Brightline announces key leadership changes for next phase of growth
Brightline Trains today announced the appointment of rail industry veteran Nicolas Petrovic as chief executive officer of Brightline Holdings LLC. Petrovic will succeed Michael Reininger, who has led Brightline's development from 2012-2018 and again since 2021. In his new role, Petrovic will focus on driving long-term value and sustained growth for Brightline's Florida operations. More from Florida Trend, the Miami Herald, and the Orlando Sentinel.
A taste of tradition returns as iconic Florida oyster waters reopen
Apalachicola Bay oysters are back on Apalachicola plates for the first time in five years, and it has the tiny coastal town pretty shucking happy. The waters that used to produce nearly all of Florida’s commercial oyster harvest – and 10% of the nation’s – are open again. For now, it’s only for two months, and the state is enforcing strict catch limits, but the reopening has been a cause for celebration. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Economists rate Miami thumbs-up for its performance
Despite the uncertainty of tariffs and inflation impacts, Miami’s economic growth is outpacing expectations and is performing better than many other US cities, according to local economists. Miami’s growth rates in sectors like services and construction remain robust, said Manuel Lasaga, the president of StratInfo, a leading Miami-based business economics and finance consulting firm. “The outlook is positive, with Miami expected to continue growing faster than the national average into the first quarter of the year,” he said. More from Miami Today.
Clearwater cybersecurity startup lands UK partner as growth accelerates
A Clearwater-based cybersecurity startup has announced a strategic channel partnership marking its official expansion into the United Kingdom and Ireland. The agreement gives Guardare a channel partner in the U.K. market as it looks to scale beyond home soil. Since beginning to sell its platform in July, CEO Lars Letonoff said the company has recorded consistent monthly sales and growing customer demand. "[There's been] a lot of interest, a lot of uptake in what we're doing with our product," Letonoff said. "We're very unique in what we do; there are few competitors." More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Developers plan massive logistics hub in Melbourne
Developers are planning to build a massive logistics center in Melbourne on John Rodes Boulevard just south of Eau Gallie Boulevard. Cushman & Wakefield commercial real estate said in a release that Melbourne has a "geographical advantage for the future 530,000 square-foot facility being planned on 46 acres. Melbourne is a prime destination for industrial ventures, citing proximity to Interstate 95 and "major shipping ports," Cushman & Wakefield officials. More from Florida Today.
Redefining possibility for Parkinson’s patients
The University of Florida brings together world-class research and advanced patient care. In the fight against Parkinson’s disease, that combination is changing lives. At the helm is Dr. Michael Okun, executive director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health. For more than two decades, Okun and his team have pursued a bold question: What if care began not with the disease, but with the person? [Sponsored report]
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Event
Central Florida Scottish Highland Games return this weekend for 48th year
This weekend, Central Winds Park in Winter Springs will resemble the rolling hills of Scotland, complete with bagpipes, Highland games, herding dogs and even haggis. These festivities are a part of the 48th annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, which returns Jan. 17-18 to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Scotland. Attendees can experience pipers, dancing, animals, artisan craft vendors, axe throwing, archery, a medieval camp, children’s activities, food and drinks, athletics and more.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
What’s a ‘Whipple’?
With pancreatic cancer on the rise, surgeons are finding new ways to treat it. North of West Palm Beach, Jupiter Medical Center’s Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin employs robotic help in doing a procedure known as a “Whipple” to treat pancreatic cancer, cysts, tumors, pancreatitis and other gastro tumors and cancers.
» Read more from Florida Trend.