Friday’s Afternoon Update

Census data shows slowing growth in Florida though some counties still rising

Florida still has some of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., but the pace of expansion has cooled, according to Census Bureau estimates released Thursday. The latest figures place Ocala at the top of the list for percentage growth among metro areas with 20,000 or more residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The Census figures also showed Pinellas County losing 11,834 residents, the second largest numerical decline in the nation. More from the News Service of Florida.

See also:
» This Central Florida city just had the biggest population boom in America

Four Seasons in Jacksonville has another year of construction to go

Construction of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville could be completed in twelve months and the grand opening will come sometime after that in 2027 on the downtown riverfront where Jaguars owner Shad Khan is building the luxury hotel. The city has moved back the deadline twice for completing the hotel. The first extension added six months to put it at the end of 2026. A second extension in the city's development agreement puts the deadline for substantial completion at June 30, 2027. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Hollywood wins Live Local lawsuit; developer plans to appeal

In a major win for cities waging battle against the state’s Live Local Act, a Broward judge has ruled Hollywood had the right to say no to a developer seeking to build a 17-story beachfront tower with affordable housing. Keith Poliakoff, attorney for the developer, says his client will appeal the ruling and also request that the lower court rehear the case due to what Poliakoff called a misinterpretation of the Live Local Act. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Tampa Bay spring break travel is up this year

Despite spiking gas prices and busier-than-normal airports, spring break tourism in the greater Tampa Bay region is up from last year and approaching 2024 figures. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater projects hotel revenue in March and April to be 23% higher than last year. Ahead of spring break, visitor numbers were up by 18% in Jan. and about 6% in Feb. from last year. More from the St. Pete Catalyst.

Broward commits up to $2 million to sponsor the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seven games of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament will be held in South Florida, none in Broward County, but that didn’t stop the County Commission from including its name among the sponsors of the largest event in the sporting world. The commission voted 8-0 on Thursday in favor of up to $2 million in sponsorship for the World Cup, part of which will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami-Dade. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Florida Trend Mention

2026 Florida Housing Solutions Summit St. Petersburg, Fla. — The 2026 Florida Housing Solutions Summit, hosted by the Florida Policy Project, will convene on April 22, 2026, at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. It will gather policymakers, economists, and business leaders to address critical housing challenges, focusing on affordability, supply, and sustainable growth. The data-driven, solutions-oriented event will feature expert analysis, a "Bull vs. Bear" debate, and panels to strengthen the state's economic competitiveness. Learn more about early registration and sponsorship opportunities here.

Business Beat - Week of March 27th

Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.