Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's workforce: Upskilling
Florida businesses often find that, when nurtured properly, their best talent is already in house. While most of the state has about the same number of job openings as it has people seeking work, many of those people lack the requisite skills. And in places like Southwest Florida the workforce has contracted, says Lee County Economic Development Director John Talmage. [Source: Florida Trend]
Study highlights the benefits of mangroves for reducing property damage during hurricanes
These natural flood defenses are especially important economically in Florida, with its extensive coastline, expensive coastal properties, extreme events, and some exceptional stands of mangrove forests still remaining. In Florida, an estimated 600,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall health of the state's southern coastal zone and beyond, according to the state's environmental protection department. [Source: Phys.org]
Fight starts again to repeal law limiting medical-malpractice lawsuits
More than four months after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the idea, the Florida House on Wednesday began a renewed effort to repeal a decades-old law that has prevented some people from pursuing key damages in medical-malpractice lawsuits. The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted 16-2 to approve a bill (HB 6003) that would repeal the long-controversial 1990 law. Supporters said a repeal would provide justice to people whose family members die because of medical negligence, while opponents said it would drive up insurance — and health-care — costs. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Legislation seeks to combat homelessness via hiring incentives for businesses
Newly proposed legislation could usher in a new tax credit program aimed at supporting businesses that hire and house employees facing homelessness. For tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2027, a qualified business would be eligible for a base credit of $2,000 for every qualified employee they provide housing to. The business would be eligible for an additional $1,000 per eligible qualified employee if the housing provided is owned and converted into housing by the employer. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida wildlife officials discover second case of ‘zombie deer disease’ in state
Wildlife officials in Florida have discovered only the second case in the state of a deadly infection known colloquially as “zombie deer disease” and are enforcing emergency measures to try to prevent a spread. Experts are warning of a domino effect on wildlife management if the neurodegenerative disease, more prevalent in western and north-eastern states, is not contained. [Source: The Guardian]
Building a stronger healthcare workforce
At Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), we are deeply committed to ensuring our graduates find fulfilling careers where they can make a meaningful impact on healthcare. Our Career Services team bridges the gap between healthcare institutions, who need skilled professionals, and our graduates, who are eager to begin working with patients. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› First Watch tops most loved workplace list two years in a row
First Watch has been named the most loved workplace in America for the second year in a row. The dining company based in east Manatee County topped the 2025 Most Loved Workplaces list compiled by the Best Practice Institute, which surveyed more than 2.8 million employees.
› Hialeah council approves $200 relief for homeowners despite impact on the budget
The Hialeah City Council narrowly approved a one-time $200 relief payment for homesteaded property owners — a measure that will cost the city an estimated $6.4 million. To fund the $200 payments to 32,100 eligible homestead property owners, Hialeah will see a reduction of $4.6 million from the genera fund and will delay around 18 city projects totaling $3.8 million.
› Leon teachers vote down $40 monthly pay increase
The teachers of Leon County have voted and the majority rejected the Leon County School District's million dollar offer for salary raises. The disapproval didn't come as a surprise to many. The Leon Classroom Teachers Association now will have to return to the bargaining table with the longshot hope of landing a better deal – or preparing to declare an impasse. The deal would have landed teachers a $40 monthly pay raise, or an average of $400 to $500 per year.
› Vast American Dream Miami given boost via new area roads
Restrictions on funding for local roads in Northwest Miami-Dade that could benefit a long-awaited American Dream Miami mall were lifted last week as county commissioners were told the roads will permit pending state highway construction. The original prohibition on road spending came at the behest of mall owners who would compete with the American Dream project.
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› After 30 years, Jacksonville Beach waterpark Adventure Landing closes
After 30 years of thrills, the Adventure Landing waterpark and arcade in Jacksonville Beach has closed. Oct. 14 was the last day of operation at the park, its waterslides, wave pool and lazy river. The Haunt Nights Halloween attraction, scheduled to run through Nov. 1 at the park, has also been canceled.
› Orlando airports unveil ambitious plans to boost revenue, experiences by 2035
Executives are working on an ambitious plan to increase revenue, experiences and more at both of Orlando's airports. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board recently held a workshop to iron out details related to a master plan to transform Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).
› Amazon looks to fill 1,500 jobs in Tampa
Online retail behemoth Amazon is looking to hire about 1,500 employees in the Tampa market as part of a national hiring spree ahead of the holiday shopping season. In all, the company plans to hire 13,500 in the state and 250,000 nationwide. Amazon says the jobs will be both temporary and permanent with an average wage of $19 per hour for seasonal workers and $23 per hour for full-time workers.
› South Florida rents at lowest since 2021, report says
South Florida rents softened for the third month in a row in September, reaching their lowest point in more than four years. In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area, the median asking rent for a typical 0-2 bedroom unit in September was $2,298, Realtor.com indicated in its latest monthly rent report.