Florida sees a notable drop in new unemployment claims
First-time unemployment claims last week in Florida were at the lowest level in nearly seven months. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 5,590 claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended Saturday, down from a revised count of 6,075 claims during the week that ended Sept. 13. Last week’s total was the lowest number since 5,566 claims were submitted during the week that ended March 1. More from the News Service of Florida and Florida Politics.
Business Beat - Week of September 26th
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Atlantic storms keep curving back toward sea. How long will it last?
The few storms that have formed this Atlantic hurricane season have largely taken a similar path — curving away from the United States. Several factors have steered Atlantic storms away from land this season, keeping Floridians safe. But it’s hard to predict how long those factors will continue to influence the tropics in the latter part of the season, when storms historically develop closer to the state. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida casino revenue jumps 8% as gaming industry expands
Florida’s non-tribal casinos pulled in $58.3 million from slots last month. The July figure beats 2024’s $54 million by 8%. Magic City Casino dominated with $12.3 million, up from $9.6 million last July. That’s a 28% jump. The Miami casino outpaced every other property by a wide margin. Harrah’s Pompano Beach took second place at $10 million, compared to $9 million in 2024. The 11% gain keeps them competitive but well behind Magic City’s numbers. Most other venues saw modest gains. [Source: Boca Raton Tribune]
Organizers behind ShellHacks, Florida’s largest hackathon, share tips for success
Hundreds of projects using the latest technologies and innovation, coupled with companies, sponsors, recruiters, and mentors, have made ShellHacks a highlight for students in tech. Organized by INIT at FIU – a tech organization that helps students land a tech job through programs, career development, and internship opportunities – ShellHacks has seen huge numbers over the years: 1,400+ hackers, 40 + sponsors, 230+ projects, and $20,000 in prizes for challenge winners. [Source: Refresh Miami]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Space Coast hotel bookings ‘off significantly’ as shutdown threat looms
Brevard County’s tourism industry is bracing for a turbulent final quarter of 2025, as a stark warning from a key industry leader about a significant drop in future hotel bookings clashes with the record-breaking performance seen earlier in the year. The growing apprehension among local hoteliers is being fueled by national economic headwinds and the looming threat of a U.S. federal government shutdown, which could “evaporate” business overnight.
› Clearwater study says leaving Duke could drop residents’ electric bills
After more than a year of suspense, the city of Clearwater’s study on the pros and cons of dropping Duke Energy for citywide electricity services is done. Its conclusion: Leaving Duke Energy and forming a municipal-run utility instead could save residents millions on their electric bills. The estimated savings start at 10% in the first year and rise to 19% in the 20th year of the city running its own electric services.
› Townhome and condo prices are on the decline in Sarasota and Manatee
The Sarasota-Bradenton area's August real estate market points to a period of transition for the region, according to the most recent industry report. The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee’s August findings showed growth – if only modest – for Sarasota County single-family homes and townhomes and condos. Manatee County saw an increase in sales of single-family homes, but a decrease in other sectors.
› Funding gap derails plan for next Brightline station
The long-planned Brightline station in downtown Stuart has been delayed again, with county officials now projecting the earliest opening in 2028. The setback comes after the Federal Railroad Administration did not approve Martin County’s request for $45 million in grant money this year. That funding was expected to cover most of the project’s $60 million cost, with the remaining $15 million to be covered locally.
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› Tampa financial services firm raises $5M through promissory notes
Tampa-based financial services firm AtlasClear Holdings Inc. has raised $5 million in financing by issuing promissory notes to investors and board members, according to a company announcement released Wednesday. AtlasClear Holdings announced Sept. 17 that it secured $3 million in funding. Wednesday’s announcement heralded the final $2 million needed to complete the company’s financing round.
› Seagrass recovers in north Indian River Lagoon but south of Port St. John remains stagnant
Few look closer at Indian River Lagoon's ecological lifeblood than Lauren Hall. From behind her snorkel mask, she's seen seagrass come and go for three decades. Now the lagoon's most crucial, yet faltering, plant is flowering back north of Port St. John. But the underwater vital signs Hall sees all the way south to Malabar don't look nearly as rosy.
› How billionaire Stephen Ross brought a major tech company to West Palm Beach
ServiceNow's decision to expand to West Palm Beach Beach was years in the making. Real estate developer Stephen Ross has led an effort to transform West Palm Beach into a hub for Florida's emerging technology industry. He's been an outspoken advocate for the city, pointing to its cultural amenities and proximity to the wealth of Palm Beach as draws for technology businesses. So far, Fortune 500 firm ServiceNow is the biggest get.
› Hillsborough overspent by $279 million, Florida CFO says
In the last half decade, Hillsborough County has overspent on services to the tune of more than a quarter billion dollars, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said Wednesday. At a news conference in Brandon, Ingoglia laid out the state’s case against recent local spending in the Florida county that’s home to Tampa.