Florida’s slice of NASA’s Artemis pie nets thousands of jobs, billions of dollars each year
All told, Florida has reaped more than 13,000 jobs and $3 billion in annual spending from the controversial, oft-delayed but historic Artemis effort, according to the most recent NASA estimates. That makes it one of the most lucrative cash cows in state history — and one that keeps on giving. NASA’s overall Artemis-related annual spending has grown since 2020 to the $6 billion to 8 billion range each year, with Florida seeing increased jobs and economic impact as the program grows. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Lawmakers strengthen affordable housing tax breaks, as developers line up to claim millions
For the third year in a row, Florida’s legislature rewrote provisions of the landmark Live Local Act to make it easier for apartment developers and owners to claim lucrative property tax exemptions for affordable housing, thwarting the efforts of local governments to protect their tax revenue. This year’s legislation also allows for affordable housing developments on land owned by religious institutions without rezoning. The cost to local cities and counties could be millions of dollars. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida's boating industry is spreading termites one marina at a time
Two species of subterranean termite are expanding their reach in Florida and they’re doing it in style by infesting private leisure boats that hopscotch between marinas statewide. A University of Florida study published this year in the journal Economic Entomology documents more than three decades of the termites' creep throughout the state, analyzing long-term trends and building on previous research that found vessels from southeast Florida's "yachting capital of the world" have facilitated termite travel. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Commentary: Do more to care for beloved manatees
Sea cows, chubby mermaids, floaty potatoes: manatees bear many silly nicknames, but their importance to Florida’s environment and economy is serious. Sadly, manatees’ future is far from certain. Thankfully, there are actionable solutions available to both individuals and elected leaders to address threats to manatees. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Gas prices soar closer to $4 a gallon in Florida
Gas prices have increased again by double digits over the past week across the state as drivers hit the road for spring break or get back to the work commute. “It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark —potentially as early as this week — for the first time since 2022, while diesel prices are surging to multi-year highs, with some markets nearing record territory,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. North Florida remains the cheapest to pump in Florida. Naples and Palm Beach County are the most expensive areas, according to AAA. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› After Cuba beckons, Miami entrepreneurs are mostly reluctant to invest in the island
Havana announced last week that it would allow Cuban emigrants to invest to address the communist island's severe economic and energy crises. But in Miami, the epicenter of the diaspora, entrepreneurs are generally reluctant. "I don't think a single businessman, not a single Cuban in exile, will invest in this island where there is no legal security," said Ivan Herrera, director of the Univista insurance company, calling the initiative "a huge scam."
› Gainesville’s downtown advisory board aims to reduce 22% storefront vacancy rate
The core of Gainesville's downtown has a 22% storefront vacancy rate with 28 vacant spaces among 98 active businesses. The Downtown Advisory Board plans to alter its business improvement grants to reduce vacancies and boost local economy while navigating which spaces are good investments. But DAB member and realtor Teresa Callen said downtown is on an upward swing, with all the vacancies filled in the next couple of years.
› Brevard needs $800 million worth of water and sewer upgrades
Brevard County faces almost $800 million in projects needed to meet new rules to cleanse sewage and tap water. And while these projects are necessary to meet requirements mandated by state and federal governments and the courts, it is up to the county to pay for them. That will mean higher costs for new construction to hook up the water and sewer system and higher bills for the users.
› Hillsborough County building wave of new fire stations to cut response times
Most firefighters retire before the age of 60. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue believes the same should go for fire stations. That’s why construction is well underway on a replacement for Fire Station 13, with a tentative opening this summer. The replacement will be the template for every new or rebuilt station in the county going forward, said Rob Herrin, public safety information section chief for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
More stories ...
› One year in, growing St. Pete insurer posts $2M profit
St. Petersburg-based Patriot Select Property and Casualty Insurance Co., which officially launched last June, saw a new underwriting profit of $2 million its first year in business. The company, in a statement, credited the success, in part, on assuming 26,000 policies from the state-run Citizen Property Insurance Corp. as was well adding more than 1,600 open market policies through early March. It also cited a “lean, effective operational model and disciplined risk management.”
› Darden to spend $25M converting 14 Bahama Breeze locations into other brands
Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. has revealed its plan to invest $25 million into transforming 14 Bahama Breeze locations into other concepts from within its portfolio. The $25 million investment breaks down to roughly $1.78 million per restaurant. The company revealed this during its latest earnings call on March 16. The update comes a month after Darden announced it was sunsetting the Bahama Breeze brand and its 28 restaurants.
› Pulse nightclub is demolished, nearly 10 years after mass shooting
Dozens of city officials, media, mental health professionals and curious observers watched the demolition of the nightclub, where nearly a decade ago 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded in one of the nation’s worst mass shootings. Crews are expected to work over the coming weeks to clear the wreckage and make way for the construction of a permanent memorial to the victims, a project slated to be completed in September 2027.
› ‘Any more people, it would be a problem.’ Miami Beach spring break crowds stay thin
As another peak spring break weekend kicked off Saturday in Miami Beach, any person walking along Ocean Drive, which once saw thousands of co-eds and tourists this time of year, would find themselves asking, “Where’s the party?” Another year of dozens of officers in full force, barricades blocking off streets and parking garages with steep flat rates has successfully stemmed the crowds to near-nonexistent levels, even for a typical, non-holiday weekend on the island.