Florida's unemployment rate is the highest it's been in over 4 years
Florida’s unemployment rate jumped to 4.2 percent in November, the highest rate for the state in more than four years. While still considered just above “full employment” by state economists, the November rate was up from 3.5 percent a year earlier and represented 466,000 people qualified as unemployed from a workforce or about 11.2 million. It also was up from 3.9 percent in September. The state did not release October numbers because of what it described as a “lapse in federal data collection activities” related to the fall government shutdown. More from the News Service of Florida and WUSF.
Orlando Sentinel, other papers seek sanctions over allegations OpenAI deleted key evidence
Lawyers representing the Orlando Sentinel and an array of news organizations suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing and distorting their reporters’ work have asked a Manhattan judge to sanction ChatGPT’s parent company, alleging the tech behemoth deleted millions of conversations they were required to hand over as evidence of copyright infringement. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Tampa startup hub Embarc Collective taps inaugural venture partner
Embarc Collective has unveiled its latest partnership under its new investor partner program. FLF, the Tampa-based venture capital firm, has been announced as the organization's first venture partner beginning Jan. 1. Formerly Florida Funders, the firm announced a rebrand last May. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
CSX Corp. cuts 5% of its management workforce
Jacksonville-based CSX Corp. said Jan. 8 it eliminated 166 management positions, or about 5% of its management workforce. The company, which operates a railroad network throughout the eastern U.S., has 23,000 employees, including more than 3,000 management positions. About 56% of the management team is based in Jacksonville, it said. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Big Bend's Hurricane Alley gets $167 million in recovery grants
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than $167 million in grants for a dozen Big Bend counties to help them recover from hurricanes that struck in 2023 and 2024. In a 14-month period four hurricanes blew across the Big Bend and north central Florida, causing an estimated $10 billion in damages to roads, homes, shelters, and infrastructure for drinking and wastewater. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Sports Business
‘Very cool!’: The story behind Palm Beach Frozen Iguanas baseball and how to get your hands on new gear
With apologies to Lionel Messi, the Florida Panthers and championship-chasing Miami Hurricanes: Is there a South Florida sports brand that is hotter than the Palm Beach Frozen Iguanas? The irreverent “alternate identity” of the Palm Beach Cardinals, the minor-league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, was introduced online on Saturday, with green-and-blue jerseys, hats, T-shirts and hoodies featuring a scowling, icicle-draped lizard and another passed out on its back under a palm tree. The entire line sold out that day.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Skin in the game
Awareness of the danger of the sun has definitely increased, but there has not been a decrease in the incidence of skin cancer. The incidence of melanoma has actually increased. The reason is that these are complex multifactorial issues. A leading dermatologist provides some clarity about sunscreen, tanning beds and other topics.
» Read more from the Florida Trend.