Florida CEOs send message to NYC: Ditch the Big Apple
The Florida Council of 100, a Tampa-based group of leaders who advise the governor on business issues, has sent an open letter to New York business leaders with a message for companies to leave the Empire State and relocate to the Sunshine State. The council in its open letter says its goal is to showcase Florida as a compelling alternative to “the growing risks of doing business in an uncertain economic and political environment.” More from the Business Observer.
The worst housing market in America is now Florida’s Cape Coral
They came in droves via Zoom. Thousands found an inexpensive slice of paradise in Cape Coral, a city with more canals than anywhere else in the world. Househunters were so taken with this boating community on Florida’s west coast that many purchased homes sight unseen during the early years of the pandemic. Now, three years later, “For Sale” signs line every other block. More from the Wall Street Journal and MSN.
SpaceX is planning to build a new project in Florida, records say
Could SpaceX extend its Florida footprint? The commercial spaceflight company filed preliminary paperwork to build a satellite communications facility in Myakka City, according to Manatee County records. SpaceX, which Elon Musk founded in 2002, has become a leader in aerospace and is known for its rocket launches and partnership with NASA. More from the Miami Herald.
Orange County throws out minority- and women-owned business program amid federal DEI scrutiny
Weeks after the City of Orlando suspended a minority- and women-owned business program, Orange County is following suit and throwing out its own program, citing possible federal funding loss and fear of prosecution as reasons for elimination. Because the program helped the county’s minority population, including women and people of certain ethnicities, it was considered to be DEI-related. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
In a $1B legaltech deal, Miami-based vLex to be acquired by Clio
Clio, a leading provider of legal technology that is based in Canada, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Miami-based legaltech vLex. The cash and stock transaction is valued at $1 billion (US). With operations in Miami, London and Barcelona and owned by private equity firm Oakley Capital, vLex serves over 2 million legal professionals worldwide in over 110 countries. The acquisition is expected to close later this year pending regulatory approvals. More from Refresh Miami.
Sports Business
Tampa Bay leaders optimistic of new Rays ownership
Elected officials in Pinellas County have soured to the Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership after the team pulled out of a $1.3 billion stadium and redevelopment project for Tropicana Field in March. But reports that Ray’s leaders are in “exclusive discussions” with Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski to sell the team has piqued the interest of leaders in Pinellas — and across Tampa Bay.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
From passion to profit: A story of resilience and rebuilding
Bill Bronsord, co-founder of aquatic apparel brand Tunaskin, faced the ultimate leadership test in 2022, when Hurricane Ian destroyed the brand’s Fort Myers Beach store. The loss of inventory and damage to the community Tunaskin had grown since 2009 were devastating blows. But with help from resourceful employees, the Fort Myers Beach community and their trusted Chase Business Banker, the team persevered through a lengthy—and costly—rebuild.
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