Florida Trend Exclusive
AI insights
At the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business, Professor Liangfei Qiu's research sits at the intersection of AI, fintech, social platforms and telecommunications — but, as he puts it, it all comes back to one core question: "How does technology change the way people behave?" That insight carries over to the debate around AI and jobs. While fears of widespread displacement persist, Qiu's work suggests a more nuanced reality. More from Florida Trend.
Can sales tax money go to Rays? Hillsborough County attorney may field that question
Gwen Myers has added a potentially pivotal item to the agenda for Wednesday’s Hillsborough County Commission meeting. Commissioner Myers is recommending a motion that, if supported by a majority of the seven member board, would ask the county attorney’s office a central question: Can money from Hillsborough’s half-cent sales tax help pay for a county-owned stadium? The attorney’s opinion, if requested, could prove decisive for the Tampa Bay Rays’ pursuit of a stadium in Tampa. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
PortMiami records a rapid rise in perishables
The biggest trading commodity at PortMiami is fruits and vegetables, with an increase in perishables from Latin America and the Caribbean this past year. The major seaport trades with over 140 nations, with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa and Oceania. The market share by region is 48% with Latin America, 31% with Asia, 20% with Europe and the Mediterranean, and 1% with Africa and Oceania. More from Miami Today.
Rayonier keeping its name after merger with PotlatchDeltic
After saying since announcing the deal in October it would come up with a new name after merging with PotlatchDeltic Corp., Rayonier Inc. announced March 31 it will keep its name after all. Rayonier, headquartered in Wildlight in Nassau County, completed the merger Jan. 30 and said at that time it would announce a new name for the timber, real estate and paper company later in the first quarter, which ended March 31. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Orlando Museum of Art’s Basquiat probation ends with reaccreditation
Orlando Museum of Art’s probation with the American Alliance of Museums has ended, as the institution announced its reaccreditation by the national organization on Tuesday. The probationary status was one of the last remaining shadows cast over the Loch Haven Park museum in the wake of the 2022 scandal that erupted after the FBI seized artwork attributed to the late Jean-Michel Basquiat from an OMA exhibit titled “Heroes & Monsters.” A California man later admitted to forging some of the exhibit’s pieces; the out-of-state owners have maintained that the works are genuine. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Brevard County uses drones to fight mosquitoes
Strange 'spider-like' drones about the size of a golf cart raised some eyebrows among Merritt Island motorists this week. Fret not. This aerial assault is for our health. The drones near Merritt Island Airport this week buzzed around to try to wipe out breeding colonies of mosquitoes. The drones were spreading bacteria that kill mosquito larvae.
» More from Florida Today.
Arts Business
Southwest Florida art galleries face headwinds, adapt to survive
It is famously hard to make a living as an artist — but try being a gallerist, especially in today’s market. Southwest Florida’s storefront contemporary fine-art galleries face a storm of short- and long-term economic headwinds threatening the industry. Owners cite declining foreign tourism, rising overhead costs, economic uncertainty and waning influence as tastemakers in the internet age. Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton compounded the challenge, wiping out sales from local homeowners who left the area or focused on recovery.
» Read more from the Gulfshore Business.