Florida has spent at least $573 million on immigration
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has spent $573 million from an emergency response fund on immigration efforts over the last three years, including millions to equip agencies with radios and high-tech cameras, his administration informed the Legislature last week. In a report issued Saturday, the Division of Emergency Management says it expects the federal government to reimburse the state for about half of the cost. So far, it has received nothing. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
New Super Bowl ad launches Universal Orlando campaign
Universal Orlando’s new ad campaign has a prime position during the Super Bowl broadcast Sunday. The series, dubbed “This Changes Everything,” includes a 60-second spot titled “Lil’ Bro” that airs just before halftime of the big game, Universal says. Epic Universe, the resort’s theme park that opened in May, has prominence in the campaign, but its tone includes all Universal Orlando Resort parks and is built on experiences made there. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Jacksonville's historic National Guard Armory to become $30M arts and food hall complex
Once a stop for Duke Ellington, Janis Joplin and the early Allman Brothers, Jacksonville’s long-silent National Guard Armory in Springfield is preparing for a second act — this time as a $30 million arts-driven food, retail and coworking hub. REVA Development Corporation, a nonprofit whose name, REVA, is an acronym for Real Estate Ventures for the Arts, is set to purchase the property from the city. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
California hedge fund makes $1.1B offer to buy MarineMax
A hedge fund and activist investor has made an all-cash offer to buy Clearwater-born superyacht service company MarineMax for $1.1 billion, the company confirmed Tuesday. Santa Monica-based Donerail Group, which already owns nearly 5% of MarineMax shares, has offered to buy the company for $35 per share, according to a release from the boat retailer. More from the Business Observer.
Mayor adds second Miami International Airport watchdog team
Miami International Airport is on the runway to face not just one but two watchdogs probing its image and passenger experience as Miami-Dade’s top economic engine. Even as plans for a seven-member board envisioned by county commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez head toward a March 9 airing, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava last week unveiled her own 14-member team. She promised her group would produce a list of “actionable deliverables” within 180 days. More from Miami Today.
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| Florida employers: Is your organization one of the state’s best places to work? | ||
| Now’s your chance to find out. The final two weeks of registration are underway for the 2026 Best Companies To Work For In Florida, with selected companies featured in the Aug. 2026 issue of Florida Trend. The deadline to register is Feb. 13, 2026 — don’t miss the opportunity to put your workplace in the spotlight. » Register at BestCompaniesFLA.com by Feb. 13, 2026! |
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Entertainment
GTA-inspired short film shot in downtown Tampa releases online
A short film inspired by the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise uses Tampa as the backdrop for live-action mayhem. “Six Stars” brought an explosion, sports cars and a hovering police helicopter to downtown during its production last winter, inspiring rumors that a commercial for the upcoming “GTA VI” was being filmed locally. The film by Tampa native Todd Wiseman released this week to watch for free on the YouTube channel Short Frame, which showcases high quality shorts and shares the revenue with filmmakers.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Recreation
Florida fishing guides say license changes are costing them business
Fishing along Florida’s coastline has long been a major draw for tourists, but a recent rule change by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is making it harder for some visitors to fish legally. As of November, short-term non-resident fishing licenses can no longer be purchased online. Instead, visitors must buy them in person at locations such as county tax collector offices or select FWC-approved retailers.
» Read more from WESH.