Economic sentiment climbs again in Florida despite uncertainty
Floridians are becoming more optimistic about the current economic situation, according to the latest statewide survey by the University of Florida (UF). Consumer sentiment in Florida went up for the second straight month in June. The UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research found in its June survey that consumer confidence increased 3.1 points, rising from 81 in May to 84.1. It’s reflective of the national consumer sentiment, which increased by 8.5 points. More from UF News and Florida Politics.
North Carolina outduels Florida for AI manufacturing center expected to create 1,200 jobs
St. Petesburg-based electronics maker Jabil Inc. has selected a North Carolina site over one in Florida for its $500 million cloud computing and artificial intelligence data center. North Carolina competed with Florida to host the project, according to a document provided by the state Commerce Department. The document said state and local incentives total more than $21 million, from which Jabil could receive cash payments of $11.3 million over 12 years if it meets investment and job-creation thresholds. [Source: WUSF]
Floridians face rising food costs, debt, declining health
Rising food costs are pushing more Floridians into debt and forcing families to sacrifice nutrition and essential needs, according to a new poll by No Kid Hungry Florida. The May 2025 survey found 85% of adults believe food prices are rising faster than their income, up from 78% in 2024. More than half (52%) reported going into debt to afford groceries. Families with children were hardest hit. [Source: Gulfshore Business]
A new Florida law could create a turf lawn boom, defying local stopgaps
Though business is on the rise as more artificial turf finds its way into the landscape of Florida, some government leaders and environmentalists are raising concerns about the impacts. Artificial turf doesn’t drain, they say, meaning that it contributes to flooding. And a new state law is going to make it easier than ever for homeowners to choose artificial over real grass. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
DeSantis signs off on most Florida arts funding, after veto last year
A year after vetoing millions of dollars in grants for Florida’s arts and cultural programs because of concerns about funding two fringe festivals in the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved the bulk of the arts grants set by the state legislature. While cutting about $600 million from the roughly $115 billion state budget, DeSantis spared most of the nearly $18 million allocated in special arts-related building projects that legislative members pushed through in their extended session. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› JTA board approves lease agreement with Gateway Jax
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority board approved a ground lease that would allow the Downtown developer to build apartments and commercial space on a lot near the Rosa L. Parks Transit Station. The JTA board voted 5-0 on July 1 in favor of terms of a 99-year lease in which Gateway Jax would pay $110,000 in rent the first year, with 2% increases every year thereafter, for the 1.47-acre lot.
› Tolls increasing on Central Florida expressways
Tolls will go up across all of Central Florida Expressway’s 125-mile road network in an effort to fund over $4.2 billion in projects over the next five years. The increase affects many of the expressways surrounding Orlando, including State Roads 408, 417, 429, and 538, among others. The agency, funded solely by toll revenue, is working to widen multiple roads, expand high-tech safety projects and build new avenues with the increased collections.
› Miami-Dade says budget derails funding for commuter train on Brightline tracks
A planned commuter train between Miami and Fort Lauderdale saw its funding plan derailed Monday by Florida’s new state budget, which defunds a key source of transit dollars for the $927 million project, according to county officials. If funded, the Northeast Corridor project — also known as the Coastal Link — would bring a version of Tri-Rail commuter trains to the heart of the Miami area’s urban corridor.
› Naples software firm uses AI to help nonprofits fundraise, strategize
Most nonprofits understand the value and benefits of a strategic plan. Having a document that details the organization’s mission, vision and goals, along with measurable steps for accomplishing objectives, can lead to better fundraising success and ensure everyone involved with the organization is on the same page. Naples software firm PlanPerfect aims to grow its presence in the nonprofit marketplace with a powerful artificial intelligence model.
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› Florida reports third measles case for 2025 in state's capital county
A case of measles has been reported in Leon County, home of the state capital of Tallahassee, according to state health officials. A person between the age of 25-29 acquired the disease outside of the country in June, according to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) Reportable Disease Frequency Report. This is the third case of measles in Florida this year.
› After flooding, Sarasota County decides to overhaul stormwater operations
The Sarasota County Commission voted to create a new Stormwater Department, after months of urging from local advocates and residents critical of the county after devastating flooding by Hurricane Debby last year. The "Public Works Department" will no longer exist; the county will now have a Transportation Department and a forthcoming Stormwater Department.
› Despite controversy, Miami moved election date. One candidate has already sued
A lawsuit filed Monday is challenging last week’s controversial Miami City Commission vote to postpone the city’s upcoming November election to 2026. The 41-page complaint by Miami mayoral candidate Emilio González argues that the decision to move the city from odd- to even-year elections effectively granted Mayor Francis Suarez and city commissioners an additional year in power without the consent of voters.
› Israeli drone tech company establishes U.S. headquarters, manufacturing facility in Tampa
XTEND Reality Inc., an Israeli provider of artificial intelligence-powered drone technology, is opening its new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tampa. The company has leased more than 5,700 square feet in the Crossroads Industrial Center at 5247 Crossroads Park Drive, where it hosted a grand opening ceremony on July 1. The site will house both its U.S. administrative offices and drone production operations.