Tourism in Florida delivers $133.6 billion in economic impact
Visit Florida — the Sunshine State’s official tourism marketing agency — released a 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study that revealed record-breaking economic contributions to Floridians from the state’s tourism industry. New data confirm that travel and tourism generated $133.6 billion in economic impact in 2024 and saved Florida’s 9-plus million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes. Out-of-state visitors to Florida spent $134.9 billion last year, a 3% increase over 2023. More from Florida Weekly.
Florida buys 340 acres from golf developer who sought state forest land
The golf developer who last year received a fast-tracked, initial approval from top Florida officials to acquire a swath of protected state forest has now instead sold some of its land for conservation. A nearly 340-acre property in Hernando County officially became public land on Nov. 24 after Florida’s environmental agency closed a purchase with Cabot Citrus Farms for $19 million, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
CEO of Harris Teeter parent company says plans are to ‘fill up Jacksonville’
The Kroger Co. is shutting down its grocery delivery business in Jacksonville and the rest of Florida, but as the company reported quarterly earnings, interim CEO Ronald Sargent talked about expansion in Northeast Florida. Kroger has announced its Harris Teeter brand is opening a Jacksonville store and plans filed in St. Johns County suggest it may open two additional stores there. Cincinnati-based Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores under several brands, but its only current brick-and-mortar supermarket in Florida is a Harris Teeter in Fernandina Beach. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
2025 Florida housing market cools, early rebound emerging
Florida’s housing market slowed through much of 2025 as high mortgage rates and affordability pressures weighed on buyer demand, but early signs suggest activity is beginning to rebound as rates ease, according to Florida Realtors®’ review of international sales and economic conditions. While Florida’s market reflects local challenges — from insurance costs to elevated prices — it is also being shaped by a cooling global economy marked by slower growth, trade tensions and lingering uncertainty. More from Florida Realtors.
Recovery Centers of America to open first addiction rehab facility in Florida
An addiction rehab center plans to open its first Florida location in Mount Dora. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based Recovery Centers of America will debut its 63,000-square-foot facility at 19650 US Highway 441 in January 2026. The site will be its second in the Southeast, with its first in Greenville, South Carolina. The center will have 124 beds and feature inpatient care for addiction and behavioral health needs. The 19-acre site will have seven buildings, including a gym with a rock-climbing wall and a full-size basketball court. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Environment
Audubon aims high for nature center on Lake Apopka
With birds and birders flocking to Lake Apopka, the Orange Audubon Society hopes its dream to build a nature center on the giant freshwater lake also takes flight this giving season.
The not-for-profit environmental group’s local chapter, now in its 60th year, recently hosted the North Shore Birding Festival at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a birders paradise, while raising money for a permanent installation to educate visitors about the beauty and challenges of wildlife.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
'A big deal'
John Urbach struggled during his senior year at Kissimmee’s Gateway High School and figured he’d never be able to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor — but Osceola Prosper rekindled that ambition. He’s earning his associate’s degree in health sciences this month and is headed to the University of Central Florida to continue his education.
» Read more from Florida Trend.