More Florida schools garner A, B grades in statewide ratings
A rising number of Florida schools have earned A and B grades in the state’s education accountability system, according to data released Monday. The 2025 results showed that 1,526 schools earned the top grade, up from 1,299 a year ago. Another 935 schools received a B, up from 916. Three-quarters of schools graded D last year improved at least one level. Among districts, 28 earned an A, 31 a B and 8 a C. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Fewer Canadians searching for homes in Florida
Fewer Canadians are searching for homes in Florida and throughout the United States than they were last year, according to a new report from Redfin. The real estate agency said the number of Canadian users searching for U.S. homes dropped 26.4% year over year in May. So far this year, April saw the largest drop in the number of Canadians searching for U.S. homes, at 34.2%, the report said. Redfin said the total number of prospective buyers and renters searching for homes declined, too, but by a fraction of the amount. [Source: WFLA]
Millions in compensation claims approved for Florida victims
The effort to increase the limits drew opposition from some local government agencies, including rural school districts that said it would drive up costs. But supporters of changing the sovereign-immunity laws said the current limits prevent victims from getting adequately compensated after being injured by government negligence. [Source: News Service of Florida]
International visitors to Florida's national parks will pay more
Visiting Florida's national parks will become a little pricier for those traveling from other countries. A new executive order from President Donald Trump will charge non-U.S. residents higher fees for national park entry and recreation passes. International visitors currently do not pay more to visit the parks than U.S. residents. The Department of the Interior’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 states that these increases are expected to bring in more than $90 million. The exact amount of these fees is unknown. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Invasive ‘crazy ants’ have made huge colonies in Florida. Here’s where
A longtime invasive ant has been making the rounds in Florida over the past few decades. And with summer upon us, it’s prime season for these ants to spread. According to the University of Florida researchers, these “tawny crazy ants” are named for their reddish-brown color and the way they zip around — “quickly and erratically.” However, they’re especially notorious for their “super colonies” — communities with several queens and connected nests spread out over a large area. [Source: Click Orlando]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Silver Airways affiliate Seaborne Airlines auctioned off, continues U.S. Virgin Islands service
The island-hopping affiliate of grounded regional airline Silver Airways has been auctioned off to an investment firm, a move that appears to ensure continued local air service for residents and visitors in the Caribbean islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Seaborne Virgin islands, currently a single seaplane operation, was sold in a Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy auction last week to Leonite Funds I LP of Wilmington, Del. The firm’s bid of $1.425 million narrowly topped an offer by Corporate Flight Management of Tennessee.
› Epic impact: Orange County tourist tax collections hit record for month of May
For the first time since its May grand opening, new numbers are spotlighting the economic surge that Universal Epic Universe is fueling in Orange County. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond on Monday announced that Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections for May 2025 reached nearly $30 million, marking a 5.7% increase compared to May 2024 and the highest amount ever recorded in the month of May.
› First Coast manufacturing survey shows 5 straight months of significant contraction for most sectors
Sluggishness is hampering the First Coast manufacturing scene, as a University of North Florida survey showed contraction in nearly every sector in June. UNF’s Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS) shows only two out of 12 manufacturing sectors expanded last month. Robert Loh, Interim Dean of the UNF Coggin College of Business, oversees the monthly project and said local manufacturers remain skittish when considering the broader economic picture.
› North Port commission to hear partnership proposal to build and finance three projects
The North Port City Commission will discuss a public-private partnership proposal from a Tampa-based company at 6 p.m. Tuesday to build three key infrastructure projects voters opted not to approve bond funding for during a May 13 special election referendum. North Port has unique borrowing restrictions stemming from its original incorporation, unlike other Florida municipalities.
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› How Tampa Bay businesses are managing risk in 2025
Florida business owners are certainly well versed in risk; however, the current mix of market uncertainty and economic fluctuation is causing many Tampa Bay business leaders to reevaluate their risk management strategies. While some leaders may hesitate to take action during this time, others are still optimistic about leveraging this time to prepare for the success to come.
› JetBlue is making big changes to South Florida flights
JetBlue Airways has announced it will cease operations at Miami International Airport due to poor financial performance. The change is effective Sept. 3. The airline will redirect its focus to nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and other routes.
› Beverage distributor Champion eyes growth with expansion
Champion Brands has plans to build out more warehouse space and storage capabilities. The beverage distributor is not executing this construction yet, but is prepared to do so as the company increases its product volume and client base. “We don't have definitive plans to break ground, but we want to be ready to pull the trigger if and when we need to expand,” executive vice president Jacob Benton told the Business Journal.
› Orange County announces reopening of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
Orange County celebrated the grand reopening of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at Eagles Roost Green Place, marking a significant step in preserving green space and wildlife. The refuge's mission is to rescue, raise, rehabilitate and release injured or orphaned Florida native species. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said, "This is a $5.6 million investment that we have made to improve the conditions here. And this is about 232 acres, that abuts another 1,700 acres or so, of preservation land that the county owns out here."