What to expect from the 2026 hurricane season? The first major forecast is out
A leading seasonal hurricane forecast is calling for slightly below normal activity as a meaty storm-shredding El Niño develops but the Atlantic Ocean gives mixed signals as to its intent. Colorado State University is predicting 13 named storms for the season that begins June 1 and that follows Florida’s 2025 reprieve from tropical catastrophe. Of the 13 named storms, six are forecast to become hurricanes including two that could swell to major muscle with 111 mph Category 3 winds or higher. More from Florida Today and the Tampa Bay Times.
Orange County launches small business enterprise program
Orange County Government has introduced its Small Business Enterprise Program, now accepting applications for business certification. Officials state that the program aims to broaden opportunities for small businesses to engage in county contracting and procurement activities. Approved by the Board of County Commissioners in July 2025, the final policies were implemented on March 24, 2026. More from WFTV.
Tervis acquires Nashville drinkware company
Local drinkware manufacturer Tervis has acquired Symglass, a Nashville company that makes cups for a variety of alcohol and other beverages. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Tervis makes tumblers, water bottles and dinnerware. It had been based in Sarasota County, but its new headquarters is at 4514 19th Street Court E. in Bradenton. An investor group under the entity Tervis LLC acquired Tervis from the Donelly family last year. More from the Business Observer.
South Florida tech employment will have modest gains in 2026, report says
South Florida has lost some technology companies over the past year, but the sector is still poised to gain new jobs in 2026, according to a new report. The Miami metro area was home to 11,471 tech business establishments at the end of 2025, down from 11,912 the year before, according to CompTIA's 2026 State of the Tech Workforce report. Despite the dip, it still ranked No. 9 for tech sector business establishments nationally. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Six years later, Stein Mart Inc. bankruptcy case set to close
Stein Mart Inc., previously a large and profitable fashion Jacksonville-based retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed its stores in 2020. The Chapter 11 plan to pay off debts was confirmed by the court in April 2021, but the case lived on. Now five years after confirmation, the case is finally closing. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Empowering Florida’s industries through AI & innovation
Students at the University of Florida's College of Health & Human Performance are preparing to lead in a future where artificial intelligence and innovation are transforming Florida's key industries – health care, tourism and sports. Through groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, the college is shaping the next generation of professionals to improve how we live, work and play. [Sponsored report]
Entertainment
Can Tampa’s Gasparilla Music Festival get its groove back at Water Street?
Gasparilla Music Festival is about to embark on its 14th year. Event organizers took off 2025 following a string of weather disasters, location changes and financial strife. This year it will take place at Meridian Fields, Tampa’s newest music venue. Gasparilla Music Festival organizers, with the support of Water Street, hope that it can hold events for years to come.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Making a sports mecca
Construction has started on the 100-acre, $280-million Sports Performance Hub in Homestead. The project will include a 10,000-seat multipurpose stadium where the FC Miami soccer team will play, along with a small hotel, a sports academy and public facilities for tennis, pickleball, basketball and more.
» Read more from Florida Trend.