Florida drought leads to surge in wildfires, peak season still ahead
Drought conditions in Florida have helped spur 1,500 wildfires in the first three months of the year, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said. That puts the state on track to surpass the 3,100 fires in all of 2025, and the 2,500 blazes in 2024. The conflagrations have been mostly contained but have also burned down more than a dozen homes, and threatened businesses throughout the state. “The busiest part of the fire season is April, May and June, and guess what’s right in front of us,” Simpson told the News Service of Florida. All of Florida is experiencing drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which means increased threats of wildfires and declining groundwater. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Market ready
Florida State University's MBA programs are evolving in step with a rapidly changing economy, launching new concentrations designed to meet emerging industry demands — particularly in health care and finance. According to Darren Brooks, assistant department chair, senior lecturer and MBA program coordinator, FSU's MBA leadership continually scans the business landscape to identify gaps where graduate education must adapt. "We're in a transformational period," he says, noting how technology, shifting workforce needs and industry disruption are reshaping every sector. [Source: Florida Trend]
The future of forecasting: AI emerges as top hurricane model in 2025
While the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may not have been the busiest in recent years, it did come with some noteworthy storms. Track forecasts were better than the recent 5-year average at every time frame, continuing a long-term trend of improvement. But intensity forecasts were tougher, with errors running significantly higher than normal, largely due to frequent rapid strengthening. [Source: Click Orlando]
Florida not-for-profit audit requirements: What leaders need to know
Leading a not-for-profit organization in Florida requires more than dedication to a mission. It also requires a clear understanding of financial accountability, regulatory thresholds, and public transparency. One of the most common and costly areas of confusion for not-for-profit executives and board members is determining when an audit or financial review is required, and what level of oversight is expected. Florida law and federal regulations impose audit requirements based primarily on funding sources and contribution levels, not organizational size. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Florida citrus land sales reach $204.9 million
The Florida citrus sector continues to face structural challenges, with production pressures influencing land use, pricing, and investment activity. Despite this, transaction data shows continued activity in citrus properties, reflecting ongoing interest in the sector. In 2025, citrus properties in Florida accounted for 79 verified transactions, with pricing varying widely depending on acreage and location. Land values ranged from $3,936 per acre to $56,003 per acre, with total sales volume reaching $204,861,558. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Liftoff! Artemis II moon rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center
America is sending astronauts back to the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Towering taller than the Statue of Liberty, NASA's 322-foot Space Launch System rocket — featuring an orange core stage flanked by twin white solid rocket boosters — rumbled skyward off pad 39B against a blue backdrop at Kennedy Space Center while throngs of spectators watched across Florida's Space Coast.
› Southwest Florida labor market shows signs of slowing
The labor market has been rather sluggish lately. Unemployment has hovered between 4% and 4.5% for more than a year. Last year was marked by slow job growth, particularly due to fluctuating tariffs and increased labor costs, not to mention an overall uncertainty about the economy. And this year hasn’t gotten any better, as the Iran war is disrupting economies worldwide. In Southwest Florida, trends are also indicating a rather uninspiring market.
› With no deal at deadline, Orange County’s negotiations over ICE reimbursement will continue, Mayor says
Orange County’s negotiations with the U.S. Marshals Service have continued into April, past the agreed-upon deadline of March 31, Mayor Jerry Demings said Wednesday. Demings said discussions went on right up to the deadline and the two sides are still talking without a deal in place. He said the ongoing shutdown of much of the Department of Homeland Security may be to blame for a deal not being consummated at this point. At issue is how much the federal government reimburses the county for housing federal inmates, including those held at the jail solely on immigration related violations.
› Swiss private equity firm taps Miami for U.S. headquarters
A private equity firm from Switzerland will launch its U.S. headquarters in South Florida as it looks to expand stateside after 15 years in Europe. Ufenau Capital Partners will open its first U.S. office later this month in a Quest Workspaces coworking space at 777 Brickell Ave. in Miami’s financial district. Neal Monga will lead the Miami office as Ufenau’s new investment director and head of U.S. investors. He will relocate back to South Florida from New York for the new role.
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› AI, robotics transform Southwest Florida health care
From artificial intelligence-powered diagnostics to precision robotic surgeries, advanced technologies are redefining and revolutionizing health care in Southwest Florida. As technologies advance, so too does the training necessary to provide future health care practitioners with the cutting-edge knowledge they will need to succeed. Health care systems including Naples Comprehensive Health, Lee Health and Physicians Regional are unveiling new technologies at a rapid pace.
› Central Florida bakery plans massive industrial facility
An Orlando-based bakery is moving forward with plans for a massive new facility near the Orlando International Airport. Bakery Express of Central Florida has proposed a 252,000-square-foot industrial bakery at 6650 Narcoossee Road. The company is seeking a master plan from the city of Orlando for the 14.1-acre property it owns, which is currently vacant. Bakery Express provides batch-baked goods to grocery stores and other clients. Its products include cookies, cake, pretzels, donuts, brownies, pastries and muffins.
› Low pressure: Some JEA customers could feel the drought — literally
Florida’s prolonged drought has JEA bracing for possible water pressure problems as dry conditions push the demand for irrigation. Rob Zammataro, JEA’s chief water systems officer, told the utility’s board of directors Tuesday that some customers could notice lower water pressure in their showers, sinks and irrigation systems as dry conditions persist through mid-June. Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one. According to Zammataro, localized water pressure issues will be most prevalent during times of “very high demand” from 5 to 9 a.m.
› Miami Beach resistance to new law signals a legal fight
A bill critics say tramples on home rule was signed into law by the Florida governor late last week. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 399 on Friday. It prevents local governments from blocking residential projects based on compatibility and allows certain projects to proceed with limited or no public input including residential developments and land use plans. The bill, touted by proponents as a solution for affordable housing, has faced opposition from local governments including the Miami Beach Board of Commissioners. That panel has already authorized its city attorney to look into legal avenues to oppose the bill.