Is AI denying your insurance claim? It's happening more than you think
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used by insurance companies to make decisions on claims for home repairs and medical procedures. Florida is one of 22 states without specific rules or guidance addressing the use of AI in the insurance industry. A failed Florida bill would have required a human to review any insurance claim denial that was initially generated by AI. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Florida gas prices hold at four-year highs amid global oil volatility, AAA reports
Florida gas prices have climbed to their highest level in four years as tensions involving Iran disrupt the global oil supply and push crude prices higher, according to a report by AAA. The report showed that the statewide average price for gasoline was $3.96 per gallon on Sunday. That is 2 cents higher than a week ago and $1.06 more than last month. The price of gasoline in Florida on average one year ago was $3.12. More from WWSB.
Big crowds expected as signs look good for Artemis II launch Wednesday
Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to descend on the Space Coast this week for a chance to witness something that has not happened since last century. Humans will be headed to the moon for the first time since the Apollo program in 1972. The Artemis II mission, a lunar fly-by, could launch from Kennedy Space Center as early as Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. taking astronauts on a 10-day flight that could set the record for farthest distance by a human ever traveled from Earth. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
The BLOCK Jax attracts estimated 20,000 guests during weekend opening
A larger-than-expected crowd, estimated in the thousands, turned out during the opening weekend of a first-of-its-kind, family-oriented Jacksonville venue with an outdoor food hall featuring eight restaurants and a craft brewery, plus a unique kids' playground, live music pavilion and a private dog park. The BLOCK Jax, in the works for slightly more than two years, recently debuted on Jacksonville's Southside. More from the Florida Times-Union.
Miami area startups snag $4.13B in VC in 2025. New eMerge Insights report has the details
While not yet hitting pandemic levels of activity, South Florida venture capital activity in 2025 was powered by strength, resilience and some very big deals. Once again, the Miami metro area was a top 10 tech hub for both deals and dollars, according to the eMerge Insights 2025 Florida Venture Capital Report released today. The new report highlights results and trends throughout the Sunshine State, and the numbers were big statewide too. More from Refresh Miami.
Recreation
Florida’s spiny lobster season closes April 1, reopens Aug. 6
Florida’s recreational and commercial spiny lobster harvest seasons in both state and federal waters will close April 1, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The season will reopen Aug. 6, while the annual two-day recreational sport season is scheduled for July 29 and 30, which falls on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July this year.
» More from WFTV.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Digital detective
Ash Ghaemi remembers his mother as, simply put, amazing. Throughout his childhood, she was well respected, self-sacrificing and widely loved. A young mom and Iranian immigrant, she prioritized her family above all else. When Ghaemi was 22, his mother disappeared from Wheat Ridge, Colo. A divorce had flipped her mental health on its head, and she had started hanging around "dangerous men," Ghaemi recalls. Her belongings were found in a motel, but state and federal investigations proved fruitless at finding their owner. Her case grew cold. Now, 18 years later, Ghaemi is taking matters into his own hands with his technological brainchild, CrimeOwl AI.
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