Florida 'Nearest nickel' law now lets stores round. Will it cost you?
Goodbye, take-a-penny-leave-a-penny dish. Shopping in Florida may soon cost you slightly less — or slightly more — as retailers decide which way to round prices to avoid dealing with pennies under a new Florida law. On May 11, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1074, which allows retailers to choose whether to round prices up or down to the nearest nickel in cash transactions, effective immediately. They may also choose to keep going on as before. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
As Brightline 'races against clock financially,' is it headed off the rails?
Auditors have expressed doubt about Brightline's ability to continue operating due to over $5 billion in debt. Despite financial troubles, the rail line's ridership and revenue hit record highs in the first quarter of 2026. Brightline has struggled with pricing, experimenting with different fares and commuter passes to attract riders. Hundreds of millions in public funds have been invested in the rail system, raising questions about its future. More from the Palm Beach Post.
Nassau County moves closer to pausing data center developments with temporary moratorium
A pause on data center developments in Nassau County has moved closer to reality. Commissioners were quick to unanimously approve a first read of a temporary moratorium Monday night that could temporarily halt applications for such developments, giving county officials time to consider tightening legislative guardrails. If approved during a second and final reading during commissioners’ regular meeting June 8, the temporary moratorium would put a pause on any developments related to data centers for up to 12 months. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Collier County weighs sixth penny for tourism projects
As Collier County rebounds from a softened tourism market over the last 18 months, visitors could soon be paying more for their stay if a 1% tourist development tax is approved in the Nov. 3 general election. Collier County voters will be asked whether to increase the county’s tourism bed tax from 5 cents to 6 cents to complete Paradise Coast Sports Complex and fund tourism promotion, beach renourishment and tourist-related infrastructure. More from Gulfshore Business.
Broward School Board OKs plan to cut hundreds of jobs amid declining enrollment
Broward School Board members approved a plan Monday that would cut hundreds of jobs, following more than eight hours of debate. An organization chart, prepared by Superintendent Howard Hepburn, cuts about 300 filled and 700 vacant positions and is estimated to save about $54 million. The district is making major cuts due to significant drops in enrollment. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Out of the Box
A Hillsborough man doesn’t just know what typewriters are. He repairs them
Inside a small shed in Thonotosassa, next to his home, Jack Armstrong is restoring, repairing and preserving a tool of yesteryear — typewriters. Armstrong, 20, is the owner of Tampa Typewriter Co. He has been gathering typewriters for almost nine years and has a collection of more than 200. Repairing them started as a hobby that grew into a business. Dozens of people waited years on a list for a turn to have their machine fixed. “There’s not a lot of people who do it anymore,” said Armstrong. “If I don’t keep it up, especially with my young age, the knowledge is going to die.”
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
A better bar
Finding a satisfying, healthy protein bar proved frustrating for Erica Groussman. If they tasted good, she usually felt "bloated and gross" afterward. Other bars offered cleaner ingredients but had a taste and texture like cardboard. The Miami Beach mother of two felt she could do better. It seems she did. Her company, Trubar, offers plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and sugar alcohol-free snack bars that come in at 190 calories with 12 grams of protein.
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