'Major' Sargassum forecast as new study shows seaweed may cost Florida billions
Seaweed winds up costing Florida billions every year, according to a new study. As forecasts show 2026 likely will be another major Sargassum seaweed year, a new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution estimates the economic impact to Florida may be in the billions. That's via fouled beaches, disrupted fishing, damage to coastal infrastructure, and tourists that catch a whiff of Sargassum blooms online and just cancel their hotel reservations. More from Florida Today.
Florida’s signature industry shows up for Tourism Day at the Capitol
Florida tourism and hospitality heavyweights will show up in force Wednesday at the Capitol to highlight the Sunshine State’s signature industry and make the case for continued state investment. Groups participating in Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol include the Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of Museums, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Florida RV Park and Campground Association, Destinations Florida, and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing arm. More from Florida Politics.
From Finland to Florida: Pharma startup makes Jacksonville its outpost for U.S. expansion
The minds behind a European health technology company spent 2025 strategizing how to bring their technology to this country. Months later, after hiring a handful of leaders from in and around Northeast Florida, the Finland-based startup is making Jacksonville the center of a fast-moving effort to automate personalized medicine across the country. The company, CurifyLabs, developed a desktop-sized 3D printing system for non-sterile pharmaceutical compounding to help companies deliver more consistent doses more quickly. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
‘Greater than the sum of its parts’: Boca Raton backs downtown redevelopment plan
The Boca Raton City Council on Tuesday approved a controversial redevelopment plan for the city’s downtown with a 4-1 vote. During a public city meeting, the council heard from dozens of residents that brought forth remarks both in full support and avid opposition to the downtown government campus redevelopment plan, One Boca. Ultimately, a majority of the City Council members opted to approve the plan, citing the city’s severe need for new government facilities and shared public spaces, increasing jobs and revenue, and turning Boca Raton into a transit-oriented hub. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Rising childcare costs put pressure on Central Florida families
Childcare is getting more expensive across America, especially in the metro Orlando area. A recent study found that parents now need to earn a combined income of around $300,000 annually to afford childcare for two children comfortably. In Metro Orlando, the average monthly cost of childcare is nearly $1,800, totaling about $18,000 per year for two kids. More from WFTV.
Out of the Box
‘Over-the-top, unapologetically bold and loud’: New Caviar Club bringing luxury ($15,000 wine!) to Las Olas
Greed is good again at the new Caviar Club, a 1980s-inspired sit-down that’s part steak-and-caviar restaurant, gilded martini lounge and members-only club, coming this October to Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard. With a price tag pushing $10 million, the Caviar Club, at 833 E. Las Olas Blvd., is billed as an over-the-top Gordon Gekko fever dream of lavish excess: Picture dark burl walnut walls, gold-rimmed mirrors, tufted cheetah-print booths and Cartier gold-banded archways.
» More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
2026 Economic Outlook | Miami
The world’s greatest soccer player has a new pitch to call home. Miami Freedom Park, a 25,000-seat stadium, becomes the home for Inter Miami CF and global soccer icon Lionel Messi this spring. The team, owned by Jorge and Jose Mas and retired soccer superstar David Beckham, inked a three-year contract extension with Messi last fall.
» Read more from Florida Trend.