Florida's green industry generates nearly $42 billion in economic impact
A new economic impact report from Farm Credit of Central Florida found that Florida's green industry generated nearly $42 billion in total economic impact in 2023. The industry supported more than 279,000 jobs for Floridians and contributed $14 billion in labor income. The report credits Florida's steady population growth as a key driver. Demand for housing, commercial development and infrastructure continues to rise, bringing with it increased need for landscape design, maintenance and plant production. More from Nursery Management.
Miami company raises $45 million to fix America’s dental staffing crunch
GoTu Technology plans to accelerate its national expansion after raising $45 million from investors. The Miami staffing company connects short-staffed dental offices with hygienists, assistants and associate dentists to fill open shifts. GoTu reports its digital platform has helped fill more than 500,000 dental shifts across the U.S. since its founding. More from the South Florida Business Journal and Refresh Miami.
In Tarpon Springs, shoppers fuel a waterfront economy
The area’s economy still leans on a blend of heritage and hospitality more than a century after Greek sponge divers transformed the town at the mouth of the Anclote River into the center of Florida’s sponge industry. Merchants say the mix of retail, food, and water-based tourism helps smooth out seasonal shifts, creating a steady rhythm for small businesses clustered along Dodecanese Boulevard. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Yeti acquires Helimix's shaker bottle design for $38M
The Punta Gorda company behind a distinctive, ball-free shaker bottle sold its design and intellectual property to Yeti in a $38 million cash deal, giving the Austin, Texas-based outdoor products manufacturer a new foothold in the growing sports and wellness market. Helimix was founded by Jordan Holmes, who established operations at 660 Charlotte St. in Punta Gorda. Holmes said the product was manufactured in St. Petersburg. More from Gulfshore Business.
Orlando’s largest vacation home is off the rental market after record-breaking sale
The Orlando area’s biggest and most luxurious vacation home is off the rental market after a Miami investor paid $14.245 million to make it their private escape. Now the 23,000-square-foot Isolé Villa on Reunion’s Grand Traverse Parkway, which previously rented for around $4,000 per night, is Osceola County’s most expensive home, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
The Don Club at The Don CeSar
Perched on the edge of St. Petersburg Beach, The Don CeSar has been a symbol of elegance and leisure since 1928. Today, its legacy extends beyond world-class hospitality. The exclusive The Don Club membership program provides executives, families and individuals an elevated lifestyle at one of Florida’s most storied resorts. More than a membership group, The Don Club is a community. More than a private yacht or country club, it blends luxury, recreation and wellness amid a vibrant social and business-friendly beachfront atmosphere. [Sponsored report]
Entertainment
Peek inside Green Light Cinema’s new St. Petersburg lounge and restaurant
Between film screenings, acting classes and live events, nearly 20,000 people flocked to St. Petersburg’s Green Light Cinema last year. Theater owner Mike Hazlett wants to feed them more than just popcorn and soda. Hazlett and his wife, Sue, are opening Green Light Lounge + Kitchen this month at 225 Second Ave. N., right next to Green Light Cinema.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Q&A
Peter Yared on building global companies from Miami
Peter Yared didn’t leave San Francisco to escape the Bay Area. He came to Miami to build something that lasts. After two decades in Silicon Valley – where he launched multiple startups and worked with some of the biggest names in enterprise tech – the founder and CEO of InCountry found himself drawn to South Florida’s unique energy. His company, which focuses on AI data protection and sovereignty, has raised $50 million to date, with offices spanning Europe, Turkey, and the U.S.
» Read more from the Refresh Miami.