Florida Trend Exclusive
Easing demand
The future of data center power may be modular. Two Florida startups are drawing millions of dollars in seed money with a promise to manufacture clean, reliable, renewable energy housed within 40-foot shipping containers. Each offers data centers the ability to line up as many containers as they need to operate off the grid or in conjunction with traditional utility-based power. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida may have outgrown part-time legislature, experts say
With a diverse population of 23 million people, a $115 billion budget and a long list of complicated, unsolved problems like housing affordability and high property insurance costs, Florida may have outgrown its part-time citizen Legislature. “It is structurally set up to fail,” said Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. “That’s the problem with a 60-day session. Florida is too big, its problems too complex, to have a part-time Legislature.” [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
This is the week: NASA Artemis II set to launch crew to moon from KSC
One of the biggest spaceflight missions of the past half-century stands poised for launch this week from Florida's Space Coast, serving as America's return to the moon and a key initial step of NASA's new strategy to build humanity’s first outpost beyond Earth. The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission are scheduled to launch as early as 6:24 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, rising skyward before sunset from pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center inside an Orion spacecraft. [Source: Florida Today]
How Florida injury law firms are using technology to improve client outcomes
The legal industry is undergoing a significant and accelerating technological transformation, and personal injury law firms in Florida are increasingly at the forefront of adopting tools and systems that improve the quality, efficiency, and transparency of legal representation. From AI-assisted case evaluation and automated document management systems to digital evidence preservation tools and sophisticated client communication platforms, technology is changing how Florida injury attorneys build and manage cases. [Source: Tech Times]
Florida approved millions for immigration enforcement. Where it goes is surprising
Florida offered extra money to local law enforcement agencies so they could more easily help arrest and detain people. But the list of who’s getting that largesse — and who is missing out — probably isn’t what anyone would have expected. So far, many of the state’s largest police agencies have not applied for a share of the $250 million grant program state lawmakers authorized last year, [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sanford paid a developer $4 million to walk away from Heritage Park. Now what?
Last August, the city of Sanford pulled the plug on a downtown development project called Heritage Park that had been in the works for nearly a decade. The idea was to turn vacant city-owned land in the heart of downtown into a vibrant community of luxury apartments, restaurants and retail. But the developer the city had been working with surprised Sanford city commissioners by presenting plans for affordable studio apartments instead. Not wanting that, commissioners ended up nixing the entire deal and paid the developer nearly $4 million to walk away. Now the idea of Heritage Park is back.
› Why Royal Caribbean and Carnival cuts are frustrating summer travelers
As one of the most popular forms of vacationing, cruises are big business. In the U.S. sphere, a handful of major players dominate the industry. Among them, Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line stand out as two of the biggest names, boasting loyal customer bases and consistently high demand. However, recent decisions from both companies may put that loyalty to the test.
› Private equity giant opens new Miami office
New York-based private equity firm KKR opened a Miami office in the Brickell Financial District. The company moved in a 6,500-square-foot office in 600 Brickell after previously operating out of a temporary workspace at 801 Brickell. “Miami has evolved into an epicenter for private wealth in the U.S.,” said Jordie Olivella, Managing Director in Global Client Solutions at KKR.
› Before a Rays stadium deal, West Tampa Heights residents want to be heard
Jaime Jones knows the streets east of Raymond James Stadium well. He walks them to work, to his son’s day care and to monthly neighborhood association meetings, where he serves as president. Now, as the Tampa Bay Rays propose a $2.3 billion, 30,000-seat ballpark across Dale Mabry Highway, Jones wants his community to have a voice. If game days are to increase nearly tenfold, the surrounding neighborhoods should see a benefit. “We want to be a priority,” Jones said. “We want to be heard.”
More stories ...
› Intercontinental Exchange lands $58 million in permits for Jacksonville divisional HQ
A year after the property was sold, the city issued two permits March 26 for ICE Mortgage Technology Holdings Inc. to renovate its first Deerwood Park North building inside and out at a combined project cost of $58.38 million. ICE Mortgage Technology of Atlanta bought the 52.23-acre Merrill Lynch campus Jan. 13, 2025, from Bank of America for $42 million.
› NFL owners to vote on Jaguars' temporary move to Orlando this week
Local leaders are hopeful National Football League owners will approve the temporary relocation of the Jacksonville Jaguars to Orlando next year when they gather in Phoenix during an annual spring meeting March 29 through April 1. Florida Citrus Sports President and CEO Steve Hogan, speaking March 25 on a sports panel hosted by Orlando Sentinel, said the group has a proposed deal in place with the Jaguars to host the team in fall 2027 at Camping World Stadium.
› How Miami-based Coverfleet is modernizing trucking compliance
Rocky Ricardo didn’t set out to build a software company. But after years working across trucking operations, financing, insurance, and consulting, he kept running into the same problem: fleets struggling to stay compliant, and paying a steep price for it. That insight became the foundation for Coverfleet, a Miami-based startup developing compliance software for the trucking industry.
› Popular Sarasota waterfront park to get $10M upgrade for flooding
Downtown Sarasota’s Bay Park will see about $10 million in improvements to its shoreline to protect against flooding and storm surges, as part of a public works project funded by federal and state grants. The Bay Park Conservancy, which co-manages the park with the city of Sarasota, will oversee the project. Plans call for more green space and stormwater ponds to improve the quality of the water that flows into Sarasota Bay.