Proposed cruise port reignites an old Florida battle
The proposed cruise port has become the latest symbol of a quintessential tension in this rapidly developing state: The promise of jobs and more tourism money is colliding with fears over the environmental degradation that could come at the expense of growth. Anglers and environmental groups are opposing the plan, saying an ecological gem and a healthy fishery could be paved over to accompany the cruise port. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida looks to detect celery crop disease early with drones, AI
As the nation’s third-leading producer of celery, Florida’s celery fields are valuable crops in the winter but susceptible to early blight disease, which can lead to costly losses. University of Florida researchers are working on a way to get ahead of it. The work matters for Florida’s economic bottom line, with Florida being the third producer behind California and Michigan. More from WTVT and Fresh Plaza.
Miramar-based aviation company to acquire Atlanta business for $2 billion
A publicly traded company that provides distribution and repair services to aviation and aerospace businesses has announced plans to complete a $2 billion acquisition. Miramar-based VSE Corp. said it will acquire Atlanta-based Precision Aviation Group Inc. for about $2.025 billion in cash and equity. The deal would boost VSE's revenue by 50 percent. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Naples Winter Wine Festival auction to kick off Jan. 31
The Naples Winter Wine Festival returns Jan. 30–Feb. 1 to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, with the event’s signature live auction set for 1 p.m. Jan. 31. Now in its 26th year, the festival is one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, pairing rare vintages, elite culinary experiences and ultra-luxury travel with a philanthropic mission that directly benefits children and families in Collier County. More from Gullfshore Business.
NASA's Artemis II wet dress rehearsal delayed due to cold weather
NASA has delayed astronauts’ upcoming trip to the moon because of near-freezing temperatures expected at the launch site. The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned. NASA was all set to conduct a fueling test of the 322-foot (98-meter) moon rocket on Saturday. More from the AP and Florida Today.
Business Beat - Week of January 30th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Business Profile
Sarasota jeweler goes viral with videos — including baby squirrel
Sarasota entrepreneur and jewelry-maker Todd Alan says some customers will come into his store, hand him a stone and thousands of dollars and say: "Do whatever you want." It's a mark of trust mixed with artistry Alan has built in his long career. It's also a level of success Alan, 63, likely didn't envision earlier in his career, when he was, among other things, a starving artist, dating a hippie and, for a time, living mostly off the grid.
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