As hurricane risk rises in Florida, home insurance is harder to get
Florida residents can now expect to pay almost $10,000 a year on average in premiums, making the state the most expensive place in the U.S. to buy homeowners insurance. Hotter conditions are trapping moisture and fueling hurricane intensification, creating wetter, more powerful hurricanes that leave Florida increasingly vulnerable to storm damage. More from NBC News.
Southwest Florida sees gains in education, health services jobs
The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area added 2,100 jobs in education and health services over the year in June, while the Naples-Marco Island area gained 1,100 jobs in the same sector, according to Florida Department of Commerce data. Private sector employment rose by 2,100 jobs, 0.8%, in Cape Coral-Fort Myers and 800 jobs, or 0.5%, in Naples-Marco Island. More from Gulfshore Business.
Carnival’s Celebration Key opens on Grand Bahama with Shaq sightings, colorful fanfare
A Bahamian brass band, colorful costumed parades and an appearance from Shaq were all part of the merriment that welcomed the opening of Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key on Saturday. The $600 million development on Grand Bahama Island, which encompasses 68 acres exclusive to Carnival guests, saw its first visitors with the morning arrival of the Port Canaveral-based Carnival Vista. Highlights of the oceanfront oasis include the largest freshwater lagoons in the Bahamas or Caribbean, a 10-story sandcastle structure that houses two water slides and the world’s largest swim-up bar. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Brightline is moving forward on a Tampa station. When will it be here?
Since Brightline unveiled its Orlando station in 2023, connecting the city with Miami, the next question has been: when will it come to Tampa? That question has become more urgent as Central Florida’s population continues to grow, snarling traffic along Interstate 4. Last year, Mayor Jane Castor suggested a downtown Tampa station could launch by 2029. This week, another official had a more reserved prediction. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Keys guts road-raising projects, slashes jobs
Facing federal uncertainty about hurricane relief funds and budget holes, the Florida Keys went on a slashing spree: gutting funding for its landmark road-raising program, exiting a decade-old regional climate change compact and cutting emergency staff roles designed to help prepare for storms. More from the Miami Herald.
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Florida History
Hidden Gem: Norman Studios recalls Jacksonville's movie-making past
There are almost no traces left to indicate that Jacksonville once reigned as the Winter Film Capital of the world, with more than two dozen studios shooting films around the city more than a century ago. But the volunteers at Norman Studios Silent Film Museum in Arlington aren't about to let that heyday go unremembered.
» More from the Florida Times-Union.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Filling the gap
For as long as Joseph Jedlowski can remember, he has been entrenched in senior living — all thanks to his paternal grandmother, who raised him and worked in the industry. Around five years ago, Jedlowski launched Distinctive Living, a company with a Tampa office that specializes in developing and operating boutique senior living communities. The team has 12 properties under development, including five in Florida.
» Read more from Florida Trend.