The fruit that made Florida is quickly disappearing
Just how far the orange crop has fallen is shocking. Thirty years ago, 225 million boxes of oranges were picked from Florida orange groves. That was almost enough for one box of oranges for every American in the mid-1990s. This year, the forecast from the U.S. Agriculture Department is 12 million boxes. That is a drop of 95% in one generation. More from WLRN and Jax Today.
Looking for cheapest gas? Here's where to find it in Florida
Florida gas prices continue to drop ... slightly. The price for a gallon of regular decreased in Florida from Friday's $3.950 to $3.934 on Monday, March 23. The news wasn't as good nationally. The average price increased slightly from Friday's $3.912 to $3.956 on March 23, according to AAA. The price in Florida did drop below the national average. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Palm Beach Post.
Florida isn't the 'allergy capital' of the U.S., but it's in the conversation
Florida isn’t topping this year’s list of the nation’s worst places for allergy sufferers, but it’s not exactly breathing easy. Lakeland, Sarasota and Tampa landed in the top 30 of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 list of “allergy capitals,” a reminder that even outside the worst hotspots, the state remains firmly on sneeze guard. The “most challenging places to live with allergies” evaluates the 100 largest U.S. metro areas in the contiguous 48 states based on tree, grass and weed pollen levels, use of over-the-counter allergy medications, and access to board-certified specialists. [Source: WUSF]
As Florida's senior population grows, the roads are also getting scarier
Florida's aging population and a projected rise in dementia cases are increasing concerns about road safety. Motor vehicle deaths for people over 65 have risen disproportionately compared to their population growth. The average person will outlive their ability to drive safely by seven to ten years, according to AAA research. Florida allows anonymous reporting of potentially impaired drivers, which can trigger a state-ordered road test. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
Can wasps help regulate invasive species attacking Florida's crops?
Most people retreat at the sight of a wasp, yet University of Florida researchers’ discovery of two newly identified tiny native wasps targeting an invasive pest that threatened Florida agriculture may be a hopeful sign for growers. In September 2025, UF scientists at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) warned that the newly detected two-spot cotton leafhopper was threatening crops across South Florida after spreading from its initial detection in December 2024. [Source: Morning Ag Clips]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Merritt Island LNG plant raises safety concerns
A proposed liquefied natural gas plant on Merritt Island would be within one mile of over 1,000 homes and an elementary school. The Canaveral Port Authority will hold a public workshop to discuss the proposal for the 125-acre site. Federal agencies often assess public safety risks, such as fire and vapor clouds, within a one-mile radius of such facilities.
› Southwest Florida Tech Pulse Report shows growing regional tech economy
As Southwest Florida’s population has grown in recent decades, there have been efforts to find ways to diversify our regional economy beyond the staples of tourism & hospitality, healthcare and financial services, construction, and agriculture. In 2008, regional economic development councils, Florida Gulf Coast University, and area business leaders launched what was called the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership (RTP). They recently released their first Tech Pulse report.
› Doral Chamber launches Trustee+ AI membership to support business growth
The Doral Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new membership level, Trustee+ AI, designed to help businesses across South Florida enhance their marketing, visibility and overall growth through a combination of traditional promotion and modern technology. Developed in partnership with New Media AI, doing business as New Media, New Marketing, Inc., the new membership reflects a growing demand for integrated solutions that combine marketing expertise with emerging artificial intelligence tools.
› Downtown Sarasota ponders hotel/condo trend in aim to avoid 'luxury ghost town'
It is said twice is a coincidence and three times a trend. That a second condominium tower planned to include a hotel-like component is now being proposed in downtown Sarasota, though, is starting to look more like a trend. While the developer of Saravela at the 400 block of North Tamiami Trail continues to navigate through the city its plan to allow condo owners there to rent their units at a three-day minimum, a project across Mound Street from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has changed course from a traditional condo building to a condo/hotel as well.
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› Wake Up Naples talks workplace culture
Steve Jobs famously said, “Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” With the spirit of team and the importance of workplace culture in mind, Naples area business leaders gathered this March, where they spoke on the importance of workplace culture during a Wake Up Naples event hosted by Greater Naples Chamber.
› Part of Miami Worldcenter sold to Japanese firm for $89 million
A Japan-based real estate firm acquired part of the Miami Worldcenter mixed-use development for $88.75 million. The buyer was Kasumigaseki Florida LLC, care of Tokyo-based Kasumigaseki Capital, a major real estate firm that trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The deal included $45 million in seller financing.
› Tampa Bay’s hot new markets and festivals are at ... the Derby Lane parking lot?
On a recent Saturday morning, hundreds of people at a St. Petersburg market strolled through the sea of tents, sampling hummus and haggling for the best price on “Kpop Demon Hunters” merch and Hooters memorabilia. The Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market, though, doesn’t take place downtown or in a park. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, the event swallows up a chunk of the parking lot outside of Win! Derby, the poker room at the former site of the Derby Lane dog track.
› St. Augustine ranked among South's best small towns by Southern Living
Travelers looking for their next charming Southern escape have fresh inspiration. On March 12, 2026, Southern Living released its annual "South’s Best Awards 2026", highlighting the region’s most beloved small towns and of two Northeast Florida favorites landed in the top 20, with St. Augustine taking the No. 1 spot. Based on reader votes, the list celebrates destinations that blend scenery, culture, and unmistakable local character.