Legislators look at ‘tweaks’ to growth law
State legislators are discussing the possibility of revising a new law that has drawn legal challenges because it blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans. Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said Monday during a Manatee County legislative delegation meeting that he has talked with sponsors of the 2025 legislation and that “tweaks” are being discussed. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida’s solar apprenticeship program builds skilled workforce for a growing industry
As solar energy continues to surge as one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, Florida has positioned itself at the forefront of developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demand. A first-of-its-kind solar apprenticeship program, launched through a partnership between the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA), is helping to train and certify the next generation of solar professionals while keeping jobs and economic benefits in the Sunshine State. More from Florida Politics.
Can you buy home, flood insurance during hurricane season? What to know in Florida
The 2025 hurricane season may be past its peak, but there's still a little over a month of the season left and major Hurricane Melissa is churning through the Caribbean. Of course, hurricane season means more potential for flooding, rain and wind damage. But if you're a homeowner without homeowners, flood or property insurance during hurricane season, it's the hardest time of year for finding coverage. More from Florida Today.
10 of South Florida's biggest tech deals in 2025
In 2025, South Florida’s tech scene surged as major companies expanded their offices, several billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions took place and Miami-based startups landed major funding rounds. If you thought 2025 was a slow year for South Florida's innovation sector, think again. Here are some of the major deals of the year involving technology companies. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
DeSantis warns schools, partners with Turning Point USA to create more Florida chapters
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a partnership with Turning Point USA to ensure high school students in Florida start campus chapters of the conservative youth organization, founded by political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was slain in early September. At an Oct. 27 press conference in Sarasota, DeSantis said any high school student who wants to start a Club America chapter, the high school chapters for Turning Point, should be able to start one. If any issues arise, DeSantis warned that Florida officials will get involved. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Florida Agriculture
Science provides some hope for Florida’s struggling citrus industry
As Florida’s citrus season begins, stretching from October through May, orange trees hang heavy with ripe fruit, bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants just as cold and flu season arrives. It’s as if Mother Nature and the farmers who rise before dawn to tend these groves have conspired to deliver precisely what we need, when we need it most.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Tumor interrupted
Dallas Carroll was pregnant with her second son when she found a lump in her breast in April 2023. By that October, she had noticed nipple retraction, skin dimpling and swollen lymph nodes. Despite her repeatedly flagging the changes, a nurse practitioner assured her everything was fine. Carroll gave birth to her son, Dakota, on Dec. 1 in Alabama. On Dec. 7, after a doctor escalated her concerns, she finally received a diagnosis: Stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her liver and bones. The life that she’d known was shattered.
» Read more from Florida Trend.