Florida jumps 2 spots to No. 3 in best states for business analysis
The Sunshine State has again ranked in the top 5 for best places to do business, according to CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rankings. This year, Florida moved up two spots, from No. 5 last year to No. 3, driven largely by the state’s booming economy. Florida ranked first in the nation for its economy, and second for its workforce. Also driving its strong showing is the state’s access to capital, at No. 3 in the nation. But Florida has room for improvement when it comes to cost of living. More from Florida Politics.
CSX Transportation is cutting jobs, including dozens in Jacksonville
Seventy-seven Jacksonville employees will be part of the 125 employees affected by layoffs at CSX Transportation. All of the employees are in management roles, according to CSX. CSX says all employees who were laid off will be provided "robust" support, "competitive severance" and employment transition services. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Miami-Dade project bets tech can make housing more accessible
The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority wants to make it easier for locals to navigate the county's public housing system. To do that, it partnered with the county's Department of Housing and Community Development, the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, and Miami Homes for All to identify solutions that will speed up resident placement into affordable homes. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
St. Petersburg ‘Center for the Arts’ no longer includes a conference center
Conceptual plans for a previously estimated $161.7 million redevelopment project along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront continue evolving as the city receives stakeholder feedback. Tentatively dubbed the Center for the Arts, the cohesive district will no longer feature a conference center. Al Lang Stadium is in no danger of meeting a wrecking ball. More from the Catalyst.
Brightline tells bondholders it will be late on interest payment
Brightline, the high-speed railroad that runs between South and Central Florida, will be late with a scheduled July 15 interest payment to investors who hold tax-exempt bonds that were issued last year, the company confirmed Friday. The unrated bonds, which command 10% and 12% interest rates, were sold through the Florida Development Finance Corp., which reportedly is about to consider another $400 million borrowing for Brightline to expand to Tampa from Orlando. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
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Out of the Box
UF researchers deploy robotic rabbits across South Florida to fight Burmese python explosion
Scattered in python hot spots among the cypress and sawgrass of South Florida is the state’s newest weapon in its arsenal to battle the invasive serpent, a mechanical lure meant to entice the apex predator to its ultimate demise. Just don’t call it the Energizer bunny. Researchers at the University of Florida have outfitted 40 furry toy rabbits with motors and tiny heaters that work together to mimic the movements and body temperature of a marsh rabbit — a favorite python meal.
» More from the Palm Beach Post.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Cyber heroes
When he’s on vacation, Danny Jenkins works “only” about six hours per day. If a staffer calls him at 3 a.m. to help troubleshoot a problem, Jenkins says he’s happy to answer. He admits to “doing really well” financially, but the co-founder and CEO of the Maitland-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker says it’s not about the money. An early adopter of “zero trust” security systems, he’s convinced he’s onto something that could all but eliminate cybercrime.
» Read more from Florida Trend.