Where does Florida rank on a list of best states to work?
Florida ranks in the middle of the pack among the best states to work in the United States, according to a new study by Oxfam America. The nonprofit organization graded states on wage policies, worker protections and employees’ rights to organize. The Sunshine State received a score of 51.76 out of 100 for wage policies, 22.62 for worker protections and 60 for workers’ rights to organize. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Orlando among fastest-growing mid-size US cities in new economic study
Orlando is surging onto the national stage as one of America’s fastest-growing mid-size cities, landing third in a new study of economic momentum across the country. The report examined growth in the nation’s largest, mid-size and small cities between 2019 and 2023, measuring performance across 11 key categories including GDP expansion, housing growth, infrastructure, exports, workforce stability and educational attainment. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Miami startup is betting on AI to make recruiting faster, fairer, and more human
When Alfredo Vaamonde talks about the future of recruiting, he’s quick to clarify one thing: he doesn’t see artificial intelligence as a replacement for recruiters. Instead, he sees it as their partner. “Our focus is to empower recruiters, not replace them,” Vaamonde told Refresh Miami. “That’s why our company is called MissionHires.” The Miami-based startup, co-founded by Vaamonde and his wife, Mariana Escolar, automates up to 80% of the hiring process – from sourcing candidates to screening and initial engagement – so recruiters can focus on what matters: connecting with top candidates and making better hiring decisions. More from Refresh Miami.
Jacksonville is one of Florida’s top rental markets in 2025
Jacksonville is quickly becoming one of the most desirable rental markets in Florida, according to a new report. The city now ranks No. 21 nationwide in RentCafe’s Best Cities for Renters 2025 report, up from No. 25 last year. It has climbed to the fourth-best place to rent in Florida — just behind Sarasota, Orlando and Miami — due to factors including affordability, space and modern amenities. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Publix and autism therapy firm at war over $15 million in medical bills
Publix and a health care firm that provides therapy for autistic children are locked in multi-million dollar legal battle over unpaid medical bills for children of Publix workers. ABA Cares sued the Florida grocer on Aug. 25 on behalf of 10 Publix workers whose children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Its lawsuit, filed in Broward County, states that Publix has refused to pay medical bills since October despite pre-authorizing therapy sessions through its self-funded health insurance plan. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Profile
Big Lee’s brings traffic to Ocala, aiding in local business boom
The sound of sizzling brisket and a warm greeting by shift manager Jasmine Myers – “Hi, welcome to Big Lee’s!” – gives off that small, local barbecue joint feeling. But Big Lee’s - Serious About BBQ in Ocala is anything but small. In fact, it has blown up on TikTok in recent months, amassing a total of about 242,300 followers and 3.7 million likes, bringing customers from as far as Texas to Ocala just to try their food. The restaurant is owned by Rashad Jones, a Food Network Celebrity chef.
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Florida Trend Excusive
Printed from pellets
Haddy founder and CEO John “Jay” Rogers responds to skeptics of his new 3D printed furniture in an unexpected way — the 6-foot-3-inch 200-pound Marine veteran jumps on top of an end table manufactured at his St. Petersburg plant. The table is thin with a curved design, yet it doesn’t sway or buckle. “I do that because nobody expects it,” Rogers says. “This holds 800 pounds, not just 200.” Haddy, an acronym for “Heroic Agile Designed Durable and Yours,” breaks down recycled and biodegradable materials into pellets which then are printed into tables, chairs and more.
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