 in 2022, 72 in 2023, and 93 last year. This year's ongoing total could soar to the neighborhood of 120 to 130 launches, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said recently. That would represent an increase of 29% to 40% over 2024's total. But building new launch complexes is costly, subject to onerous environmental and regulatory permitting, and poses dangers to nearby populations. [Source: Florida Today]
These AI jobs are expected to boom in Florida
Artificial intelligence has the potential to wipe out many jobs in the labor market, but it's also creating opportunities for people with the right skillsets. Businesses across the U.S. are adding AI jobs to increase productivity and stay competitive in a changing market. But there are certain roles that are gaining more traction than others, according to a report from Snowfire, a platform that generates artificial intelligence data and insights for C-suite executives. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Opinion: Despite setbacks, Florida’s citrus growers remain optimistic
Florida's citrus industry has faced several devastating challenges, including freezes and diseases. Despite setbacks like citrus canker and citrus greening, growers remain optimistic about the future. Research and new treatments offer hope for combating citrus greening and ensuring the industry's survival. Growers have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and continuing production. [Source: Fort Myers News-Press]
Opposition to oil drilling off Florida's east coast is a uniting force for Democrats and Republicans
The federal government is considering a program to open nearly all of the U.S. coastline to oil drilling, even in areas such as Florida’s east coast in which there is a moratorium for drilling. It appears this issue is one in which both sides of the aisle agree: they don’t want oil drilling in Florida’s Atlantic waters. For 45 days, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is taking public input about a program that would open up nearly all of the U.S. coastline to oil drilling. [Source: First Coast News]
Florida is crawling with lizards. But which ones can actually hurt you?
Florida can feel like an open-air reptile zoo. The state is home to dozens of nonnative lizard species, most of which are bigger, faster and stronger than native lizards. The reptiles range from 4-inch Cuban brown anoles to nuisance green iguanas to imposing 5-foot predators such as the Nile monitor. Though some of these creatures look like mini Jurassic monsters, are they actually aggressive enough to be dangerous? [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› ‘Not a culinary wasteland’: Can Michelin make Fort Lauderdale a dining destination?
Residential and retail development is booming, and a $1.2 billion project to renovate the Broward County Convention Center is underway just off the 17th Street Causeway, where a new 801-room Omni Hotel is rising. Young professionals are moving downtown, bringing disposable income and a demand for cool places to hang out. Upscale tourists are in need of high-end spots to live it up. And more than a few Miami chefs and restaurateurs have been willing to give Broward a try.
› Downtown Orlando bar owners rally against midnight alcohol cutoff proposal
A circulating petition asks the Orlando City Council to reject a recent proposal to reduce crime by requiring bars and other late-night venues to stop serving alcohol at midnight. The Orlando City Council has considered implementing a new requirement that bars end alcohol sales at midnight. The council will next meet June 9, and the petition urges signers to submit comments beforehand.
› JAX Chamber’s Daniel Davis: Land swap for UF campus is best for city
The JAX Chamber is backing a proposed land swap for property for the University of Florida’s graduate campus, and it is encouraging its members to contact City Council in support of the exchange. During a June 6 presentation to the Chamber Downtown Council, JAX Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis said the swap would benefit the city by creating private development on the Northbank riverfront.
› As Epic Universe draws hype, what’s next for Tampa’s hometown park?
As Universal Orlando put the finishing touches on its $7 billion new gate, Epic Universe, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay had an announcement too. The Tampa theme park and Adventure Island, its accompanying water park, will spend $40 million to fund a new attraction and restaurant, as well as improvements to other eateries, shade, pathways, restrooms and more.
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› South Florida banks, lenders boost financial services to foreign companies
South Florida banks and lenders are doubling down to meet the needs of foreign companies as the region increasingly cements its status as a global gateway. More Latin American companies looking to expand into the U.S. and European firms seeking a foothold in the Americas are turning to South Florida as their destination of choice for investments and regional headquarters.
› Naples Council approves 2.2% increase in utility fees
Business and residential customers in the city of Naples will see a 2.2% increase in water and sewer rates, solid-waste collection and stormwater rates when the next fiscal year starts Oct. 1. City Council on June 4 unanimously approved a 2.2% increase based on the April 2025 over April 2024 Consumer Price Index annual changes in three markets: the U.S. City Average, South region and Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.
› The Ag Reserve’s 22,000 acres: A look at Palm Beach County’s growth and preservation today
As Palm Beach County’s population swells, the desire to develop has followed suit. But amid the rise of new residents and construction, county officials also have worked to create a harmonious relationship between the need for new development and the preservation of some of South Florida’s last relatively untouched land.
› Code-named Project Moana seeks incentives to expand in Jacksonville with $90 million warehouse
A wholesale distributor is seeking public incentives to expand in Jacksonville with a $90 million food distribution warehouse, according to newly released city documents. The city Office of Economic Development is requesting approval for $2.2 million in incentives for the code-named Project Moana, which according to an OED staff summary plans a capital investment of $80 million in new construction and $10 million in equipment.