Florida jobless rate stays at 3.7 percent
Florida’s unemployment rate held at 3.7 percent in May, after inching up earlier in the year. The Florida Department of Commerce on Friday released a report that showed an estimated 414,000 Floridians were out of work in May from a labor force of 11.2 million people. The report came after the Legislature late Monday approved a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that included putting additional money into a state rainy-day fund as a brace against potential future economic downturns or disasters. [Source: News Service of Florida]
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Quick study
Florida’s higher education landscape has experienced considerable leadership turnover. More than a dozen presidencies have changed hands in the past three years amid retirements and politics. A CliffsNotes guide to six of Florida's new presidential leaders. [Source: Florida Trend]
Column: The U.S. and Florida need to reconnect with farming. Here’s how
Today, many Americans are disconnected from agriculture, how our food is grown, who grows it and the science that keeps the system running smoothly. That disconnect makes it easier to overlook the importance of funding research. But when we fail to invest in science, we compromise the future of agriculture. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida out-of-state tuition could go up for first time since 2012
Students entering Florida for higher education may want to keep an eye on the price tag now that universities have permission to increase tuition on out-of-state students. Out-of-state tuition has not been changed at any public institution in Florida since 2012, when University of South Florida raised it to $491 per credit hour. At Florida State University, out-of-state tuition for graduate students has not increased since 2004. The State University System Board of Governors handed authority to university trustees to increase out-of-state tuition by up to 15%, if they so choose. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida shellfish industry, communities push governor to ban Apalachicola drilling
The Florida Legislature in April overwhelmingly approved a measure that would ban oil drilling along the Apalachicola River. The bill landed on Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk on Wednesday, starting the 15-day clock for his decision. The governor can sign the bill, veto it or do nothing and allow it to become law. Anglers and oyster farmers say oil drilling near the river would threaten their livelihoods — and their way of life. More from the Tampa Bay Times and MSN.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› How Tampa’s CentCom was at the heart of Iran bombing mission
Tampa was at the heart of the secret bombing campaign that hit three Iranian nuclear facilities early Saturday morning. Home to MacDill Air Force base and U.S. Central Command, CentCom, military officials in Tampa directed a precision strike under President Donald Trump’s orders to destroy or degrade Iran’s nuclear program.
› Two investors are competing to buy the Rays. Who are they?
Over the years, the Tampa Bay Rays have amassed a long list of would-be owners.
The team’s perpetually uncertain future has led to many suitors — and breakups. Owner Stuart Sternberg has kept his cards close through it all.
But the Rays notably changed their tone this week, when the team announced it is in “exclusive discussions” with a group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski “concerning a possible sale of the team.” But Zalupski has competition.
› Palm Beach has never been richer. The locals aren’t pleased.
There are no star maps on Palm Beach, and many of its biggest estates are hidden behind elaborate landscaping. To learn what belongs to whom, and how much it cost, a guide is needed, and Dana Koch, who has been selling real estate here for 22 years, knows the area cold.
“Howard and Beth Stern live here,” he said, pointing to a gate flanked by shrubbery. “This whole place, he paid about $50 million for it years ago. Now it’s worth $200 million.”
On it goes, an inventory of rich and famous people.
› Naples startup joins growing online AI education industry
Kevin Fleming got his first taste of generative AI in 2022 when a friend let him try out an early model. It changed the direction of his fledgling startup company, Writing.io, which up until then he envisioned as a publishing platform. After that, Writing.io became a business that makes AI education courses and tools, selling subscriptions at a variety of price points.
More stories ...
› Environmentalists appeal EPA permit for Ocean Era aquaculture project off Sarasota County
Local and national environmental groups filed an appeal this month with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of its decision to grant a modified waste discharge permit for the Ocean Era Aquaculture demonstration project off the south Sarasota County coastline.
› What will Orange County spend to protect pedestrians on I-Drive? Try $36 million
Pitched as iconic, even “Instagram-able,” a proposed pedestrian overpass at the busiest crossroads in the heart of the tourist district is moving ahead with a striking design and an even more eye-catching price tag. The swooping concrete structure linking all four corners of the intersection of International Drive and Sand Lake Road is estimated to cost more than $35.5 million.
› Jacksonville Aviation Authority seeks management company for Concourse B food hall
The Jacksonville International Airport Concourse B isn’t scheduled to open until December 2026, but dining options are being planned. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority issued a request for proposals June 19 to develop and manage a planned food hall in the concourse. The company selected will be responsible for curating a “well-rounded mix” of four quick-service concepts totaling 3,814 square feet that "create a balanced and appealing dining experience for a diverse customer base."
› Broward schools’ botched effort to buy laptops for students sparks inspector general probe
An effort to buy thousands of laptops for Broward students has been mired by two years of delays, allegations of wrongdoing and now an investigation from the county’s chief watchdog. The problems could delay a new initiative the district has to issue a take-home laptop to each student at the start of the school year, which is Aug. 11.