Could seaweed be Florida’s next big crop? Researchers are exploring the possibilities
Florida’s coastal waters are known for their bounty of oysters, clams, and shrimp, but a new research initiative is exploring whether seaweed could join the list of the state’s profitable marine crops. A team of researchers from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Florida Sea Grant is investigating the feasibility and economic potential of cultivating seaweed in the Sunshine State. More from the Tampa Free Press.
Miami-Dade’s construction jobs set yet another record
A building boom led Miami-Dade to set another construction jobs record in July with 64,000 people working in the industry, a 4,500-job gain in 12 months, while the rest of Florida was actually losing 700 construction jobs. Miami-Dade’s construction jobs gain was 7.6% over the 12 months while the statewide gain including the county was 0.6%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Without the county’s growth, Florida construction jobs would have declined. More from Miami Today.
Brightline faces financial strain despite ridership growth
Brightline is working to boost ridership amid growing concerns about its financial stability and ability to support future expansion projects. The high-speed rail company reported 1.8 million riders through July, up 11% over the same period last year. However, Fitch Ratings in July downgraded Brightline Trains Florida’s $2.22 billion senior bond, citing “a high degree of uncertainty” that increased capacity will translate into higher demand, ridership and fare revenue. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Fort Lauderdale is getting $88 million due to floods
Fort Lauderdale is getting a windfall of $88 million in federal money — and city officials want input from residents on how to spend it. Fort Lauderdale can spend the money repairing damaged homes and buildings; restoring critical infrastructure and facilities; elevating existing structures; expanding community services; and strengthening the city against future storms. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Central Florida city approves major development with thousands of homes and infrastructure upgrades
One local city could quadruple now that a new development has been approved. The new project in Bunnell involves more than 6,000 homes, commercial spaces, and retail properties, which will also lead to major upgrades in the city’s infrastructure. The Reserve at Haw Creek will take about 15 years to complete. More from WFTV.
Out of the Box
Send a postcard from this mini must-stop spot in Florida
Florida is known for a lot of things, but most people aren’t aware of its very tiny, yet equally iconic, tourist attraction: the world’s smallest post office. Located on Highway 41 in Ochopee, this mini mail hub is fully functional – not to mention a charming photo op. The Ochopee Post Office has been serving locals since 1953, and is still in operation today despite its small stature — 61.3 square feet, to be exact.
» More from My News 4.
Transportation Trends
CSX railroad’s merger prospects derail
The prospects for additional consolidation in the rail industry derailed this week when both of CSX’s potential partners said they weren’t interested in a deal. CSX’s stock nearly hit a new 52-week high last week at $37.25 before falling to $32.31 Tuesday after it became clear that neither BNSF nor CPKC railroads is pursuing the Jacksonville, Florida-based railroad, one of the six remaining major freight railroads in North America.
» Read more from the AP.