Florida ranks last in nation for state worker pay, new report shows
State of Florida employees are the rock-bottom lowest hourly earners in the country, trailing state workers in neighboring Alabama and Georgia by thousands of dollars to rank 51st among the states and Washington D.C. for government pay, according to the online job site ZipRecruiter. Nearly 100,000 state employees handle the paperwork, maintain the facilities, and provide the services that keep the 16th largest economy in the world, and fourth among U.S. states at $1.7 trillion, humming. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Florida Trend Exclusive
On the rebound
Barnes & Noble, rebounding on the success of giving its local store operators more autonomy, plans a new store in the Town Center at St. Lucie West in Port St. Lucie at a former Party City location. Barnes & Noble says it opened more new stores in 2024 alone than in the 10 years ending in 2019. It opened stores in Naples, Tampa and Tequesta this year. Logistics company Prologis plans to fill a man-made lake in Fort Lauderdale and put up a 650,000-sq.-ft. warehouse. [Source: Florida Trend]
Commentary: Time to rein in local spending and protect Florida seniors
As a former state representative and now as the executive director of the America First Policy Institute’s Florida chapter, I’ve spent years advocating for policies that put everyday Floridians first — especially our seniors. They have built this state with their hard work and deserve a secure retirement. But today, I’m sounding the alarm: Many Florida seniors are facing a financial crisis not of their own making, driven in part by out-of-control local government spending and taxes that are eroding their fixed incomes. I believe it’s time for our state Legislature to step in, rein in wasteful spending, and restore balance to the budgets of those who can least afford the squeeze. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida wants to post more college syllabi online. Professors fear what's next.
Florida is considering a move that would give people a closer look at what’s being taught in its public universities — another potential flash point as conservative-led states scrutinize higher education. University leaders in Florida want schools to post what textbooks, instructional materials and readings are required for most courses, similar to a policy recently adopted by Georgia colleges. [Source: Politico]
Study surprises scientists with its findings: millions of coral at Port Everglades
The study to determine what impact a planned port dredge will have on nearby coral confirmed millions of coral, including one of the largest stands of wild staghorn coral left on the reef. The first major assessment of coral near busy Port Everglades in a decade has led scientists to a surprising discovery: one of the world's busiest channels is also home to millions of corals, including what may be the largest stand of wild staghorn left on Florida's reef. The findings come as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepares to scoop up more than 6 million cubic yards of ocean bottom to deepen the port. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Thousands of Florida children and families could lose Head Start access amid the federal government shutdown
The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is sounding the alarm as seven Head Start grantees across 25 counties face potential service reductions or temporary closures due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
› New Florida carriers face steep learning curve, warns CEO
Competition in Florida's homeowners insurance market has intensified as a wave of new carriers enters the state, according to Universal Insurance Holdings chief executive officer Stephen Donaghy.
› UF Health Jacksonville breaks ground on new emergency center near Beaches
UF Health Jacksonville has begun construction on its fourth area hybrid emergency and urgent care center, which will be on Atlantic Boulevard just west of the Intracoastal Waterway.
› Citadel to acquire German business
The Miami-based company said it seeks to buy 100% of Hamburg, Germany-based FlexPower. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Citadel said FlexPower will retain its name as a subsidiary, and the acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this year, pending closing conditions.
More stories ...
› Florida AG’s Office of Parental Rights files enforcement action against Roku
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Parental Rights is filing of a civil enforcement action against Roku, Inc. and its Florida subsidiary for violations of the Florida Digital Bill of Rights and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
›
Florida’s weather swings are shaping mosquito season
As the country moves toward cooler months, changing weather patterns across the state are affecting mosquito activity levels, according to experts with the University of Florida.
› What to know about getting a flu shot in Florida. What changed in 2025?
Flu cases and flu-related emergency room visits have been increasing in Florida, according to state Department of Health data, and it's time to get vaccinated against it before cooler temperatures and holiday gatherings force everyone into breathing each other's air.
› City of Tampa breaks ground on $69M affordable housing in East Tampa
Construction is underway on a new affordable housing community in East Tampa — another step toward addressing affordable housing demand in the city.