Will data centers drive up Florida electric bills? This case could decide.
For the first time in Florida, utility regulators are mulling how to handle data centers — the energy-guzzling facilities that house computer equipment needed to power artificial intelligence and other tech programs. Data centers in other parts of the country have already skyrocketed some Americans’ electric bills, as utilities must rapidly build more power plants and transmission lines to compensate for the soaring demand. The issue has come up as part of the complex rate case of Florida Power & Light, giving state utility regulators the chance to set guardrails that could set a precedent for Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Business Beat - Week of October 17th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Only a third of My Safe Florida Home applicants got their grant, program official says
Only about a third of more than 122,000 Florida homeowners who signed up to the My Safe Florida Home program since 2022 have completed their home-hardening improvements and received grants, a program official said Wednesday. Steven Fielder, who oversees the program for the Florida Department of Financial Services, told the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee that low-income applicants often fail to finish the program because they can’t afford project costs that exceed the $10,000 grant cap for eligible homeowners. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Cuts could be coming to Florida higher education budget
Following years of budget surpluses, Florida is projected to run into a few years of deficits after the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The state is projected to have an almost $4 billion surplus over the next fiscal year, but then face deficits of over a billion and almost $7 billion in the following two years. Revenue forecasters say that’s a result of several factors, including COVID-19-era federal funding expiring, sales tax revenue decreasing after tourism and sales spiked following the pandemic, and increased spending on state programs like Medicaid and school vouchers. [Source: WFSU]
Two Florida companies just ranked as top startups
Two Florida companies are among the top 50 startups in 2025, according to an annual ranking from business social site LinkedIn. Researchers use LinkedIn data, including employee growth and job candidate interest, to help compile the rankings. Companies must be based in the United States, independent, privately held and founded five years ago or less. More from the Miami Herald.
Discover Airlines: A new take on takeoff
Travel is more than just moving from A to B. It’s a hobby for the heart and mind. It opens doors to experiences that inspire, delight, and connect us. At Discover Airlines, we do everything we can to make flying comfortable and joyful – so every trip turns into lasting memories. From the sun-kissed Greek islands like Santorini and Crete, to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands or Africa’s breathtaking highlights such as safaris at Kilimanjaro or the white sands of Zanzibar: Discover Airlines connects U.S. travelers with more than 60 dream destinations. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› South Florida artists and entrepreneurs find new opportunities in the crypto world
As economic uncertainty pushes many to seek new ways to grow their income, a growing number of Miami residents are turning to cryptocurrency. For some, it's not just an investment — it's a life-changing opportunity. Miami has emerged as a hub for digital asset enthusiasts.
› Environmental group sues FDEM over Alligator Alcatraz
Friends of the Everglades filed another lawsuit against the state, alleging it failed to disclose public records about the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in southern Collier County. The lawsuit, filed Oct. 14 in Leon County Circuit Court, alleges the Florida Division of Emergency Management illegally withheld public records and didn’t disclose a funding request to federal authorities, which misled a federal judge and allowed the detention center to remain open.
› A toxin from algae is causing signs similar to Alzheimer's in Indian River Lagoon dolphins
Dolphin's brains in the Indian River Lagoon are showing signs similar to what's seen in Alzheimer's disease in humans, according to a new study. The researchers say it's no cause for alarm but reason for a much deeper dive into the algal toxins that may be harming us all. The study, just published in Nature Communications Biology, found lagoon dolphins exposed to harmful algal blooms had high levels of a specific toxin from those blooms in their brains and showed similar telltale warning signs of neurodegeneration seen in humans with Alzheimer's disease.
› Hillsborough approves $18 million for Yankees’ Steinbrenner Field
Hillsborough County has approved spending $17.96 million in tourist taxes to renovate Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training home. County commissioners approved the proposal by a 6-1 vote Wednesday, with Donna Cameron-Cepeda delivering the lone no vote. She did not respond to a request for comment. Steinbrenner Field, those who voted in favor of the funding said, is worth properly maintaining because it is a county-owned asset.
More stories ...
› Preston Haskell makes $12 million gift to Jacksonville University
At a ceremony Oct. 15 at Jacksonville University College of Law, the university announced it is naming its Public Policy Institute after Preston Haskell, recognizing his decades of financial support and service to the institution and his recent $12 million gift. “Preston wanted to combine his support by funding the institute’s presence at the law school. Public policy and law are different sides of the same coin,” JU College of Law Randall C. Berg Founding Dean Nick Allard said.
› Big changes are coming to Orlando International Airport. Here’s what to expect
Some big changes are in the works for the Orlando International Airport (MCO), according to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. On Wednesday, the GOAA unveiled its 10-year plans for MCO, which were previously presented to the board during a workshop last week. Among the changes planned for MCO are customer experience improvements and a “Business Incubator” to help drive up the number of small businesses working with the airport.
› Sarasota manufacturer signs deal with Australian distributor
A Sarasota manufacturer of instant narcotics and explosive detection wipes has partnered with an Australian distributor. Trace Eye-D, which has a corporate headquarters in Tampa and a production facility and lab in Sarasota, will sell its field-ready detection tools to Optimum Technology, a forensic solutions provider with customers in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, according to a statement.
› Alachua County to return to at-large voting districts after appeals court decision
The First District Court of Appeal on Oct. 15 overturned an Alachua County judge's ruling last year that will once again allow all five county commissioners to be elected countywide. The appellate court voted unanimously in favor of the county, which appealed Judge Olin Shinholser ruling in October 2024 that a ballot measure on single-member districts set for November 2024 was "unlawful" and in violation of state statute.