'Rural renaissance,' guns and education: Florida session's key first bills
Florida lawmakers return to the Capitol for the 60-day session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with a slate of bills on tap to pass off the floors of the House and Senate. In committee meetings last month legislators prepped bills dealing with rural investments, school voucher program regulations, gun laws and more that are ready for a vote in the first week of the session. More from the Florida Times-Union.
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» Your life could change with new Florida laws. Track them in the Legislature
Jupiter firm sues federal government over EB-5 visa delays
A Jupiter-based immigration investment firm has sued the federal government, arguing that bureaucratic delays are holding up hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign investment and threatening thousands of American jobs. The lawsuit, filed against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Jan. 6, centers around the EB-5 visa program. Launched in 1990, the program gives green cards to foreign nationals who invest in U.S. projects that create American jobs. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Sporting JAX wants to make billion-dollar impact on Northeast Florida
Sporting Club Jacksonville CEO Steve Livingstone says the professional soccer club’s stadium will create billions in financial impact for the city, along with more than 5,000 jobs. The club, more commonly called Sporting JAX, features men’s and women’s teams and a youth academy. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Orlando plans busy year for reshaping downtown
This year is expected to bring a $55 million slate of construction to downtown Orlando, including an overhaul of a street the mayor once declared had “no soul,” a signature entrance to Lake Eola Park, a new era for Church Street and a long-awaited park beneath Interstate 4 that has been a decade in the making. The projects are designed to reshape the downtown with more park space, better transportation and a more interesting experience for people on the ground. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Tampa real estate market enters a more selective phase
Tampa’s commercial real estate market is still growing. But the pace is changing. After several years of rapid expansion, the market is entering a more selective phase, according to Lisa Jesmer, Florida market leader for Avison Young. “Tampa continues to attract people and businesses,” Jesmer said. “What’s different now is how carefully deals are being evaluated.” Jesmer oversees Avison Young’s operations across Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. More from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
Transportation
Uber costs down after Florida tort reform
It’s cheaper to Uber in Florida now, the rideshare company announced Monday, attributing the savings to the state’s passage of a new measure cracking down on lawsuit abuse. Uber said it is experiencing lower insurance costs following the approval of HB 837 in 2023, which is allowing the company to pass savings on to riders while enhancing earning opportunities for drivers.
» More from Florida Politics.
Technology
Florida port and cruise lines have curbed pollution — and plan deeper cuts
As massive cruise ships conspicuously sail into PortMiami — one of the world’s busiest cruise ports — offloading thousands of travelers and taking on thousands more with only a few hours of a turnaround, a mostly invisible revolution has taken place in the last few years. Thanks to a hefty financial investment from Miami-Dade County and the cruise lines themselves, these floating cities are now plugging in to the city’s power grid when they’re in port instead of burning fuel — significantly slashing the pollution spewing from these notoriously gas guzzling boats.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.