Water in Florida is precious. AI data centers will guzzle big amounts
The price to cool one of the trendy data centers that are popping up all over the country isn't cheap and the larger they are, the costlier it will be for taxpayers, particularly in warm-weather Florida. Large data centers require significant amounts of water for cooling, which can strain local resources. Several proposals for large-scale data centers in Florida are facing public and governmental opposition. A single large data center can consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily, competing with residential and agricultural needs. More from Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Spice World CEO outlines growth strategy after 75+ years in business
From growing radishes in his grandmother’s backyard as a child to cooking the family Thanksgiving turkey on a wood pellet grill, Chris Kiser appreciates a homemade meal. Ever since he graduated from college, Kiser has worked within the food and beverage industry. From roles with Anheuser-Busch, Campbell’s Soup Company and Pinnacle Foods, this relationship with food has been all-encompassing. It also continues to be through his current role as CEO of Spice World Inc. in Orlando. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Port Tampa Bay lands $24M for terminal expansion
Port Tampa Bay will expand bulk cargo capacity after securing a $24 million federal grant to extend a berth at Port Redwing, allowing the terminal to handle more vessels at once and move higher volumes tied to Florida’s growth. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, supports a $40 million project to extend Berth 300 by about 800 feet. The port will provide a $16 million local match. More from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
What to expect from Fort Lauderdale’s new ‘Water District’
The peninsula that’s home to both the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center now has a catchy new name: The Water District. The rebranding dovetails with the ongoing $220 million redesign of the Hall of Fame. The reimagined waterfront destination is set to open in late 2028 at 501 Seabreeze Blvd., also home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and its famous dive tower. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Jacksonville City Council approves $12 million in tax incentives for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is set to receive $12 million in city incentives to construct a packaging distribution facility in Northwest Jacksonville and install new high-tech equipment at its Southside campus. Jacksonville City Council gave final approval to the incentives with a 16-0 vote April 28. Under the agreement with the city, Johnson & Johnson committed to investing $50 million for construction of the facility plus $500 million for manufacturing equipment. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Florida Dining
This Greek-Mediterranean hot spot is big in Dubai. Now it’s open in Miami Beach
A Greek-Mediterranean restaurant famous in Dubai has opened its first U.S. restaurant in Miami Beach. An upscale hit that first opened in 2018 and went on to open locations in Monaco, Doha, London and Marbella, Gaia arrives in the South of Fifth neighborhood as the first U.S. expansion for the brand. The overseas locations have become a magnet for celebrities, drawing stars like the Beckham family, Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba, Drake, Adrien Brody and Will Smith.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Expanding capacity
Jupiter Medical Center has opened a new $135-million, five-story, 133,000-sq.-ft. tower that will add 92 patient beds, bringing the hospital's capacity to 340. The Tim and Jayne Donahue Patient Care Tower was designed by Nashville-based architecture firm ESa and built by Birmingham, Ala.-based Robins & Morton. It will include oncology, cardiovascular and orthopedic services, as well as a clinical simulation center for training, professional development and testing new technologies.
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