AI and automation report struck down by veto
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed four bills that were almost unanimously approved by the Legislature this spring, including a measure that would have required studying the impacts of automation and artificial intelligence on employment in Florida. DeSantis’ office announced the vetoes Friday night. The bill dealing with automation and artificial intelligence (HB 827) would have directed part of the Department of Commerce to study issues such as job losses and gains. More from the News Service of Forida and Florida Politics.
National Hurricane Center tracking system that could stall over Florida. Fourth of July impacts
Better make some backup plans for inside activities over the Fourth of July weekend. A disturbance is expected to stall late this week of the southeastern coast of the United States and could lead to the formation of an area of low pressure over Florida by the holiday weekend. The system stretches across Florida, from the northeastern Gulf to the Atlantic waters off the southeastern coast of the United States. More from the Naples Daily News.
Largest group of flamingos in a decade spotted in Florida Everglades
The largest group of American Flamingos seen in Florida in more than a decade was recorded late last week. Mark Ian Cook, a wildlife and scientific photographer, was taking part in an aerial survey of birds in Florida Bay when the flamingos were first spotted. Cook said it is the largest flock of flamingos recorded in Florida since 2014, when 147 were seen together in a water treatment area in a northern part of the Everglades. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
South Florida bank CEO takes helm of Florida Bankers Association
Keith Costello, co-founder and CEO of Fort Lauderdale-based Locality Bank, has officially begun his term as chair of the Florida Bankers Association. Costello was sworn in during the association’s 137th annual meeting at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples. The association is one of the state’s oldest trade groups representing more than 150 member banks and 134,000 banking professionals. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
After destructive hurricanes, Safety Harbor begins waterfront overhaul
Safety Harbor’s beloved waterfront is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation as the city prepares for a series of reconstruction projects starting July 7. The extensive construction work, largely necessitated by the destructive 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons, promises a revitalized waterfront but will bring significant temporary disruptions for residents and visitors. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Transportation Trends
JTA kicks off autonomous shuttle service by offering rides for free
Jacksonville is now the first city in the nation where rubber-tired autonomous vehicles, which don't need onboard drivers to operate them, are a regular part of the mass transit system. JTA eventually will charge a $1.75 fare per trip on the shuttles. But riding them will be free through Sept. 30 as the agency encourages people to check out the shuttles.
» More from the Florida Times-Union and Mass Transit Magazine.
Sports Business
Pickleball fans pack West Palm convention for games, gear, gadgets and good vibes
More than 1,100 pickleball enthusiasts flooded the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Saturday, not just to compete, but to connect, retreat and revel in a sport that's morphed from a backyard pastime into a booming cultural phenomenon. Amid the thwack of plastic balls and cheers from company-sponsored teams, vendors at the 2025 World Pickleball Convention hawked everything from recovery gadgets to a cheekily named board game — and even a wellness retreat for women called "Pickled A Broad."
» Read more from the Palm Beach Post.