Budget constraints loom as Florida lawmakers start filing spending proposals
Lawmakers have started to file proposed budget earmarks for local projects as they return to the Capitol to prepare for the 2026 legislative session. State economists have forecast a $3.8 billion surplus for the 2026-2027 fiscal year if spending goes unchanged from the current fiscal year. But without changes, shortfalls are anticipated of $1.5 billion and $6.6 billion in subsequent years. More from the News Service of Florida.
Tropical Storm Jerry forms, forecast to grow into hurricane approaching Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center on Tuesday said Tropical Storm Jerry had formed in the Atlantic with a forecast it will intensify into a hurricane that could threaten the Caribbean. As of the NHC’s 11 a.m. advisory, the 10th named storm of the 2025 season had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph located about 1,315 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands moving west at 24 mph. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
CEO of FPL defends company seeking highest shareholder profit in nation
The chief executive of Florida Power & Light took the witness stand Monday before utility regulators, testifying that the company’s request to hike rates by nearly $10 billion over the next four years is in the best interest of the Floridians it serves. Under the company’s proposal, Florida Power & Light shareholders would get the highest rate of profit of any electric utility company in the nation. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Orlando lands United Football League team at downtown soccer stadium
Minor league football is returning to Central Florida. The United Football League announced the addition of the Orlando Storm as one of three new teams entering its third season of operation. The Storm will play its games at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando as part of the eight-team spring league, which also includes newly added franchises in Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. More from WESH and the Orlando Business Journal.
A major Fort Lauderdale mall could be replaced by nine towers and a hotel
The new owners of Fort Lauderdale’s Galleria Mall are considering a redevelopment plan that envisions nine 30-story towers, a 170-room hotel and hundreds of affordable-housing units under state’s Live Local Act, the project’s joint venture leader confirmed Monday. The 1980s-era mall was sold last month to a consortium of real estate and development interests led by Russell Galbut, who is based in Miami Beach and is a founder of investment and development firms with a history of creating mixed-use communities in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Better patient care through clinical and medical research
At Baptist Health South Florida, physician-researchers are redefining how care is delivered by blending patient-centered service with groundbreaking medical research. With a strong focus on clinical trials, key areas of exploration include cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience and orthopedics — fields where advances can have life-changing effects for patients. [Sponsored report]
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Business Profile
How one First Coast business turned downtime into a holiday empire
When Sun Power Lawn Care owner Tom Snogles went searching for a way to drive revenue during the winter months, he had no idea that he’d stumble upon the most joyous way to make a buck. Beginning in Gainesville in 2018, Snogles decided to bring the sparkle to Florida’s holiday season via Twinkle Nights. The now 10- to 15-employee strong operation lights up streets, offices and homes during the holiday season from Jekyll Island through Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ocala and The Villages.
» More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Research & Education
Florida’s Mote Marine Laboratory relocates hundreds of marine animals to new $130M facility
Crews used large nets, water-filled containers and box trucks to relocate hundreds of river otters, sea turtles, manatees, penguins and sharks to their new home: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Over the past couple of months, the marine animals were removed from the hard-to-reach island and relocated to a brand new center, where Mote believes they will be able to live in more authentic habitats and make it easier for the public to learn about marine sciences.
» Read more from the AP.