How Florida’s tourism funding model could change
Florida’s tourism industry remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, providing vital support for local jobs, infrastructure, and services. However, this critical funding system could face significant changes as lawmakers deliberate on proposed alterations during the 2026 legislative session. Tourism leaders argue that any attempt to alter the way these funds are used could weaken the state’s competitive edge and jeopardize Florida’s position as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. More from Travel and Tour World.
Miamians spend hundreds of hours a year in traffic. How does that affect workers?
Greater Miami is the second most traffic-congested metro area in the United States, trailing just Los Angeles, according to a new report by location technology company TomTom. That’s meant longer trips for commuters and more car dependence, particularly in greater Miami’s increasingly far-flung developments, where public transit is limited — spelling higher costs for residents who are struggling with affordability. More from the Miami Herald.
Eve electric 'air taxi' test flights underway as Florida plans for eVTOL aircraft
Instead of idling in Central Florida traffic tie-ups between Tampa Bay, Orlando, Daytona Beach and Melbourne, what if commuters could simply hop inside an "air taxi" and fly directly to their airports or downtown cities of choice? Enter Eve Air Mobility. This spinoff of Brazilian executive jet manufacturer Embraer just celebrated the inaugural prototype test flight of a future four-passenger electric aircraft, and corporate officials are eyeing the Sunshine State as one of America's prime vertiport airspace markets. More from Florida Today.
Can this chip stop you getting the wrong meds? A Tampa firm is betting yes.
Tampa company RxERP is touting a new solution to the problem of counterfeit drugs: a micro-transponder — barely the size of a grain of salt — embedded within the glass or plastic of a medicine bottle. The transponder, known as a p-Chip, emits an identifying radio signal when zapped with a laser gun. Each chip has a unique signal, which cannot be changed. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
CSX reports lower earnings in sluggish freight environment
CSX Corp. reported lower revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter amid a sluggish freight environment, with the Jacksonville-based railroad looking to cut costs. “This has been a challenging year for CSX and for our industry overall, with subdued demand and limited growth opportunities persisting across many of our key markets,” CEO Steve Angel said in a Jan. 23 conference call with analysts. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record and the AP.
Business Beat - Week of January 23rd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Out of the Box
Nation’s first autonomous police vehicle is getting ready for Miami-Dade service
There’s a new way to help reduce crime and keep communities safer – at least that’s what experts say an autonomous vehicle that debuted in Miami can do, and other states and countries are taking notice. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office’s Police Unmanned Ground vehicle (PUG) is touted as the nation’s first autonomous patrol vehicle. It’s equipped with AI, thermal imaging, a drone, 360° cameras and license plate recognition.
» Read more from Refresh Miami.