Florida CEOs cap a year of rising optimism with a positive 2026 outlook
Florida CEOs wrapped up 2025 with stronger overall optimism than their national counterparts, according to The Florida Council of 100’s Q4 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index. Florida’s overall CEO Economic Outlook Index score increased from 91 in Q3 to 100 in Q4, compared to the national index coming in at 80. The results underscore the confidence Florida leaders have in the state’s economic trajectory. Florida’s index rose 9 points quarter-over-quarter, compared to a 4-point increase nationally. More from Florida Trend.
Mega developments near you? What to know about 3 new Florida bills
Florida lawmakers will consider several new bills this year that could have a major impact on development across the state, including one that would fast-track developments over 10,000 acres. Development remains a hot-button issue in Florida, where many residents feel that growth is happening too fast and intensely — especially in previously natural or agricultural areas. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Southwest Florida opens region’s first proton center
Southwest Florida now has access to one of the most advanced cancer treatments in the country, with the opening of the region’s first proton therapy center. Southwest Florida Proton on Jan. 8 showcased the only proton therapy system on Florida’s west coast during a media tour of its new 42,000-square-foot facility. The system is one of just 46 in the country and among a handful in Florida. The closest comparable system is in Miami. More from Gulfshore Business.
Despite potential cost overruns, ‘Stadium of the Future’ on schedule
Chief Administrative Officer Mike Weinstein told City Council members that the $1.4 billion transformation of EverBank Stadium into the Jacksonville Jaguars’ “Stadium of the Future” had encountered $100 million in cost overruns since construction began in February. Weinstein said that under the deal between the city and team to fund the stadium overhaul, the Jaguars would shoulder additional costs not brought on by city delays. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
L3Harris to divest majority stake in space propulsion business
L3Harris Technologies is selling a 60% stake in its space propulsion business to AE Industrial Partners for $845 million. The Melbourne-based defense contractor expects to close the deal in late 2026 pending regulatory approval less than two years after acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne in a $4.7 billion deal. L3Harris will maintain a 40% stake in the company. L3Harris employs 47,000 to 50,000 people globally. More from Florida Today.
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Business Beat - Week of January 9th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Event
Last-ever Ramen Rumble, a Battle of the Champions, announced for Feb. 2
Ramen Rumble, one of the Orlando food scene’s hottest tickets, is back on Feb. 2, returning to Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs for the most anticipated competition to date. And, says founder/organizer Jason Chin of the James Beard Award-nominated Good Salt Restaurant Group, the final epic showdown. Battle of the Champions will see seven returning Broth Belt winners heading back to their cauldrons to determine the ultimate kitchen conqueror.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.