Florida’s opioid overdose deaths decline
Florida’s drug overdose deaths continued to decline in 2025, according to state data released Wednesday. Opioid-caused deaths fell by 42 percent from January 2025 to June 2025, and fentanyl-caused deaths fell 46 percent, according to the interim 2025 Drugs in Deceased Persons Report released by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. The number of fatal drug overdoses has dropped over the past three years across the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida shipping companies settle lawsuits for use of Port of Mariel in Cuba
Two major Florida-based ocean transport and shipping companies, Crowley Maritime and Seaboard Marine, have settled lawsuits brought by a Miami family over the use of the Port of Mariel facilities in Cuba, which were built on property confiscated decades ago by the Cuban government. More from the Miami Herald.
Disney plans $4M+ theme park upgrade
Work underway at Disney's Animal Kingdom to transform the former DinoLand U.S.A. into a new experience looks to be at least a $4.25 million investment. The new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom will span 11 acres and feature attractions based on "Indiana Jones" and "Encanto," with Disney Imagineering taking research trips to Honduras and Colombia to ensure authentic storytelling. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
GTE Financial announces Jacksonville expansion
Tampa-based GTE Financial announced May 14 what it previously confirmed, that it plans to expand into the Jacksonville market with the opening of two community financial centers in South Jacksonville. The not-for-profit financial cooperative said it will establish its first Jacksonville-area branch in late 2026 along Gate Parkway and a second at Beach Boulevard and San Pablo Road in 2027. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Babcock Ranch home sales climb amid strong market demand
Charlotte County real estate agents report rising buyer interest this spring, with Babcock Ranch emerging as one of the region’s strongest-performing communities as its developer posts a record start to the year. Kitson & Partners said the solar-powered town recorded 470 home sales from January through April, a 43.7% increase over the same period last year. The gains were driven in part by the community’s highest monthly total to date, with 138 homes sold in March, the most since Babcock Ranch opened in 2017. More from Gulfshore Business.
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Out of the Box
I-Drive attraction: Great Big Game Show puts players in a live game show setting
A new Orlando attraction puts visitors at the center of their very own game show, complete with a host, buzzers and a giant spinning wheel. The Great Big Game Show is one of the newest attractions on International Drive, giving friends, co-workers, couples and families a chance to go head to head in tests of skill, luck, strategy and knowledge. During the hourlong experience, two teams of up to seven players each face off in mini-games to see who can rack up the most points.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Trend Exclusive
No idling
It's club day at Precision Drive Club at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Families fill the tables on pit lane for al fresco dining from Zuma, the global Japanese cuisine restaurant. Drivers on the straightaway on the other side of pit lane thunder past at north of 150 mph. Guests and family take turns riding shotgun in one of the McLarens from the club fleet driven by a pro driver.
» Read more from Florida Trend.