Extreme cold drives Florida’s power demand
As communities across Florida endured a record-breaking influx of cold air, utilities across the state were busy not only trying to ensure power went uninterrupted but also warning customers to conserve electricity. Despite the bitter cold, no widespread blackouts were reported, although frozen pipes were a common casualty during the record-breaking event. Preliminary data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed electricity demand across Florida peaked at more than 1 million megawatt-hours on Feb. 1, marking the highest value in recent memory. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
Florida DOGE report has local officials asking: Where’s the waste?
Florida auditors who crossed the state looking to expose fraud and waste in government spending recently issued a report on their findings. But local government officials say that they failed to identify any examples of egregious waste. The state’s Department of Governmental Efficiency started scrutinizing various county and city governments last year. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel ]
Balancing act: Bills to both regulate, promote AI data centers advance in Legislature
Florida Sen. Bryan Avila acknowledges his pair of AI bills present a quandary: Attempt to regulate data centers enough that they don’t harm the environment, but not too much that they’re not built within the state. “It’s important that we have some parameters in place to protect these natural resources, especially as it pertains to water, but also maintain that balance with being a leader in technology,” Avila said. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida insurance company sees opportunity in disaster-prone California
Just three years after the Florida property insurance market was collapsing — and companies going insolvent — from the force of multiple hurricanes, one of the Sunshine State’s largest property insurers is considering an expansion into another risky state: California. Florida Peninsula Insurance, the state's 10th-largest property insurer, is mulling whether to open lines of business in California, which has been beset with mudslides and wildfires, including last year’s inferno that burned up some 40,000 acres and 12,300 structures. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida abortions down by half since Roe as more women travel for procedure
The number of abortions provided in Florida has fallen by roughly half since the state introduced stricter laws after the repeal of Roe vs. Wade in 2022, new data shows. Just over 44,200 abortions were provided by Florida clinics last year, the fewest for more than a decade and a 46% drop from 2022 when more than 82,000 terminations were recorded. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra
With 42 miles of scenic Atlantic coastline, an array of extraordinary hotels and resorts, legendary golf, and a vibrant cultural scene, you won’t have to work hard to motivate your team for a meeting or group getaway in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. Florida’s Historic Coast offers a seamless blend of Old World charm and modern sophistication, where centuries-old landmarks meet cutting-edge venues, and every gathering draws inspiration from the setting itself. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Fort Lauderdale to bid farewell to beloved black olive trees on Las Olas
Say goodbye to those famous black olive trees on Las Olas Boulevard. Despite fierce pushback, Fort Lauderdale commissioners voted Tuesday night to move forward with a pricey redesign that will wipe out the tree-lined median to make way for wider sidewalks. Before the vote, a chorus of critics swept into the City Hall meeting in a final attempt to save the tree-lined median that many say gives Las Olas its own special charm.
› Israeli medtech firm opens Palmetto HQ, plans 100 jobs
OSSIO Inc. opened its U.S. headquarters Tuesday in the City of Palmetto, expanding its manufacturing and training presence in the Tampa Bay area. The 30,000-square-foot facility houses both a product manufacturing plant and a surgeon training center. The opening drew business leaders, healthcare executives and state officials, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.
› Proposed tax break aims to attract more business to Florida's Space Coast
Florida businesses leasing government-owned property for aerospace projects could soon be exempt from state taxes under a new bill aimed at boosting the Space Coast’s rapidly growing launch economy. The proposal, SB 1512, is backed by the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security. It aims to bring more space-focused businesses to the region, as Brevard County continues to dominate the industry with a record number of 109 launches in 2025.
› Tampa Sports Authority has more questions about Rays stadium deal
Some board members of the Tampa Sports Authority are increasingly concerned over how a Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal is coming together and their likely role as its landlord. The board’s finance committee last week voted unanimously to recommend asking Tampa and Hillsborough County to conduct their own economic study before considering any public subsidies on a plan to build a stadium on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.
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› St. Petersburg issues RFP for study on replacing Duke Energy
Responding to advocacy by the City Council and community groups, the City of St. Petersburg released a request for proposal (RFP) Friday for a feasibility study on the creation of a municipal utility to replace Duke Energy. The City anticipates awarding a feasibility study on the creation of a municipal utility, with the option of additional grants to study a municipal utility powered by 100% renewable power and on “alternative municipalization options.”
› Boca Raton health care company plans new headquarters
A South Florida medical concierge company has plans for a new headquarters in a large mixed-use development. “Upgrading our headquarters … reflects the strength of our business and our confidence in the future. This space supports our team both today and as we continue to grow,” said MDVIP CEO Larry Kutscher. The company just marked 100 consecutive quarters of growth and has more than 1,400 affiliated physicians across its national network, he added.
› Darnell Smith says he will retire from Florida Blue in the summer
Darnell Smith, North Florida market president at Florida Blue, announced his retirement in a Feb. 3 social media post. Before becoming market president for 36 counties in North Florida from Palm Coast to Pensacola in 2013, Smith was group vice president for Florida Blue’s Service Organization and Business Process Management Organization.
› First look: Galacticoaster at Legoland Florida, inside and outer space
Final preparations are being made inside and outside Galacticoaster, Florida’s newest roller coaster, which is set to open at Legoland Florida theme park this month. Space-themed Lego models — rotating ride vehicles that are customized by passengers and a next-generation animatronic named Biff Dipper — are prominent parts of the indoor coaster. Near the entrance is a brick-by-brick and way-bigger-than-life model of Lego set 918, a spaceship introduced in 1979.