Florida Trend Exclusive
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Communities across Florida face mounting pressures on their water systems as growth strains already limited supplies. Surrounded by coastlines, inundated with natural springs, plagued by summertime showers and constantly combatting flooding, Florida seems to have abundant water resources. But the clean groundwater most residents have historically consumed — siphoned from the Floridan aquifer system that underlies the entire state, plus shallower aquifers — is reaching its sustainable withdrawal capacity. [Source: Florida Trend]
Most Floridians would abolish property tax, UNF poll shows
People in Florida are most concerned about the cost of living, and a majority would eliminate the property tax as the governor has proposed, a new poll from the University of North Florida shows. A proposed amendment to the state Constitution — pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis — would phase out taxes on homestead property, other than those directed to schools. The Florida House passed a bill to eliminate most homestead property taxes last month, and the Florida Senate is considering its own measure. [Source: Jacksonville Today]
Florida program promised more hurricane-hardy homes. Has the state delivered?
Early estimates from Elevate Florida said it could take as little as seven months — or up to two years — to complete projects ranging from home elevation to reconstruction. A year later, the program appears mired. Residents say their applications have largely stalled. In late February, the state confirmed that no applications to the program had been approved. Of the more than 12,000 applicants, about 90% were either denied or dropped out. In February, the state said, all still-active applications were either under “review” or awaiting a decision from the federal government. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
State seeks 'driving calculator' to measure seniors' awareness, skills
Buckle up. The Sunshine State puts together a population that’s got the second-largest percentage of people older than 85 (Hawaii is No. 1) in a sprawling landscape with few options for hoofing it or pedaling. So it’s no surprise that accident reports of accelerators mistaken for brake pedals and store entrances made via motor vehicle are a regular newsworthy staple throughout Florida. There is no age limit on Florida drivers, nor any state. But older drivers face additional hurdles to keep their driving privileges in Florida. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida taxpayers likely on the hook for Alligator Alcatraz
Gov. Ron DeSantis proclaimed on social media in early October that the federal government had awarded the state $608 million to help recoup the cost of building Alligator Alcatraz. Within a week, though, that money was put on hold. And now, five months later, new court filings from lawyers for the state and U.S. federal government raise the possibility that much of the federal largesse may never be disbursed, leaving Florida taxpayers on the hook. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
University of Florida releases new economic contributions report
The University of Florida continues to be one of the state's most powerful economic engines, according to a new study released this month. The university's economic contribution report shows UF and its related entities generated $19.57 billion in industry output and supported more than 134,000 jobs across the state in fiscal year 2023-24. UF contributed $12.6 billion to Florida's economy. Beyond its main operations in Gainesville, UF maintains a range of initiatives and partnerships, including extension offices in each of the state's 67 counties. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mount Dora agrees to Lake County proposal on redevelopment tax-fund split
The ongoing dispute between Mount Dora and Lake County over how to split millions of redevelopment tax dollars appears to be coming to an end, with the Mount Dora City Council agreeing to details of a settlement that would increase the county’s share of the revenue but add conditions on how the money could be spent. Council members voted 6-1 in favor of Lake County’s recent offer of a 55:45 split of so-called tax increment revenue, with Mount Dora receiving the majority of the funds. The money would be spent in infrastructure improvements in a rapidly growing section of the county.
› Atlantic Beach entrepreneur targets Jacksonville for $10 million private meeting space concept
A North Florida entrepreneur has penciled in Jacksonville as one of five target markets for a new high-end, private meeting space concept set to debut across the Southeast this year. Atlantic Beach-based founder Drew Clark is investing up to a projected $10 million in the project at-large, he told the Business Journal, targeting a niche somewhere between traditional meeting venues and entertainment anchored gathering spots.
› St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum announces $65M expansion
St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum has announced plans for a $65 million expansion, with a proposed opening date of 2028. The approximately 35,000-square-foot expansion, on the south side of the current museum, will include flexible gallery environments for “experiential exhibitions that blend art and technology, a dedicated learning center serving K-12 students and lifelong learners and community-focused spaces.”
› Miami’s loanDepot park again ready to be at center of World Baseball Classic
loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, made history during the 2023 World Baseball Classic by being the first ballpark that was involved in every phase of a singular edition of the tournament — from pool play all the way to the championship. The ballpark is set to do the same this season, with the 2026 World Baseball Classic formally beginning on Thursday and action at loanDepot park opening on Friday
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› Inter Miami signs stadium naming rights deal with Brazilian financial firm Nu
Lionel Messi became a global icon playing for FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, and the final stage of his career will be at a stadium with a similar name. Inter Miami announced on Wednesday a multiyear partnership with Nu, a Brazil-based global digital financial services platform, and as part of the deal the club’s soon-to-be-completed stadium will officially be named Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
› Orlando’s Titanic attraction launches virtual-reality ship tours
Landlubbers living in the 21st century now can take a good look around the Titanic, thanks to a virtual-reality experience inside an International Drive attraction. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has introduced an add-on VR activity to its walk-through display with relics and reproductions tied to the ship that famously sank in 1912. At the I-Drive attraction, visitors wear a headset to look up, down and around at a re-creation of what passengers would have seen while on board.
› Florida House passes bill that could cement state control over GRU
The Florida House on March 3 voted in favor of a bill focused on municipal utilities and expanding transparency for customers living outside city limits, while also further cementing state control over Gainesville Regional Utilities. The bill would limit how much cities can charge certain out‑of‑city utility customers, require annual public disclosure of utility rates and revenues, and expand state oversight of municipally owned utilities.
› Melbourne-developed B-21 Raider stealth bomber production speeding up
The U.S. Air Force plans to field a fleet of at least 100 B-21 Raider stealth bombers, which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. Each B-21 aircraft, which were developed in Melbourne, Florida, is projected to cost about $700 million. The first operational bomber is expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota next year.