Big Tech as tax relief? Florida voters warm to the idea
Two controversial ideas. One unexpectedly warm reception. A new poll suggests Florida voters may be more receptive to data centers and homestead property tax abolishment if the two issues are fused. Voters are on board with a lower tax bill, but they are wary of sweeping changes that could disrupt local government funding and, by and large, they would rather lawmakers direct their focus toward a different line-item on their monthly housing bill: property insurance. More from Florida Politics.
Florida insurance company embracing AI tools while state considers new regulations
As Florida lawmakers are examining how insurance companies use artificial intelligence, one St. Petersburg-based insurance company is demonstrating how they are implementing AI to grow their business in a now competitive Florida insurance market. Patriot Select uses artificial intelligence in the intake process, to help determine whether a homeowner receives coverage or not. More from Tampa Bay 28.
Jacksonville pending home sales climb as national market sees steepest drop in over a year
As homebuyers across the country hesitate, Jacksonville is quietly moving in the opposite direction. U.S. pending home sales fell 5.1% year over year during the four weeks ending Feb. 8 — the steepest drop in more than a year — and homes nationally are taking the longest to sell in seven years. But Jacksonville posted a 7.7% increase in pending sales from a year earlier, making it one of only four major metros to see gains, according to a new Redfin report. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Marine salvage and diving firm opens regional HQ in Pasco
A Pasco County-based marine services provider specializing in vessel salvage and commercial diving, Isla Maritime, is expanding its operations after opening its new U.S. headquarters in Port Richey this month, according to the Pasco County Economic Development Council. The Pasco EDC provided site location assistance to Isla Maritime during the company’s hunt for its new home base. More from the Business Observer.
Despite sluggish tourism revenue, Seminole moves ahead with events center
As Seminole County moves forward with plans to build an indoor events complex , officials hope the facility will boost tourist tax revenues at a time when the number of visitors to the county has remained stagnant. Seminole — which lacks big-name theme parks and other glitzy tourist attractions like neighboring Orange and Osceola counties — has largely relied on amateur athletic tournaments to draw visitors for the past decade. But county officials project tourist tax revenues will drop by $200,000 this year after its hotel occupancy rate dipped slightly to about 70% in 2025. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Conservation Trends
The Okaloosa darter only exists in Florida. It nearly went away forever
A 50-year conservation effort at Eglin Air Force Base restored the darter's habitat and grew its population from under 10,000 to 600,000. While the darter was delisted, Florida added the Wilson's plover and the blackbanded sunfish to its state endangered and threatened species list.
» More from the Gainesville Sun.
Event
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Long a staple of the fall cultural calendar, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival is returning in a new, permanent late-winter window, with Feb. 20-28 screenings and scheduled appearances by actors including Terrence Howard, Chevy Chase, Paul Reiser and Jamie Kennedy and artist-conservationist Guy Harvey. This will be the 40th annual edition of the festival, and change is a theme: Along with its new home in February, FLIFF will be a leaner affair.
» Read more from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.