Marijuana companies are getting into Florida’s largely unregulated hemp business
The state has one of the most highly regulated medical marijuana programs in the nation. Companies have to undergo an intensely competitive, drawn-out process for a limited number of licenses. In contrast, retailers who sell hemp products that can get consumers as high — or higher — operate in a market that’s largely unregulated. It’s no surprise to experts, as the competition heats up, that some marijuana companies are entering the hemp market. It’s no surprise to experts, as the competition heats up, that some marijuana companies are entering the hemp market. More from News Service of Florida.
Jacksonville rent growth outpaces inflation, defying national cooling trend
As most U.S. cities see rent growth cool, Jacksonville stands out as one of just nine major metros where rents have surged faster than inflation over the past six years. Median asking rent in the Jacksonville metro reached $1,512 in May, representing a 27.2% increase since 2019. That growth outpaces the national rise in consumer prices, which climbed 25.6% in the same period. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Babcock Ranch expansion continues with a dining, wellness, office hub
B Street, a new mixed-use area now under construction in the WestTown area of Babcock Ranch, will serve as a walkable hub for state-of-the-art offices, wellness and dining and retail options at its completion in late 2026, officials announced June 17. B Street is one of several active commercial projects in Babcock Ranch’s 6-million-square-foot growth plan. More from Gulfshore Business.
Who’s paying for Panthers parade?
The Florida Panthers, back-to-back champs in the battle for the coveted Stanley Cup, are getting a victory parade on Sunday. But who’s paying for it? That’s a mystery for now. Mayor Dean Trantalis says he’s not sure. And the Panthers aren’t saying. Fort Lauderdale is still negotiating the details on who pays what, city officials say. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
At Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60, the nightly sunset celebration resumes
Nine months after hurricanes Helene and Milton ravaged Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60, regulars are striving for pre-storm normalcy — and to an extent, achieving it. Beachgoers from near and far have returned, and so have the vendors and performers. They make up the lifeblood of the pier’s nightly sunset celebration, a showcase of art and busking which dates back three decades. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Beat - Week of June 20th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Event
Tool time: Orlando Science Center hosts Make Fest this weekend
Orlando Science Center is preparing for this weekend’s two-day Make Fest, an event that centers on crafting and mastering the art of tools. The sessions will include interactive workshops and local artisans presenting handcrafted goods. Participants may meet makers from Burning Designs Creations, Wonderly Co., Black Bee Honey, Love Club Labs, Black Lab Soapery, Florida Dairy Farms and others.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.