Florida growth slows, but still outpaces U.S.
Florida’s economy is starting to ease off the accelerator. A new TD Bank forecast shows the Sunshine State entering a period of slower expansion, as rising housing costs, weaker migration inflows and cooling tourism weigh on performance. While the state is still expected to outpace the national average, its once-wide lead is narrowing, signaling a shift from boom-time growth to steadier footing. [Source: Jacksonville Business Journal]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Gatorade turns 60
To you, it’s a sports beverage that might taste a little funky but “gives your body what it’s thirsty for.” To the University of Florida, Gatorade remains a spring of millions of dollars each year that, 60 years after its creation by faculty members, provides seed money for new research and innovation. Curiosity and savvy marketing made it possible. [Source: Florida Trend]
10 Florida occupations most exposed to AI
Artificial intelligence is already transforming labor markets, and that impact is expected to grow with time. Florida's workforce could be reshaped as a result as routine work is automated by the technology. The list includes a mix of lower wage and above-average paying roles. The most lucrative job on the list, personal financial advisor, comes with an annual mean wage of $169,270. Every job on the list could have at least 30% of their tasks automated by AI. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Florida’s Agriculture Department is protecting more of state’s natural lands and farmland
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is rapidly expanding a program to protect agricultural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an official told lawmakers during committee week. From 2001 to 2022, the state protected 66,000 acres through the FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. That amount has surged under Commissioner Wilton Simpson, increasing to 161,000 acres since 2023. [Source: Florida Politics]
$1.5 million is retirement 'magic number.' Here's how long it would last in Florida
How much do you need to save, on top of Social Security benefits, to live a comfortable retirement? How much that "magic number" should be differs depending on who you ask. According to recent analysis, $1.5 million will last you 40 years in 32 states but Florida isn't one of them. Florida comes in at No. 34 in the U.S. when it comes for affordability. [Source: Naples Daily News]
Bright Futures, brighter path
Aidan Coffey knew from a young age that a future in volunteerism would require a heavy commitment throughout his youth — time that would challenge him to find the resources to pay for college. Paying tuition could have been a worry, with his parents back home in Fort Lauderdale working with his twin brother, Parker, who has autism. Yet, thanks to the Bright Futures Scholarship, Coffey was able to focus on his studies and volunteer thousands of hours during his four years at the University of Florida without incurring college debt. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Blue Origin to build new Florida satellite processing site for Space Force
While Blue Origin was kept out of the Space Force’s latest round of national security missions, the government has opted to rely on Jeff Bezos’ company to build a new place to prep satellites for launch. Space Systems Command announced Tuesday it had awarded to Blue Origin a $78.25 million contract to construct a space vehicle processing facility on the Space Coast by 2028.
› Reimagining Urban Spaces: Global voices converge at Smart City Expo Miami
What does it take to build a city that works for everyone? At Smart City Expo Miami 2025, that question drew more than 350 participants from over 20 countries to Miami Dade College’s AI Lab, where day one of the three-day event showcased a global mix of ideas, technologies, and lessons on how to make cities more connected, equitable, and resilient.
› Florida allows open carry of guns, so Publix does too, workers say
Publix, one of Florida’s most popular grocery chains, is now allowing customers across the state to openly carry guns due to a recent court ruling, employees say. Florida began allowing open carry on Sept. 25 after an appeals court overturned the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms, deeming it unconstitutional. Under the law, businesses and other private property owners have the option of banning open carry.
› No Canada: Air Canada says 'last date' coming for Jacksonville flight
Air Canada says the "last date" for its non-stop service out of Jacksonville to Toronto will be Oct. 25, leaving Jacksonville Intenational Airport once again without any international flights. Air Canada launched the daily flights on May 22 in a return to Jacksonville International Airport for the first time since Air Canada flew out of Jacksonville from May 2016 to April 2019.
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› Luxury hotel boom reshapes Northeast Florida coastline with multimillion-dollar projects
From boutique overhauls to multimillion-dollar resort rebrands, a wave of new hotels is reshaping Northeast Florida’s coastline. Across St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach, developers and hospitality groups are investing heavily in luxury lodging — positioning the Beaches as destinations not just for weekend getaways but for high-end travel experiences.
› Sarasota Memorial plans $82.5M rehab center at Venice hospital
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is moving forward with plans for a new rehabilitation center at its Venice campus expected to open in early 2028. After the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board authorized $82.5 million for the project last month, Sarasota Memorial in October selected architect Gresham Smith and general contractor DeAngelis Diamond to design and build the four-story rehab pavilion. Construction will take approximately two years, according to a statement.
› Winter Park Autumn Art Festival highlights Florida artists this weekend
Florida fall is in the air, and the 52nd Winter Park Autumn Art Festival will help mark the changing season this weekend, bringing back an annual community tradition. More than 180 Florida-based artists will come together in the Park Avenue area this weekend to showcase ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, fine crafts, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media. The festival is presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
› Miami Carnival feels the pinch from tariffs and immigration fears
Those beaded and feathered costumes that parade throughout Miami Carnival may be fewer and farther between this year, as organizers say rising costs and immigration fears are dampening participation in the Caribbean cultural celebration. Tariffs on imported materials, a sluggish economy and heightened immigration enforcement have combined to create a financial and logistical squeeze for both festival organizers and attendees.