Florida citrus growers warn of labor shortage during shutdown
Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) has raised concerns over labor shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that delays in processing H-2A visa applications could affect the state's citrus harvest. "The potential absence of a legal workforce may be the greatest adverse impact the government shutdown has on Florida's citrus industry," said FCM Executive Vice President and CEO Matt Joyner. He noted that while improved technologies and a calm hurricane season have supported production, growers now face challenges harvesting due to the lack of workers. More from Fresh Plaza.
Mixed message: Tropical wave in Caribbean; first freeze in Florida
As we continue to watch the tropics, watch out for something a little closer to home: the first freeze of the season in some parts of Florida is probable by early next week. With just over three weeks remaining in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, conditions remain quiet in the tropics. But as you start dipping into your hurricane supplies, forecasters said conditions in the Caribbean could support some tropical development. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Restaurant chain Wagamama will move its headquarters to Tampa
The asian-fusion restaurant brand Wagamama USA is relocating its corporate headquarters from New York to Tampa. In December, the company will move to The Towers at Westshore. There will be between 15 and 20 employees based there. “Relocating to Tampa positions us for long-term growth,” CEO of Wagamama USA, Stephen Judge said in a statement. “It allows us to continue building a world-class team and strengthen the foundations required for disciplined expansion.” More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Gainesville votes to dissolve GRU Authority, return control of utility back to city
City of Gainesville residents for the second time in a year voted decisively on Nov. 4 to remove the article of the city's charter that created the GRU Authority, effectively dissolving the governor-appointed board and removing the utility's chief executive. With all 32 precincts reporting, the referendum to return control of the city-owned utility to the City Commission passed with 75.18% of the vote. More from the Gainesville Sun.
SeaPort Manatee breaks annual cargo record
For the second year in a row, SeaPort Manatee broke its record for volume of cargo handled. In fiscal year 2025, the port in Manatee County reported 11,855,828 tons of cargo flowed through, narrowly passing the record it set in fiscal 2024 of 11,779,601 tons; the increase was nearly 0.65% overall. This fiscal year, the port also reported best-ever levels of liquid and dry bulk activity. More from the Business Observer.
Transportation Trends
Tri-Rail looks at flat $5 fares as it kills rideshare partnerships
Tri-Rail’s oversight board is to vote next month on eliminating a complex six-zone fare system and simply charging $5 a ride as it shuffles programs in the face of a 2027 shutdown threat if it can’t generate more cash. The publicly operated commuter railroad serving three counties last month killed a first- and last-mile partnership with ridesharing services and is trying to figure out how to cash in better at the ticket window, Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regaldo, who sits on the system’s board, told the Transportation Planning Organization last week.
» More from Miami Today.
Event
Maker Faire Orlando returns for its 13th showcase of battle robots, 3D printing, more
Craftsmen, makers, self-identified nerds, scientists and curious knowledge-seekers of all ages will congregate this weekend at the Central Florida Fairgrounds as the annual Maker Faire Orlando returns. Back for its 13th year in Central Florida Nov. 8-9, the event draws an estimated 14,000 attendees for two full days of power racing, cosplayers, battling robots and more than 200 exhibits with plenty of hands-on activities.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.