After Florida sees 'historic' low rates, new report shows home insurance increases
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s latest quarterly report shows a rate increase, following record-low rate filings and even a decrease last year. The 2025 first quarter report revealed property insurance base rates ticked up slightly by 0.3%, meaning that of the 10 most recent reports, nine show rate hikes, making it about a 40% increase for Central Florida policyholders since 2022. That’s the year the Florida Legislature passed what lawmakers call “historic” insurance market reforms to help recover the state's insurance crisis. More from Central Florida Public Media.
West Palm condo recruits former reality TV star to hawk entire building
Owners at the waterfront La Fontana condominium in West Palm Beach are putting their entire 140-unit building up for sale after failing to seal deals with two billionaire developers. They’ve recruited former “Million Dollar Listing New York” star Ryan Serhant and his firm to represent the 64-year-old building on North Flagler Drive with the idea it would be demolished and replaced by new construction. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Trust firm passes 50 employees, $2B in assets on its way to more growth
Venice-based Caldwell Trust Co. is growing significantly in 2025, having already hired seven people to bring the total to 50 employees. The firm, which manages nearly $2 billion in assets, also recently expanded to the east coast of Florida, with an office in Vero Beach. Another office, in Lakewood Ranch, to go with ones in Venice and downtown Sarasota, is also a possibility. More from the Business Observer.
Jacksonville's Downtown Investment Authority makes pick for next CEO
The Downtown Investment Authority board picked Colin Tarbert of Baltimore as the next CEO of the agency after CEO Lori Boyer ends her six-year run in charge of bringing development into downtown Jacksonville. Tarbert most recently served as president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corp. He has 20 years of experience in economic development and real estate in Baltimore where his roles included being deputy mayor. More from the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Air taxi study at Orlando airport shows promising results for integration
A study commissioned by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority shows that air taxis and autonomous aircraft are viable options for the city’s airport. Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University looked at airport data from a single busy day of traffic to assess the safety of using advanced air mobility vehicles. The report demonstrated that these new and highly automated aircraft can be integrated at Orlando International Airport without disrupting commercial air traffic. More from Orlando Inno.
Out of the Box
A cosplay wedding? Tampa Bay couples can tie the knot with costumed flair
If your wedding is in need of a superhero origin story, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court office is ready to provide a lair. Held during the week leading up to Tampa Bay Comic Convention, the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court office from July 28 to Aug. 1 is offering its first week of cosplay weddings.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Entertainment
Huge aquarium opens in Central Florida, a “theme park under the sea”
A Sea Life aquarium has opened next to Legoland in Winter Haven, wedged between the Peppa Pig theme park and Legoland and offering what they say is the first “theme park under the sea.” It has more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rock pools and 10 underwater-themed galleries.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.