Florida drought hurting business? SBA offering loans
Florida continues to suffer from an extreme drought, but the federal government is reaching out with some help. Droughts can cause increased costs, damage to infrastructure, supply chain disruptions and even closures in extreme cases. Small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations who lost money due to the drought may be eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the agency said. [Source: Naples Daily News]
Florida seizes airfield for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center
State officials confirmed they are commandeering the Miami-Dade County-owned facility as part of their efforts to aid the federal government’s immigration crackdown. They have said it should be operational early next month. Part of the site’s appeal, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said, is that it is surrounded by alligators and pythons, a deterrent to anyone seeking to escape. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Opinion: Florida’s economy can be bolstered by stronger utility partnerships
Florida stands at a pivotal moment. With the right strategy, the state could unlock a new era of growth driven by digital infrastructure. But without thoughtful collaboration between regulators, utilities, and private-sector leaders, that opportunity may pass Florida by. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida hasn't had a CFO in months. Who will DeSantis pick, and why does it matter?
Susan Miller, who was chief of staff under former CFO Jimmy Patronis, is currently in charge of the Department of Financial Services, but Gov. Ron DeSantis has not officially named her CFO, even on an interim basis. The last press release from the department was in May, according to its website. The vacancy in a high-level cabinet position is unusual — the CFO is third in the line of succession for governor, after the lieutenant governor and attorney general. More from Yahoo News and the Tallahassee Democrat.
How enhanced-efficiency fertilizers could help Florida growers save money and the environment
While fertilizers provide essential nutrients, like nitrogen, to our food crops, they can also leach into water bodies and feed harmful algal blooms. Researchers at the University of Florida are studying a possible solution: controlled-release and slow-release fertilizers. The researchers determined that these products can help farmers maximize yields while also preventing nutrients, such as nitrates, from leaking into waterways through stormwater runoff. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› With SLS rocket future uncertain, L3Harris still cranking out engines
While NASA’s Artemis program may ultimately abandon the Space Launch System rocket, for now, Melbourne-based L3Harris is pushing forward with the manufacture of the powerful rocket’s core stage engines. The SLS core stage gets 2 million pounds of thrust from four RS-25 engines that for the first four Artemis missions are engines from the Space Shuttle Program refurbished by Aerojet Rocketdyne, which L3Harris acquired in 2023.
› The people behind the pipeline: How Miami Tech Works partners are helping to grow and keep talent here
Since its launch in 2023, Miami Tech Works has grown from a bold new initiative into a recognizable force behind South Florida’s tech talent pipeline. And helping shape that brand? A local digital marketing agency that’s been with them every step of the way, since day one, witnessing and contributing to Miami Tech Works’ mission to transform the city into a global tech hub.
› St Petersburg’s tallest tower will be the new HQ for this local business
A St. Petersburg financial services firm will move it’s headquarters to the Residences at 400 Central, the 46-story condo/office tower being built downtown. Dynasty Financial Partners announced on Tuesday that it has signed a 15-year lease for 44,434 square feet in the building. It will be the sole office tenant in what is now St. Petersburg’s tallest tower.
› Cape Coral, Naples among top cities for cash home flips as U.S. investor profits tighten
Cape Coral and Naples ranked among the top U.S. metro areas for cash home flips in the first quarter of 2025, with 81.1% of flipped homes in both cities bought without financing, according to ATTOM, a curator of land, property data and real estate analytics. Other leading markets included Rockford, Illinois (81.6%); Toledo, Ohio (81.2%); and Buffalo, New York (81.2%).
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› Florida Legislature approves cultural grants for six Brevard organizations
Six Brevard County organizations are on the list to get cultural grants as part of the state budget the Florida Legislature approved on June 16. But 14 others that applied for such grants — and would have qualified in previous years, based on the scores of their applications — were left off the grant list.
› HGTV ranks this Florida city among US’s best in southern charm
Need ideas for your next weekend trip? HGTV released its list of the "40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America," featuring one in Florida. The home improvement and real estate network explored the history, culture, attractions and beauty that make small-town downtowns across America charming. Only one Florida town appeared on HGTV's list — Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.
› Delivery company to cut jobs, shut down operations in Miami-Dade
A delivery company plans to cut more than 100 jobs and shut down its Miami-Dade County operations. Lightspeed Logistics Miami LLC will eliminate 110 delivery driver positions and close its "Sub Same-Day Delivery" service in Hialeah, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice.
› SRQ names new President and CEO to succeed retiring Rick Piccolo
Beginning this fall, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will be under new leadership. On Tuesday, the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority announced the unanimous selection of Paul Hoback Jr. as the incoming President and CEO, succeeding Rick Piccolo who will retire this year.