Florida's rural communities on track for huge economic boost, but snags remain
Rural areas throughout Florida could soon receive an infusion of cash, after the Florida Senate on Jan. 14 passed the "Rural Renaissance" package that’s a top priority for Senate President Ben Albritton. The bill (SB 250) includes nearly $152 million to create new grant programs and add to existing ones to help rural local governments add education and health care options, improve infrastructure and approve more affordable housing. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Travel + Leisure CEO talks hotel tax hike, brand acquisitions, goals in 2026
From moving into its new headquarters in downtown Orlando to the announcement of new resorts, 2025 was a busy year for Travel + Leisure Co., and it plans to continue this momentum. The hospitality giant is among Central Florida’s largest publicly traded companies, with last year’s total revenue reaching $3.86 billion. Its portfolio includes more than 270 resorts worldwide, as well as brands such as Club Wyndham, Sports Illustrated Resorts, Eddie Bauer Adventure Club and Margaritaville Vacation Club. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Why the Miami economy could be the big winner of the Canes-Hoosiers game
On the football field, only one team will win college football’s top honor. After about a four-month season and then a playoff among the top 12 schools, the gutsy Indiana University Hoosiers battle the resurrected hometown University of Miami Hurricanes on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium for the national championship. Away from the action, though, winners abound. Hotels, airlines and restaurants all stand to gain. More from the Miami Herald.
FIS completes sale of Worldpay stake; completes acquisition of Issuer Solutions
Nearly seven years after agreeing to buy Worldpay Inc. in what came to be viewed as a failed deal, Fidelity National Information Services Inc., or FIS, shed its remaining stake in the payments technology firm Jan. 9. Global Payments Inc. completed its previously announced acquisition of Worldpay in a deal that included FIS acquiring a credit processing business called Global Payments Issuer Solutions. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Clearwater-based PODS names new CEO
Clearwater moving and storage company PODS Enterprises LLC has appointed a new president and CEO, the portable container company announced Wednesday. Jim Gimeson, 57, of Ohio, took on the key leadership position at PODS Jan. 5, according to a release. Gimeson most recently served as CEO of WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems beginning in 2019, where he led operations across 25 states and eight Canadian provinces. More from the Business Observer.
Event
Epcot arts fest leans into Broadway, new eats, Lorcana
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back, with a wide swath of disciplines gathering. It remains a very visual event, but it’s also designed to entertain ears and taste buds. Returning to the theme park are sets of Broadway singers, the walk-in works of art, behind-the-scenes exhibits and creative cuisine served up at two dozen outlets. This fest, which debuted at Walt Disney World in 2017, is included with regular Epcot admission. It runs from Jan. 16 through Feb. 23.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
A dream realized
Dr. Megan Melody spent copious time at a young age in New Hampshire hospitals throughout her father's cancer journey. His impact on her life inspired her to become a "malignant hematologist" when she grew up. In August 2024, she joined the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute’s Cellular Therapy team.
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