Canada walks away from U.S. travel, but Florida esorts are cashing in anyway
At the national level, U.S. inbound tourism cooled in 2025. Spending from international visitors declined, and several airlines trimmed capacity. Florida, however, proved more resilient. Total visitation across the state held near flat, supported by domestic travel and visitors from Europe and Latin America. The notable change was composition. Canadian share fell from pre-pandemic highs, while overseas arrivals edged up. More from Travel and Tour World and The Travel.
Why Florida gas prices are higher again
Gas prices are up again this week as Florida drivers get back to the workweek commute. Prices have been up and down so far in 2026, but have increased about 12 cents a gallon in South Florida over the past two weeks. North Florida remains the cheapest to get gas in the state. Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas, according to AAA. More from the Miami Herald.
Miami AI startup hits over $1 billion valuation
A Miami-based startup that uses artificial intelligence to boost cloud performance for businesses is one of South Florida’s newest unicorns. Cast AI said it surpassed a $1 billion valuation after launching its graphics processing unit marketplace platform OMNI Compute and securing an undisclosed investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures, the U.S.-based venture capital arm of South Korea’s Shinsegae Group. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Five Southwest Florida companies to be honored as global innovators
Five Southwest Florida businesses are among the list of distinguished companies that will be hailed as global innovators during the 2026 Edison Awards, an international competition that culminates in April with a celebratory event in Fort Myers. The Edison Awards released its 2026 finalists on Jan. 20, noting the winners are a “curated collective of builders, disruptors and visionaries whose work is already shaping tomorrow.” More from Florida Weekly.
Arts supporters fear Seminole commission may cut funding
As Seminole commissioners delve into the finances of the Seminole Cultural Arts Council this week, supporters of the non-profit group fear their organization may no longer be able to provide grants, programs and school events that promote the arts if their county funding is cut or eliminated. “The organization would cease to exist,” said Anthony Aramendia, president of the SCAC executive board and a Casselberry city commissioner. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Transportation
Tri-Rail poised to raise fares amid budget cuts that could halt trains
To save Tri-Rail from financial doom, the publicly funded South Florida passenger train must raise fares, perhaps as early as this year, rail officials said Jan. 23. Members of Tri-Rail's governing board, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, asked analysts that morning to explore the possibility of a 10% fare increase this year. The rail service's analysts will report back Feb. 27, they said.
» More from the Palm Beach Post.
Recreation
There's a new state park open in Florida
There's a new state park in Florida: Shoal River Headwaters State Park. The new park in Florida's Panhandle joins 175 other state parks in the Sunshine State, offering a wide variety of experiences for residents and tourists. The 2,480-acre park is comprised of rolling sandy hills, mesic flatlands and floodplain forests along the tributaries of the Shoal River.
» Read more from the Tallahassee Democrat and WFLA.