Florida's manufacturing sector is on the rise, but there's a catch
Florida’s manufacturing output more than doubled between 2000 and 2024 – but that is not leading to more jobs. The state saw a 6.7% decline in manufacturing employment during that period, translating to a loss of 30,714 jobs. But output – the total value of goods produced by the sector – was up 109%, indicating that employers need far fewer workers to meet their goals. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Are Burmese pythons slithering out of the Everglades and into Florida homes?
Three Burmese pythons were recently found at Florida homes, including one discovered inside a truck engine. While pythons generally avoid urban areas, they are known to inhabit nearby environments, sometimes venturing closer to populated areas. The Burmese python, an invasive species in Florida, has significantly impacted the local ecosystem, preying on native wildlife. [Source: Naples Daily News]
Property insurance companies are thriving now. Are Floridians owed a refund?
It turns out there is a law that would require property insurers to provide refunds if they make excess profits. But those profits would have to come from insurers’ underwriting activities — the nitty gritty of evaluating and pricing risk. And experts say the state’s top insurers generate the majority of their profits from investments and spin-off companies that perform the bulk of their functions. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Hurricane center ups odds tropical wave in Atlantic will develop
The National Hurricane Center on Monday increased the odds a tropical wave in the far eastern Atlantic could develop into the season’s next tropical depression or storm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in early August updated its season forecast to call for 13-18 named storms this year, of which five to nine would grow into hurricanes. Two to five of those would develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. The height of hurricane season runs from mid-August into October while the entire six-month season runs June 1 to Nov. 30. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Luxury home sales boom in these Florida counties
Big bucks for fancy homes drove South Florida home sales in July, according to the Miami Association of Realtors. “Miami is where ultra-high-net-worth individuals want to live,” Miami Association Chairman of the Board Eddie Blanco said in a statement. But for the rest of us, rising costs and struggles with securing financing are keeping many prospective buyers out of the market. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Will Fort Lauderdale’s new City Hall turn heads? 6 firms pitch 6 visions
Six developers are in the running to build a new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. The community lost its gray bunker of a City Hall when a record-breaking rainstorm hit in April 2023 and flooded the basement. The 1960s-era building, damaged beyond repair, has been demolished. Fort Lauderdale is still in the process of defining the requirements and scope for the new City Hall, but is seeking to hire an outside firm to design, finance and construct the new City Hall. A decision is expected before the end of the year.
› The space industry is booming in Brevard
Brevard County is quietly emerging as a cornerstone of Florida’s evolving aerospace economy…and not just for SpaceX launches or NASA. They of course remain vital to the area economy, but they are far from the only companies expanding or coming here. Anchoring this growth is the state’s designated spaceport territories, underpinned by the Spaceport Improvement Program—a collaborative initiative led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Space Florida.
› Sarasota County commissioners looks for less expensive jail options
For years, Sarasota County has struggled with a problem it has yet to solve — a jail built for 773 inmates that now holds well over a thousand. Hallways double as sleeping quarters. Inspections flag chronic overcrowding. And every proposed fix has come with a price tag large enough to give taxpayers pause. The most ambitious plan promised a generational solution. Last week, commissioners signaled a shift in direction.
› Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy protection again
Budget carrier Spirit Airlines said Friday that it has filed for fresh bankruptcy protection months after emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization. The no-frills airline said it intends to conduct business as normal during the restructuring process, meaning passengers can continue to book trips and use their tickets, credits and loyalty points. The company said its employees and contractors would still be paid.
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› Without deal, Memorial Healthcare System becomes out-of-network provider for Florida Blue members
Memorial Healthcare System’s doctors, specialists, and hospitals are no longer in the network for Florida Blue policyholders, the state’s largest health insurer. As of Sept. 1, the contract between the two parties expires, although negotiations continue. For now, Memorial Healthcare has chosen not to make appointments for Florida Blue’s 31,000 affected policyholders, even those who agree to self-pay or pay out-of-network prices.
› Collier struggles to keep roads in step with growth
Collier County’s road infrastructure has encountered difficulty keeping pace with the quickly growing population flocking to Southwest Florida for a piece of paradise. By design, substantial lag time exists between when a traffic improvement need is initially identified and when a road project is completed. That’s because in between are design phases, public hearings, government meetings, planning checklists, engineering challenges, right-of-way acquisition, project bid letting and the actual construction time.
› Long rides are up but not fares so far this year, adding to Brightline’s financial pressures
More passengers were riding Brightline trains between South Florida and Orlando last month, but they weren’t paying more than they were a year ago. The private passenger train service has been trying to shift its customer mix to serving more long haul riders and the higher fares they pay compared to passengers riding between stops in South Florida. The focus on longer rides and higher fares is an effort to improve the company’s financial performance as it looks to sell some of itself to outside investors.
› Debate grows over future of iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Tallahassee
The only Florida residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Lewis Spring House, is on the market for $2.1 million, sparking public discussion about its future. The late owners' daughter hopes the house will be used as a cultural and educational space, as her parents intended. Experts suggest potential uses for the property include a specialty Airbnb or an arts and science museum, while emphasizing the importance of preserving Wright's original design and vision.