Florida's construction worker shortage continues
As Florida’s construction industry continues to boom, contractors and developers are struggling to find a trained workforce to funnel into crucial leadership roles. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry needs 439,000 new workers in 2025 to meet existing demand. That is expected to grow to 1.9 million workers over the next decade. More from Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Naples galas evolve amid changing economy, new strategies
A look at what makes galas tick in Naples shows that area nonprofits have big-event fundraising down to both an art and a science, carefully calibrating strategies and tactics to maximize amounts raised. Yet with shifting economic and political currents, some are wondering whether “paddle season”— when patrons give big to support their favorite causes — will look different this year. More from the Gulfshore Business.
Seminole lays out its wish list of projects using sales tax money
From building a community park to adding more space at the cramped animal shelter, Seminole County has unveiled a wish list of projects to be paid for by tapping into $250 million in sales tax revenue it expects to collect over the next decade. Seminole voters last year overwhelmingly approved raising the state sales tax in the county by one penny up to 7 cents on the dollar for the next 10 years. That extra penny is expected to bring in roughly $650 million by the end of 2034. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches first voyage from JaxPort
The Norwegian Gem cruise ship dropped its anchor in Jacksonville on Friday, giving cruise lovers another option to set sail from the River City, and making history as the first Norwegian cruise ship to call Jacksonville home. Norwegian Cruise Line said the Gem will be homeport in Jacksonville from November to April every year through 2028, offering seasonal cruises to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. More from First Coast News and the Jacksonville Daily Record.
French AI startup relocates U.S. HQ to Miami
The Mobile-First Company, a fast-growing French AI startup, has chosen Miami for its new U.S. headquarters after raising $12 million in seed funding co-led by Base10 Partners and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The company builds mobile-first software for small teams: tools that turn routine business tasks into quick, automated workflows. Its first product, Allo, is an AI phone system now used by 5,000 businesses worldwide. More from Refresh Miami.
| Florida Trend Mention |
|
Entertainment
Magic Kingdom had world’s top theme park attendance in 2024, report says
Magic Kingdom was again the most visited theme park in the world last year, an attendance report says. Walt Disney World’s original attraction drew 17.84 million guests in 2024, an increase of 0.7% over 2023, according to the TEA Global Experience Index. Disneyland park in California was second in the worldwide rankings with 17.34 million visitors, an increase of 0.5%.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Sports Business
Benchmark International on why they took center ice in downtown Tampa
Benchmark International has operated in Tampa for over a decade, quietly building a global reputation that few outside its industry have ever noticed. While others chased attention, Benchmark built credibility by closing billions in deals, one business owner at a time. That low profile changed this summer when Benchmark acquired the naming rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning arena and officially renamed it Benchmark International Arena.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.