Florida consumer sentiment index climbs in January as new year begins
Florida consumer sentiment rose 2.3 points in January to 77.2, reflecting more optimistic views of personal finances and spending, even as economic uncertainty remained elevated. Four of the five index components increased, led by improved assessments of current financial conditions and willingness to make big-ticket purchases, though higher-income Floridians reported less optimism. Outlooks for the economy were mixed, with short- and long-term national expectations improving, while inflation concerns, trade uncertainty and steady interest rates continue to pressure household budgets. [Source: UF News]
Florida Trend Exclusive
A return to normal
Perhaps fitting since it’s a boat show, the sites for the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show floated to different locales this year from last, leaving behind downtown Miami. The show will return to Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue waterfront for the first time since 2018 and, for the first time ever, new sailing vessels will be on display on Watson Island on the causeway to Miami Beach. Show owner National Marine Manufacturers Association and producer Informa Markets expect 80,000 to 90,000 people and 800 to 1,000 exhibitors during the Presidents Day weekend (Feb. 11-15) run — the 85th time the show has been held. [Source: Florida Trend]
South Florida launches ‘Ambition Accelerated’ campaign to attract major companies from other states
South Florida is positioning itself as the premier destination for business growth as billionaires and industry leaders launch a nationwide campaign called "Ambition Accelerated" to attract major companies from states like California and New York. The campaign was unveiled at an inaugural financial conference at CityPlace, featuring prominent figures including the COO of BlackRock and billionaire Stephen Ross. More from WPTV and Inc.
Florida’s fading coral reefs could sharply increase coastal flood risk
Coral reefs do more than support vibrant marine ecosystems—they also act as natural breakwaters, protecting coastlines from storm-driven waves. New USGS-led research shows that as Florida’s coral reefs continue to degrade, the loss of this natural protection could dramatically increase flooding risk for coastal communities in southeast Florida. Over the past several decades, coral reef degradation has lowered the shallow seafloor offshore of Florida, allowing waves to reach the coast with greater energy. [Source: Environment Coastal & Offshore]
Blue Origin pauses space tourism flights. What that means for Florida
Blue Origin won't be launching any space tourists high above Earth's atmosphere anytime soon. Jeff Bezos' spaceflight company is taking a hiatus from New Shepard spaceflights in West Texas for at least two years as it turns its attention to its lunar lander that was developed and will launch in Florida. [Source: Florida Today]
Confidence, expertise, and hope
Treating patients who have run out of options elsewhere is a hallmark of Jackson Heart Institute, where Hari Mallidi, MD, whose credentials include working at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University, has built a team with an impressive breadth and depth of talent. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Darden to close all remaining Bahama Breeze locations
Orlando-based Darden Restaurants announced Tuesday it would be closing all of its remaining Bahama Breeze locations nationwide, ending the brand after 30 years. Half of the 28 Bahama Breeze locations across the country will be converted into Darden’s other restaurant brands over the next 12 to 18 months and are expected to continue operating until any temporary closures are needed to convert them, the company said. The other 14 will be permanently closed as of April 5. Darden said it doesn’t expect the closures to have a material impact on its financial results.
› Amazon Air adding Jacksonville to its global airport network
Amazon Air will start flying its planes into Jacksonville International Airport this year right around the time the busy holiday shopping season arrives for the e-commerce giant. Amazon Air signed a lease with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority for the air cargo facility that will be its first in Northeast Florida. Amazon Air currently operates out of Miami International Airport in South Florida and Lakeland Linder Airport in Central Florida.
› St. Petersburg received 9 proposals for Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg received nine proposals by a Tuesday deadline as part of a renewed effort to find a developer for the Historic Gas Plant District, home to Tropicana Field. The city’s 30-day window to submit bids for the project closed at 10 a.m. It is the third attempt in six years to devise a plan for the city’s most talked about 86 acres.
› More than 700 new residences on West Boca golf course? Plan still faces review, nearly a year later
It was nearly a year ago when many West Boca residents rallied against a proposal to build more than 700 new residences on a golf course. They want to know: What’s the latest? The answer: It could be “several years” before anything were to happen on the greens of the Boca Lago community. An application by homebuilder Lennar is undergoing review by Palm Beach County, an official said.
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› A Swiss airplane maker is expanding to a Florida airport. What to know
Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has started construction on a new flagship campus at a Florida Airport. Pilatus Business Aircraft LTD leased 17 acres of land for 40 years from the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority. The company is expanding its presence in the U.S. with a “flagship sales, service and production center” at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which will be built in two phases. The company estimates that the complex will cost about $200 million.
› DeSantis, MLB commissioner say Rays ‘belong in Tampa Bay’
At a news conference Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and others reiterated their support for the Tampa Bay Rays’ quest to build a ballpark at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College. “Baseball belongs in Tampa Bay,” DeSantis said. “Baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay.” But few questions were answered about the team’s plans to forge what Rays’ CEO Ken Babby called a “fair public-private partnership.”
› Ocklawaha River restoration bill sails through final Committee
With lawmakers comparing it to the Everglades restoration project for North Florida, a bill seeking to restore the Ocklawaha River is now ready for the full House floor after it cruised through its final Committee vote on Tuesday. For years, the future of the Rodman-Kirkpatrick Dam in Marion County has been debated, with some advocating its removal. Environmentalists argued restoring the river would improve the water quality and strengthen the St. Johns River — Florida’s longest river — which the Ocklawaha feeds into as its largest tributary.
› St. Augustine seeks to redevelop West City area
A new program from the city of St. Augustine aims to help with costly repairs for homeowners in the West City area. Modeled after the Fix-It Up program in the city’s Lincolnville neighborhood, the new Revive & Restore Residential Repair Grant Program offers grants for homeowners in another underserved part of St. Augustine — West City.