Florida lawmakers poised to tuck into legislative leftovers
Florida's Legislature is expected to revisit contentious issues from the previous session, including property taxes, immigration, and legal policies. Lawmakers will reconsider several contentious bills, including one allowing wrongful death lawsuits for a fetus and another repealing a ban on certain medical malpractice damages. Other returning legislative efforts include banning "Pride" flags on public buildings, protecting historical monuments, and expanding the E-Verify requirement for all private employers. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Winn-Dixie is going all-in on Florida. Will the gamble pay off?
Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of the century-old Florida chain Winn-Dixie, is gearing up for a major rebrand that involves closing dozens of locations and remodeling several others. Come January, Southeastern Grocers will become The Winn-Dixie Company. Chairman and CEO Anthony Hucker says that the company plans to double down on Florida, opening new locations and improving old ones. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
IAAPA Expo sets attendance record, looks to 2026 expansion
Attendance at IAAPA Expo remains on the uptick. The annual event, which concluded last week at Orange County Convention Center, had 43,840 registered participants for 2025, a new record. The five days of educational sessions, ride-vehicles reveals and other show floor activities are presented by Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In June, the group announced plans to expand into the convention center’s West Concourse for the first time in 2026. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Jamie Dimon talks Miami, AI, crypto, regulation at Miami business event
Jamie Dimon shared candid views on artificial intelligence, regulation, cryptocurrency and Miami’s business rise during an appearance at the America Business Forum. The billionaire and longtime CEO and chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co. was interviewed by Jorge Gonzalez, CEO of Coral Gables-based City National Bank of Florida. “Miami and Florida compete," Dimon said. "They compete with taxes, they compete with universities.” He also credited Miami’s leadership for the city’s growth. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Jacksonville Four Seasons tax incentive could rise by $6M
The Jacksonville City Council is likely to vote Tuesday on upping the city’s property tax refund for the future Four Seasons hotel and residences by $6 million. The proposals come as Iguana Investments Florida LLC — the development company of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan — has agreed to make $6 million-plus in roadway improvements on Bay Street in front of the hotel, and as the cost for the project continues to rise. More from Jacksonville Today.
Out of the Box
Coming to Clearwater’s Coachman Park: The ‘World’s Largest Rubber Duck’
“What the duck?” That’s the question Clearwater residents and tourists will be asking in January as a gargantuan inflatable creature — one that stands taller than many downtown buildings — floats toward the city’s waterfront, promising to challenge public perception and ignite debate. The “World’s Largest Rubber Duck,” an art installation of immense proportions and undeniable kitsch, is confirmed to serve as the central fixture for a 17-day festival at Coachman Park.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Banking with empathy
Julie Schmelzle, Bank of America senior relationship manager for global commercial banking and a 36-year veteran of the bank, in July became Southwest Florida president and head of market for Bank of America, succeeding Gerri Moll who had the post for 28 years. In a recent interview with FLORIDA TREND, she talked about how she’s approaching her new role.
» Read more from Florida Trend.