Florida relied on immigration for almost all of its population growth last year
Florida’s population grew by more than 500 people a day last year. That is a sharp slowdown from the last couple of years and the slowest annual growth this decade. For years, the main contributor to Florida’s surging population was people moving here from someplace else in the U.S. That shifted in 2023 when most new Floridians were coming to the Sunshine State from other countries. More from WLRN.
Miami the top U.S. destination for international investors
Miami has once again become the top U.S. destination for international home buyers, with a strong rebound in foreign demand in 2025 that is reshaping the luxury real estate market. This is according to the latest international homebuyer report from the MIAMI Association of Realtors. New data highlights how global capital flows, currency dynamics and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty are fueling a new wave of cross-border investment, placing Miami back at the forefront of international real estate markets. More from Islander News.
EverBank seeks $10M to keep headquarters in downtown Jacksonville
Citing a cost differential between operating in Downtown Jacksonville versus a suburban office campus, EverBank is seeking $10 million in taxpayer funding from the city of Jacksonville to remain in its corporate headquarters on the Northbank. City and bank officials presented the proposal at a meeting Monday of the City Council Special Committee on the Future of Downtown, where it prompted discussion about the effect that losing EverBank and its 800 employees in the EverBank Center would have on Downtown revitalization. More from Jacksonville Today.
FEMA to reimburse $16.5 million toward Tropicana Field repairs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has earmarked $16.5 million for repairs to the hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field. St. Petersburg Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene let City Council members know in an email Tuesday about the expected reimbursement, calling it “an extremely promising step in the process.” He said the $16.5 million is based on estimated costs to date less any insurance collected. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
SpaceX, NASA rocket launches drive major expansion at Florida's Linde plant
An industrial gas plant in Mims, Florida, is expanding to meet the growing demand for rocket launch gases from SpaceX and NASA. The Brevard County Commission will consider a temporary use agreement for a construction staging area for the Linde plant expansion. SpaceX supports the expansion, stating the increased gas supply is crucial for its launches for NASA and national security missions. More from Florida Today.
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Meet the 13-year-old girl who hiked 1,100 miles of the Florida Trail
Less than a mile remained between Cali Booth and the finish line. The 13-year-old and her father, Jamie, had just hiked more than 1,100 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Over five months, they tromped through the swamps of Bradwell Bay and the white, sandy banks of the Suwannee River. They shared choruses to emo metal and folk songs, laughs over the shoe-sucking muck and hours of silence. But the most memorable day — the day father and daughter say they will remember decades from now — was the last.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Early believers
When Pablo Casilimas and Justis Mendez met at the University of Florida in 2016, they were 21-year-old students trying to build their own startups. “We couldn’t really find mentors or investors. We didn’t know what we were doing,” says Casilimas. “So we started hosting events to help ourselves get connected and to learn, but then also to help other people who were in a similar position.”
» Read more from Florida Trend.