Thursday’s Afternoon Update

Medical research funding generates billions for Florida's economy

Medical research funding is a huge economic driver in Florida. The National Institutes of Health awarded $928 million in funding to Sunshine State researchers in fiscal year 2025, supporting nearly 15,000 jobs, according to a report from United Medical Research. It also generated about $3 billion in new economic activity through the creation of new businesses, jobs and revenue streams. NIH research funding primarily funds grants for universities, hospitals and businesses. More from the South Florida Business Journal.

Miami Angels and New World Angels are combining to form statewide network

Two active South Florida angel networks, New World Angels and Miami Angels, are joining to create a large statewide organization. The move aims to widen access to bigger checks and streamline the fundraising process for founders, while providing “smart money” depth for investors. The plan has been in the works for several months by two organizations that have long shared deal flow and even some members. More from Refresh Miami.

Can Sarasota's arts thrive amid funding cuts and changing habits?

Six years after a global pandemic emptied theaters, museums and music halls, bringing about the demise of multiple nonprofits across the country, Sarasota’s arts organizations appear to be holding their own. But with patron habits changing; government funding dwindling; the economy and tourism shaky and the unpredictable threat of extreme weather — like the two hurricanes that hit Sarasota in the fall of 2024 — local arts groups are looking to the future with a more strategic and cautionary eye than ever before. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Jacksonville launches JEA probe over fees, workplace complaints

Jacksonville city lawmakers have created a special committee to back a city Inspector General’s investigation into JEA, City Council President Kevin Carrico announced Wednesday. The dual probe is prompted by claims that some of the largest commercial customers are exempt from millions of dollars in water and wastewater fees. Carrico’s JEA Special Investigatory Committee will also go further than the IG’s to look into recent allegations Carrico raised of a toxic workplace culture. More from Jacksonville Today.

Cruise ship terminal in Manatee County may be sunk

The plan to create a cruise ship port near the Sunshine Skyway may be sunk after the Florida House unanimously passed legislation limiting dredging needed by larger ships. Bradenton Sen. Jim Boyd’s bill passed the Senate last month. It would expand the boundaries of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve in Manatee County into an area cruise ships would need to pass through, south of the Sunshine Skyway. Dredging would not be allowed if it would impact water quality. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval. More from the St. Pete Catalyst.