Citizens policies now at lowest level since 2019
The policy count at the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has dropped to its lowest level in six years — and is headed toward the smallest number ever. Citizens had 439,079 policies on Friday, down from 567,650 policies a week earlier, according to data posted on its website. That was the lowest total since October 2019, when Citizens had 419,475 policies. “I think by early next year, we’ll see it somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000. … That will be back to the point where it’s the smallest it’s ever been,” Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky told the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Dream weaver
Local-girl-made-good Diandra Weaver grew up in Hialeah Gardens, graduated from Coral Gables High and went off to Yale to double in economics and international affairs. She interned at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in investment banking, a financial sector legendary for its brutal work life, and after graduation took a post on its electronic trading desk. Today, she’s managing director and head of investments and advice at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Miami. [Source: Florida Trend]
Travelers expected to fly through holiday in record numbers, shrugging off shutdown fallout
No hard feelings toward Uncle Sam? Well, millions of Thanksgiving holiday travelers probably won’t go that far this week as many salve psychological wounds from a U.S. government shutdown that slowed commercial aviation this month to the outer limits of exasperation. Nonetheless, Florida airport officials, the nation’s airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are all expecting record numbers of travelers between now and Dec. 2. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Florida can enforce social media law aimed at kids, appeals court rules
A divided federal appeals court Tuesday ruled that Florida can begin enforcing a 2024 law aimed at preventing children from having access to certain social-media platforms, rejecting arguments that the measure violates First Amendment rights. A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, granted the state’s request for a stay of a preliminary injunction that U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued in June to block the law (HB 3). Tuesday’s decision means the state can enforce the law while a legal battle continues to play out — with Attorney General James Uthmeier quickly posting on X that “HB 3 is now the law of the state and will be enforced.” [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida citrus growers thankful this year for $30M USDA citrus buy
Florida Citrus Mutual, which represents citrus growers across the state, is sharing its thanks ahead of Thanksgiving for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase $30 million in fresh oranges, grapefruit and mandarins. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the purchase Monday, saying the administration has authorized the purchase under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, to assist communities in need by distributing the citrus to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. [Source: Florida Politics]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa retail market hits highest demand since 2021
Tampa’s retail market continues to show strong momentum. New data from Colliers indicates that leasing activity reached its highest level since 2021 during the third quarter. This is important for business leaders because it signals steady tenant demand at a time when many national markets are slowing. According to Colliers, Tampa recorded almost 580,000 square feet of retail leasing activity in the third quarter.
› DOJ opens civil rights investigation into SeaWorld Orlando’s rollator walker ban
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday it was opening an investigation into SeaWorld Orlando’s parent company after complaints that its parks’ ban on “rollator walkers” discriminates against guests with disabilities. The investigation will look into whether SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — all owned or licensed by United Parks & Resorts Inc — violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The parks do not allow rollator walkers, which have wheels and a seat.
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After a sluggish start to the year, the Naples area housing market is showing signs of renewed balance and resilience heading into the region’s peak tourist season. Increased foot traffic at open houses in October, combined with a jump in new listings and pending sales, suggests that buyers are responding to improved affordability and sellers are adjusting expectations, according to the latest report from the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
› Palm Beach County’s Ag Reserve plant growers tell of determination to adapt and thrive
Mike Atchison was gearing up to enlist in the U.S. Marines when he got a call from his aunt and uncle. Atchison had just left high school, and now his aunt and uncle were asking him to consider working at the family’s plant nursery. As someone who “always loved plants,” Atchison said yes. He would put his green thumb to the test — and that blossomed into a rewarding endeavor that’s lasted decades. Atchison is among the longtime nursery operators in western Palm Beach County who’ve witnessed firsthand the changes to a vast farm region.
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› Holon autonomous vehicle factory now planned in EastPort Exchange industrial park
The announced $100 million factory for Holon, the German manufacturer of self-driving public transit vehicles, is now planned in the EastPort Exchange industrial park in North Jacksonville. The city was reviewing civil engineering plans submitted Oct. 9, 2024, for Project Link, which was announced as Holon, in the Imeson Park South industrial park. It is about 3 miles east of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, on parcels owned by VanTrust Real Estate.
› Blue Origin seeks permit for industrial wastewater plant in Brevard
Blue Origin is seeking a state environmental permit to discharge about 15,000 gallons daily of "industrial wastewater" used in rocket component testing, cleaning and cooling operations to an onsite pond that flows to the Indian River Lagoon. Florida's Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft permit and plans to approve it pending public comment.
› Orlando attractions roll out Black Friday ticket deals, other offers
Black Friday isn’t just for big-box sales and stocking stuffers. Several Orlando-area attractions are cutting deals on experiences and tickets during the holiday season. Some of these offers are already underway. As always, it is suggested that potential buyers read the fine print, especially about expiration dates.
› Downtown Sarasota redevelopment to carry Waldorf Astoria brand
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