Florida businesses may be missing out on R&D tax credits
If you run a business in Florida, there’s a good chance you’re already doing the kind of work the IRS rewards – you just don’t know it yet. Whether you’re a manufacturer improving efficiency, a software firm writing new code, or a construction company developing safer techniques, there’s a powerful but often-missed incentive designed for you: the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Central Florida Expressway Authority eyes $370M+ in road expansions
As Central Florida’s traffic surges, the Central Florida Expressway Authority is planning new lanes and interchange upgrades on State Road 408, a key infrastructure move expected to bolster the region’s economy. The 22-mile tolled road runs from Florida’s Turnpike in West Orange County to Colonial Drive, east of Alafaya Trail in East Orange County, with more than 164,000 vehicles a day traveling on the route through downtown. CFX has identified multiple projects to increase capacity as traffic is projected to grow. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
March Madness brings thousands to downtown Tampa, delivering economic boost alongside the brackets
Two major March Madness matchups brought thousands of college basketball fans flooding into downtown Tampa on Sunday, filling restaurants, bars and sidewalks while injecting a surge of spending into the local economy. The back-to-back games capped a jam-packed sports weekend in the region, which also hosted the Valspar Championship golf tournament in St. Petersburg. More from WTSP.
War gives Palm Beach International Boat Show mixed sales outlook
At this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show, more than ever, luxury mega-yachts are a major focus for yacht sellers and brokers catering to consumers who can pay millions of dollars for a floating toy. What's different this year is that America is at war. But will oil wars wilt interest in ships, even among the very rich? Most Palm Beach International Boat Show professionals are trying to put a brave face on things, while others are bracing for an uneven sales event. More from the Palm Beach Post.
NASA Artemis II launch may bring $160 million impact to Florida's Space Coast
NASA's milestone Artemis II launch to the moon from Kennedy Space Center may draw 400,000 visitors to Florida's Space Coast — generating $160 million in Brevard County economic impact, a national consulting firm projects. “Most folks are going to spend a few days in town. They’re going to spend money in restaurants, hotels, bars. All of that drives economic impact, and it all creates new tax revenue," said John Boyd, principal with The Boyd Company Inc. of Boca Raton. More from Florida Today.
Out of the Box
Would you spend $100 on a hot dog? You can try it at the Miami Open
While watching tennis at the Miami Open, guests can enjoy the usual fare: burgers, pizza and chicken fingers, but this year, the hot dog got a major glow up. Featuring Australian Wagyu, a layer of creme fraiche, an entire tin of Golden Goat Caviar and a sprinkling of gold flakes, this meal is known as the Golden Goat Caviar Golden Glizzy hot dog. Guests can enjoy the rare treat for a mere $100.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Griffin’s gifts
Not long after relocating his Citadel hedge fund to Miami, billionaire Ken Griffin spoke publicly about his charitable giving and his emphasis on education, which he described as "the on-ramp to the American dream." Education is one of six priorities laid out by Griffin Catalyst, his charitable operation, along with science and medicine, upward mobility, freedom and democracy, enterprise and innovation, and communities.
» Read more from Florida Trend.