Florida second highest state for business bankruptcies
Business bankruptcy filings in the U.S. have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, according to a new study by national collection agency The Kaplan Group, and a state-by-state breakdown shows that Florida is the state with the second highest share of those filings. U.S. business bankruptcy filings fell sharply in the years immediately after the pandemic, but then rebounded through 2025, the study shows. Annual U.S. business bankruptcy filings reached 24,737 in 2025 — 8.6% higher than in 2019 and 83.5% higher than the 2022 trough. [Source: Business Observer]
Florida gas prices fall, though oil market pressures persist
Florida gas prices declined last week, though increases in oil and wholesale gasoline prices could put upward pressure on pump prices, according to AAA. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida was $3.95 on Sunday, down 7 cents from a week earlier. The state average was 7 cents higher than a month earlier and 88 cents lower than at the same point last year. AAA said the decline followed a period of week-to-week volatility after prices peaked earlier in the month. [Source: The Capitolist]
How Burger King grew from humble Florida origins to iconic American brand
Despite generations of changes in global markets, the fast-food powerhouse has not just endured but thrived by following a winning formula of menu and media that fueled the creation of roughly 19,000 restaurants, some franchises bought by longtime executives of the company operating in about 100 countries. The business with the King for a mascot has evolved while consciously trying to bring existing customers along for the journey. [Source: Florida Times-Union]
Florida ranks among top states for electricity shutoffs due to unpaid bills
Floridians had their power turned off more than 2 million times because of unpaid bills in 2024, a figure that consumer advocates say quantifies a worsening crisis across the state. The number comes from a first-of-its kind federal report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration this month. Florida had an average of 20 shutoffs each month for every 1,000 households, according to a Tampa Bay Times analysis of the government data — the third-highest rate in the nation. Only Texas and Oklahoma ranked higher. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Space consortium holds session at Cape Canaveral to boost aerospace industry
NASA officials, space industry leaders and representatives from eight different universities gathered last week to map out future objectives of the Florida Space Grant Research Consortium (FSRC). The FSRC is a statewide partnership designed to enhance grants for research among higher education institutions enabling increased space research and workforce development. The consortium also works with Space Florida, the state’s aerospace development bureau. [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Why Cedar Key became a major aquaculture site, known as a 'working waterfront' generating millions each year
Under overcast skies and driving 30 mile-per-hour winds, Tim Solano and his three-person crew head to the leases off Florida's west coast. The men, along with other businesses in Cedar Key, contribute to the production of more than 90% of Florida's clams. Since a statewide net ban in 1994, the area of Levy County once known for fishing has transitioned and become Florida's largest aquaculture town, supporting over 500 of the industry's jobs.
› Future uncertain for Florida data center campus project in Okeechobee
A proposal by a state college to build a data center campus north of Lake Okeechobee has fallen under intense scrutiny from residents and state officials alike. This month, officials in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration told the Tampa Bay Times that they were tricked into providing $1.5 million in state funds for the project and would not supply any more support. But last week, the future of that project was thrown deeper into question.
› eMerge Americas goes global, with Poland, Italy, Curacao among new exhibitors this year
When eMerge Americas held its inaugural conference 12 years ago, organizers aimed to develop Miami as a US-Latin America tech hub. Now, its push is global, and with 60-plus nationalities attending this year, the group clearly is moving toward that goal. Among new international exhibitors this year are Poland, Italy and the Dutch Caribbean nation of Curacao. Even some regions within countries are hosting booths at the expo, including Spain’s Madrid and Aragon communities.
› Downtown Sarasota has a budding wellness corridor
Downtown Sarasota has always had a cultural corridor, but now a wellness zone is beginning to take shape. The corridor of health and wellness is situated on Links Avenue and 2nd Street near upper Main Street. It is concentrated around Aster & Links, the twin luxury residential towers that have reshaped the northern edge of downtown. From cold plunges and float therapy to heated Pilates and medical-grade facials, the corridor is giving residents and visitors something Sarasota's core has long lacked: a real destination for health, recovery and self-care.
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› Clearwater plan sets transportation priorities, guides new development
Clearwater has identified priority corridors, crossings and sidewalk gaps in a new citywide plan that will guide future work on walking, biking and access to transit. The document, called “Connecting Clearwater,” outlines how the city will decide which projects move forward as funding becomes available. It does not approve or fund construction but establishes a framework for ranking and advancing projects over time.
› Brightline delays debt payments as ridership hits records
Brightline just hit record ridership for its Orlando route but is pushing back debt payments as it works to avoid a default on billions it owes. The Miami-based intercity rail company shared in a March ridership report 193,622 passengers traveled on the Orlando-to-Miami long-range route, up 21% year-over-year. Ridership for the full route, including South Florida stations, reached 337,874 — both figures up 21% year-over-year.
› A plan for a data center in Palm Beach County gets more time
Palm Beach County has postponed a vote on a proposed data center that’s drawn opposition from many neighbors, delaying a decision until this summer. The data center, which is known as Project Tango, is planned between Southern Boulevard and 20 Mile Bend. Neighbors who live east of the site have raised concerns about its potential environmental, health and safety impacts.
› Major Sarasota County development plan sparks new questions
Additional details about the development of a proposed town center and about 5,700 homes in Palmer Ranch east of Interstate 75 emerged at an April 16 Sarasota County Planning Commission meeting. That meeting was ultimately continued to a yet-to-be-scheduled date, so details could be clarified prior to the board voting on whether to recommend land use changes needed to add a town center to the 2,351-acre tract of land known as Palmer Ranch East.