Data centers will have to cover utility hikes they cause in Florida
Florida has become one of the first states in the country to regulate hyperscale data centers. Gov. DeSantis signed a bill that aims to prevent residents from being hit with higher bills if data centers are built in their neighborhoods. The law requires the tech companies that build data centers to pay for all the utilities they use and requires that local water management districts deny permits for data centers if the use of water would be “harmful to the water resources of the area.” More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
As Florida gas prices surge to $4.50 per gallon, check out 5 saving tips
Florida gas prices have risen to a statewide average of $4.519 per gallon. Experts predict prices will remain high for months due to global oil production issues. Motorists can save fuel by adjusting driving habits, such as avoiding hard acceleration and idling. Planning efficient trips and maintaining your vehicle can also improve gas mileage. Various apps and membership programs offer ways to find lower gas prices or receive discounts. More from Florida Today.
Canadian apparel maker opening U.S. headquarters in Lakewood Ranch
A Canadian custom apparel company is opening a facility in Lakewood Ranch that will serve as its U.S. headquarters. The company is Quebec-based Printeez and it has leased a 34,020-square-foot space at the Gates Creek Corporate Center at 11125 Gatewood Drive. Printeez CEO Shawn Sckoropad says in a statement that Printeez chose the location, in part, because of its infrastructure and the area’s growing workforce. More from the Business Observer.
Orlando will host final qualifying series for 2028 Olympics
Orlando has won its bid to host a portion of the qualifying series for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games, the International Olympics Committee announced Thursday, joining three other cities around the world in a multi-sport showcase that will determine the last wave of athletes to earn their spots. The City Beautiful will host the final, four-day segment of the series in spring 2028 at Camping World Stadium, preceded by Tokyo, Shanghai and Montreal. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business leaders say closing USF Sarasota-Manatee would hurt local economy
The future of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will be decided in budget talks in Tallahassee this month, and several chambers of commerce have urged lawmakers to consider the needs of local businesses that rely on graduates in education, nursing and accounting. Gov. Ron DeSantis has laid out a plan to transfer the southernmost USF campus to New College of Florida. More from WUSF.
As wealth flocks to Florida, attracting top financial talent is key
Few states have experienced the level of migration and economic momentum that Florida has in recent years. Major metro areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Naples continue to see inflows of professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees and high-net-worth households. Underpinning this trend is a general recentering of wealth in Florida's population centers. [Sponsored report]
Business Beat - Week of May 8th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by associate editor Brian Hartz.
Florida Dining
Two world-famous restaurants open at newly renovated, iconic Miami Beach hotel
Two internationally known restaurants have just opened at one of Miami Beach’s most iconic hotels, which has reopened after a $100 million renovation. Delano Miami Beach, which was built in 1947 and became a wildly popular hot spot for celebrities and a symbol of Miami Beach excess after a 1995 renovation, has reopened after six years. Closed since 2020, the property is now home to two new hot spots: the Mediterranean restaurant Gigi Rigolatto and the Japanese-inspired concept Mimi Kakushi.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.