Florida largely spared from increase in job cuts in January
Job cuts announced by U.S.-based employers in January totaled 108,435, according to recruitment firm Challenger Gray & Christmas. This marks the highest January total since 2009, and more than double the amount announced last January. However, when broken down by state, Florida was largely spared, with just 1,008 jobs cut, well below the 1,732 in January 2025. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Universal Orlando to invest $20M in new venue at Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort is making a major investment at Epic Universe, committing more than $20 million to build a new event space, according to county records newly obtained by Orlando Business Journal. The new venue spans 53,886 square feet and accommodates 1,200 to 1,400 guests. Orlando's convention industry expects record growth with $5 billion in economic impact. More from the Orlando Busiiness Journal.
USF ranks among top 20 public universities for patent production
The National Academy of Investors released its annual rankings today, placing USF No. 18 among all U.S. public research universities for the 81 new patents the university secured in 2025. USF placed No. 27 among all U.S. public and private universities, and No. 41 among universities worldwide. The rankings are determined by data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. More from the Business Observer.
Miami Marine Stadium restoration deal is officially heading to voters
In six months’ time, Miami residents will have the chance to vote on a proposal that would allow a private group to restore and operate the iconic Miami Marine Stadium so that it can once again be used as a concert and performance venue. On Thursday, the Miami City Commission unanimously passed a proposal to award the Marine Stadium project to Global Spectrum, a subsidiary of Oak View Group, one of the country’s largest operators of sports and entertainment venues, and to send the deal to voters on the August ballot to make the final decision. More from the Miami Herald.
Duval school district cancels new HQ after Southbank sale falls through
The Duval County school district has canceled its deal to buy a new headquarters site in Baymeadows after its agreement to sell its longtime Southbank headquarters downtown fell through. The decision, announced Feb. 12, essentially puts the district in the same position it held last fall, before School Board votes in October and November that led to agreements to move its administrative offices. More from the Florida Times-Union.
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Business Beat - Week of February 13th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Recreation
Florida’s East Coast could see longest Red Snapper season since 2009
Florida’s Atlantic Coast could see the longest Red Snapper season since 2009 this year, if the federal government signs off on a plan to shift management of the fishery over to the state. For nearly 20 years, the federal government has severely restricted recreational Red Snapper fishing in the Southern Atlantic, limiting seasons to a few days or even canceling seasons outright.
» Read more from Action News Jax.