Florida CEOs signal record investment confidence as business leaders align on growth outlook
Florida’s leading CEOs are signaling continued confidence in the state’s economic trajectory, with capital investment expectations reaching their highest level since The Florida Council of 100 launched its CEO Economic Outlook Index. The quarterly survey reflects the forward-looking perspectives of more than 100 CEOs representing some of Florida’s largest employers, offering an early signal of business sentiment across the state. More from Florida Trend.
AI company Acclaim launches U.S. expansion, selects Miami for global HQ
As South Florida’s fintech and enterprise tech sectors continue to surge, an AI company for the regulated industries is planting its flag in Miami. Acclaim, formerly known as Aiphoria, is formally entering the U.S. market, establishing its global headquarters in Miami, the company announced today. Leading the expansion is newly appointed CEO Fred Fontes, an industry veteran with deep experience in applied AI and customer operations. More from Refresh Miami.
Tallahassee has 'flat economy,' real estate experts say
Experts at the 6th Annual NAI TALCOR Commercial Real Estate Market Update wanted to share a long list of new projects coming to Tallahassee but plainly said they couldn't. Tallahassee's economy is flat, said commercial real estate advisor and NAI TALCOR Principal Ed Murray, adding the discussion Monday night wouldn't be all "rainbows and unicorns." More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Jacksonville's private air terminals gain traction as commercial flight delays mount nationwide
Facing Walt Disney World-sized lines and other hours-long delays at major airports across the United States, more and more business travelers are turning to private air charters to fly in and out of Jacksonville and Florida in general. The risk of a logistical nightmare at a commercial airport is just too great, aviation professionals told the Business Journal. In turn, private air charters and fixed-base operators in Northeast Florida and other parts of the state are seeing a significant rise in new clients and business. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Sarasota cybersecurity firm raises $250M in funding
A Sarasota cybersecurity firm has raised $250 million in Series B funding — a seismic haul in a community that's only recently embraced its status as a tech and startup hub. TENEX, which is building a headquarters at 2407 Bee Ridge Road, secured the capital in a funding round led by California-based Crosspoint Capital Partners. The company plans to use the infusion to accelerate its global expansion and scale its employee base. More from the Business Observer.
Out of the Box
Pups ride the waves at the East Coast Dog Surfing Festival in Cocoa Beach
The 14th annual East Coast Dog Surfing Festival will take place on Easter Sunday in Cocoa Beach. The festival also includes a Doggy Bikini Contest, an Easter Outfit Contest, and surfing lessons for dogs. This event serves as a major fundraiser for the Brevard Humane Society to support homeless animals.
» More from Florida Today.
Florida Trend Exclusive
A zest for legal tech
Michelle Six began her career as a professional theater actress — an unusual background for an attorney, she admits, but one that has served as an undercurrent throughout the rest of her life. Her love of words and linguistics made her a self-described "geek" and proved to be an asset when she attended law school in her 30s. From the start, she focused on the field of electronic discovery — an early but growing endeavor to use technology for collecting, reviewing and exchanging evidence when building cases. "Through the benefit of good timing, I emerged into that scene at a very nascent time," Six now says.
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