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Florida’s capital venture
Red 6 is a cutting-edge tech company that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to train U.S. military fighter pilots. KindDesigns uses 3D printers to build and repair “living seawalls” with environmentally friendly materials that can reduce storm surge and create a marine habitat. Both bring dramatic change — what the cool kids these days call disruption — to their marketplaces. And you, Florida Trend reader, own a teeny piece of each company. They’re among 54 businesses in the Florida Opportunity Fund’s portfolio. More from Florida Trend.
South Florida inflation eased in August
South Florida consumer prices bucked the national trend in August. New data shows the regional inflation rate fell between June and August thanks to slower increases in food prices. Nationwide, the Consumer Price index rose 0.4% from July to August. The regional inflation figures are released every two months. The national measurement is monthly. The regional slowdown in price increases does not mean the inflation rate is more comfortable for consumers, though. More from WLRN.
Visit Orlando faces more scrutiny as commissioner calls for stricter oversight and fund reallocation
An Orange County leader shed light on possible changes they'd like made to the county's tourism tax contract with Visit Orlando — moves related to a recent audit of the agency. Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe sent a letter to fellow county officials on Sept. 10 about concerns over the "compliance and fiscal accountability” at Visit Orlando, the region's tourism marketing entity. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
JEA picks local company to buy former headquarters campus
Live Oak Contracting of Jacksonville emerged as JEA's top choice to buy the utility's former downtown campus and turn it into a mixed-use development called The Jewell with apartments, retail and restaurants along with commercial and office space. JEA selected Live Oak Contracting as the highest-ranked proposal for purchasing the 19-story tower and two other buildings the utility put up for sale at its former downtown campus. Live Oak Contracting previously was interested in restoring the vacant Laura Street Trio in downtown but that has not panned out. More from the Florida Times-Union.
St. Pete residents to pay more for their utilities starting Oct. 1
Most St. Petersburg residents will pay more for city utilities starting Oct. 1. Residents’ rates will increase by about 8.5%, or $12.73, a month in an average St. Petersburg household. City Council members approved rate increases in a Sept. 4 meeting to help cover the cost of infrastructure projects that will better harden the city to storms. Last year’s hurricanes showed the limits and vulnerabilities of St. Petersburg’s drainage systems. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Beat - Week of September 12th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Event
Orlando Pen Show returns with cursive writing, sketching classes
Stylophiles, artists and writers looking for inspiration may find it at the Orlando Pen Show. The annual convention for all things pens, stationery, journaling and sketching returns to The Florida Hotel and Conference Center starting on Friday, Sept. 12, for the general public and running through Sunday. Stationerycore lovers and pen collectors can find their new favorite writing instruments from dozens of vendors, as well as ink, journals, stickers and more.
» Read more from Click Orlando.