Cold-hardy avocados aimed at transforming Florida’s future fruit industry
Florida scientists proved their cold‑hardy avocado lines can survive the January 2026 freeze, enduring temperatures as low as 17 degrees, which is far colder than commercial varieties like Hass can tolerate. Cold‑tolerant varieties could open avocado production much farther north, offering Florida growers new opportunities as western states face growing water and cost constraints. More from UF News.
Miami businesswoman just made Inc.’s Top 500 list. See what put her there
Cristine Gnecco thinks a lot about water. She built a South Florida company around it. Her professional life revolves around providing free water and reducing the amount of plastic waste. That work has put Gnecco, co-founder of HOPE Hydration, on Inc.’s Female Founders 500 List. “I love what I do,” said Gnecco, 31. “We have a lot of beaches, so creating access to water and eliminating plastics matters.” More from the Miami Herald.
Space Coast program helps veterans launch and grow businesses
Ascend Brevard, Inc., an initiative of Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation, in partnership with Veterans Florida, recently announced the launch of the Ascend Brevard: Space Coast Entrepreneur Program, a cohort-based entrepreneurship program delivered in collaboration with Veterans Florida in Brevard. The program is designed to equip veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and military spouses with the tools to launch and scale successful businesses. More from Florida Today.
Gainesville officials decry vote that could determine GRU control
The Florida Senate passed a bill that could expand state oversight of municipally owned utilities like Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). This legislation comes amid an ongoing legal battle and after Gainesville voters approved referendums to return utility control to the city. Local officials, including the mayor, expressed disappointment, viewing the Senate's action as an override of local voters and home rule. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Luxury resort in Sarasota County ranked among South’s best new hotels
Forbes’ annual list of the world’s billionaires, published March 10, included two Sarasota-area residents. Now another venerable publication, Southern Living, has featured a Sarasota County beachfront resort in its 10th annual South’s Best Awards. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a five-star luxury hotel overlooking the Gulf on the Sarasota County side of Longboat Key, was named the second-best new hotel in the South. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Confidence, expertise, and hope
Treating patients who have run out of options elsewhere is a hallmark of Jackson Heart Institute, where Hari Mallidi, MD, whose credentials include working at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University, has built a team with an impressive breadth and depth of talent. [Sponsored report]
Business Beat - Week of March 13th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Travel Trends
Is MSC Yacht Club worth it? Here’s what you get in the luxury ‘ship within a ship’ concept
As cruising has become an increasingly popular way to travel — with an anticipated 21.7 million Americans expected to embark on ocean cruises in 2026 — it’s harder to avoid sold-out ships packed with passengers and more difficult to find spaces for peace and quiet. For those looking to get away from the masses, MSC Yacht Club offers a welcome reprieve for guests staying in the cruise line’s “ship within a ship” concept, which can be found on 19 ships across the fleet.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.