Inflation eases but stays elevated across Florida
Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target despite easing from its June 2022 peak. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% year over year in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In South Florida, inflation has moved closer to the national average. While CPI data are not available for Naples or Fort Myers, Tampa-St. Petersburg posted a 3% annual increase and Miami-Fort Lauderdale about 2.5%. Both metros recorded double-digit inflation in 2022. More from Gulfshore Business.
Florida gas prices climb as state average hits new 2026 high
Florida gas prices have climbed again. On Sunday, the state average for a gallon of gas was $2.91, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group. Last week, the state average went up $0.09 to $2.93 per gallon on Friday, before dipping over the weekend. These are the highest pump prices in the last six weeks. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Design firm to bring 70 jobs to Orlando, invest $750K in expansion
Revive Design and Renovation is expanding into Orlando with a $750,000 investment, a new 5,000‑square‑foot Winter Park showroom and plans to create 70 jobs as the firm deepens its footprint in one of the nation’s fastest-growing housing markets. The Tampa-based, family-owned remodeling company has served both the Tampa and Orlando areas since 2020. With full-service showrooms limited to Tampa Bay for several years, the company is now building its first brick-and-mortar location in Orlando. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Smithsonian, Florida's Highland Mint team for Super Bowl 60 flip coin
When the coin toss to determine possession takes place prior to Super Bowl 60, something will be noticeably different from years past. The coin, produced since 1994 by the Highland Mint in Melbourne, Florida, will not be made by Highland Mint this year. Instead, Highland Mint will be altering a special coin being provided by the NFL. More from Florida Today.
Autonomous robot company opening St. Pete office
Rovex Technologies Corporation founder and CEO David Crabb has experienced hospital logistical challenges firsthand. He’s an emergency room physician by trade. This led Crabb to explore autonomous robots and how they could assist. In 2024, he started the Gainesville-based startup and began to develop Rovi – which can carry stretchers. The organization will be opening an office at St. Petersburg-based incubator spARK Labs by ARK Invest in February. More from the St. Pete Catalyst.
Business Profile
A Jacksonville family bakery rises with city’s artisan bread trend
St. Gabriel Bakery is a family-run artisan bakeshop in Jacksonville specializing in Guatemalan and international breads. The bakery began in the family's home kitchen before expanding to a brick-and-mortar location in March 2024. Jacksonville is experiencing a rise in demand for artisan breads, joining a nationwide trend.
» More from the Florida Times-Union.
Out of the Box
Trappers scoop up iguanas ‘by the dozens’ amid Florida cold snap
South Florida iguana removal companies were scooping up hundreds of cold-stunned and dead lizards Sunday in a seemingly record-breaking roundup due to the cold snap, according to local business owners. “We are scooping them up by the dozens,” said Blake Wilkins, owner of Redline Iguana Removal in Hollywood.
» Read more from the Tampa Bay Times.