Hemp industry pushes for clarity as state tackles new regulations
As part of a years-long effort to keep intoxicating hemp products away from children, Florida regulators on Wednesday held a workshop to take comments on a proposed rule aimed at defining what a “cartoon” means on packaging of gummies, sodas and other items. Hemp industry officials say that, while they welcome regulation, the state law is too vague and has led inspectors to inconsistently deeming products off-limits. More from the News Service of Florida.
Businesses cite licensing, permitting delays as they exit Lauderdale Lakes for friendlier cities
Delays in licensing and permitting are driving some small businesses out of Lauderdale Lakes, according to property managers and tenants who said they have waited months or even years for city approval. Both a spokesperson for the City of Lauderdale Lakes and Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips deferred comment to the city's director of development services, who did not respond to messages seeking comment. Last month, however, that director of development services convinced the city commission to invest in OpenGov software in order to streamline the permitting process and increase transparency. More from CBS News Miami.
Jacksonville Jaguars valued at more than $5.5 billion, a 17 percent increase over 2024
The Jacksonville Jaguars' value increased 17 percent for owner Shad Khan over the past year, according to annual NFL team valuations released on Aug. 13 by Sportico, a sports-business website. But the Jaguars remained among the lowest-valued teams in the NFL, in 31st place at $5.57 billion, the same position as Sportico's 2024 rankings. Only the Cincinnati Bengals ($5.5 billion) are lower. The Jaguars were purchased by Khan in 2012 for $770 million. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Experts puzzled by Brevard's first locally derived dengue cases
Brevard remains under a mosquito-borne illness alert after state health officials recently confirmed several human cases of locally-acquired dengue fever. Escambia and Miami-Dade counties also are currently under mosquito-borne illness alerts. Lafayette and St. Johns counties are currently under a mosquito-borne illness advisory, a less serious level of health risk. More from Florida Today.
Redwire stock plunges on disappointing quarterly report
The roller-coaster ride of Redwire Corp.’s stock this year took a plunge Aug. 7 after the Jacksonville-based space technology company reported disappointing second-quarter results. Redwire said revenue dropped 21% in the second quarter to $61.8 million in a report B. Riley Securities analyst Mike Crawford called “perplexing” in a research note. The main reason for the decline was a change in contract value and cost estimates at completion for one program that reduced revenue by $17.7 million. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Entertainment
First look aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship
The world’s largest cruise ship, which arrived at Port Canaveral earlier this month as the company’s second Icon-class ship, has plenty of spaces to relax, new technology and adventurous ways to spend time onboard. At 248,663 gross tons, the ship has 20 decks, seven pools, six waterslides and more than 40 venues for dining and drinking. It can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and more than 7,000 passengers at full capacity, plus 2,350 crew.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
The Wright way to nurse
Raised by a single mother on Medicaid navigating a chronic illness, Lauren Wright witnessed firsthand the failures of the health care system. That experience stayed with Wright. At the University of South Florida, she pursued a dual nurse practitioner and Ph.D. track. During her Ph.D. program, Wright researched the microbiome and the importance of breast milk in shaping an infant’s health for years to come. Wright began wondering: If breastfeeding is so critical, why are so many women struggling with it?
» Read more from Florida Trend.