As legal betting booms, Florida targets shadow gambling economy
Hundreds of millions of dollars in legal sports betting revenue are flowing into Florida each year, but a growing shadow gambling economy is siphoning money away from the state and its taxpayers. While the Seminole Tribe’s legal, state-sanctioned sports betting platform, Hard Rock Bet, has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for Florida, a parallel and largely unregulated ecosystem has emerged with it. More from Florida Politics.
‘Future Ready:’ Tampa Bay EDC outlines catalyst initiatives
Tampa Bay’s economic development experts believe the region can solidify its status as a global leader by collectively capitalizing on three catalytic initiatives: Artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and blue technology. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council has released its 2026-2028 strategic plan, following eight months of intensive assessments. It outlines foundational activities to sustain the region’s success and introduces “catalyst initiatives” that build on existing assets and industry strengths to drive competitiveness. More from the St. Pete Catalyst.
Southwest Florida leads as U.S. primetime retirement hub
Southwest Florida continues to set the national pace for retirement living, with the Cape Coral–Fort Myers and Naples–Immokalee–Marco Island metro areas ranking first and third, respectively, among the best places to retire in the United States, according to a new analysis. Cape Coral–Fort Myers claimed the top overall spot nationwide, reflecting a region already shaped by its older population. Nearly 29% of residents are age 65 or older, well above the national average. More from Gulfshore Business.
Peruvian lender to acquire Florida’s Helm Bank for $180M
Banco de Crédito del Perú has agreed to acquire Florida-based Helm Bank in a $180 million deal, BCP’s parent firm, Credicorp, announced last week. Credicorp gave no timeline for the anticipated completion of the transaction, which requires regulatory approvals in both the U.S. and Peru. The vast majority of Helm’s loans comprise residential real estate from borrowers whose primary homes are outside the U.S. More from Banking Dive.
Downtown Jacksonville's $6.5 billion development boom positions nightlife operators for long-awaited payoff
More than $6.5 billion in planned and active projects is reshaping expectations for downtown Jacksonville — and for hospitality operators who have spent years betting on the urban core’s long-promised revival. While the wait has been long for many restaurant operators, downtown’s bars, speakeasies and nightlife-driven concepts have quietly built a resilient foundation. As cranes rise and residential growth accelerates, those operators increasingly see themselves positioned for the payoff phase. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Event
FDOT event in Daytona Speedway to mark America’s anniversary and Florida racing history
This year’s Daytona 500 auto race will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary a few days before the big race on Florida’s East Coast. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is sponsoring the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona that will highlight America’s founding in 1776 while honoring the start of Speedweeks, which marks Florida’s history in racing. The event will take place Feb. 12, only three days before the annual Daytona 500, set for Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway.
» More from Florida Politics.
Florida Dining
6 Tampa Bay chefs to watch in 2026
Tampa Bay’s ever-evolving restaurant scene is fueled by a great deal of talent, including a growing number of chefs who are quickly rising in the ranks. From running celebrated or established kitchens to branching out to helm concepts of their own, several up-and-coming chefs appear poised for big things in the year to come.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.