More Florida students are graduating on time. But are they ready for college or work?
More Florida students are graduating high school on time than ever before, but it’s unclear if their preparedness for the workforce or postsecondary education is also on the rise. Florida College Access Network’s 2026 State of College Access and Student Success in Florida report, released Thursday, found that last year’s high school graduation rate reached a record 92%. But less than half of the 2025 class completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. That places Florida 39th in the country in FAFSA completion, 10 percentage points below the national average. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Tampa's Coke Florida named among best-managed companies in U.S.
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida has been named as one of the best managed companies in the country. The designation comes from consulting firm Deloitte and The Wall Street Journal, which sponsor the annual U.S. Best Managed Company list. This is the fifth year Tampa based Coke Florida, as it’s known, has been recognized. More from the Business Observer.
The rise and fall of an AI-driven ‘local news outlet’ in South Florida
A digital mirage masquerading as local news, the South Florida Standard underscores just how easy it has become to corrupt one of the country’s core institutions: independent journalism. At a time when trust in the media has eroded to a historic low, sham news sites like this one are increasingly common in Florida and across the country, a dangerous development for American democracy. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Jacksonville seals $12M deal to keep Winn-Dixie HQ — and a Brentwood store open
City lawmakers struck a deal this week with the Winn-Dixie Co. that keeps its store in Brentwood open while approving millions in public incentives to retain its headquarters in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville City Council voted to approve Resolution 2026-0326, which clears the way for a $12 million deal to expand and add 200 workers to Winn-Dixie’s corporate headquarters on the city’s Westside. For Winn-Dixie’s promise to invest at least $65 million in its Jacksonville operations, the council approved a $5.5 million property tax refund – known as a “recapture enhanced value” grant – and a $6.5 million HQ “retention” grant. More from Jacksonville Today.
Fast-casual and national restaurant brands surge in Brevard County
At the height of the lunch rush, the line at CAVA moves with efficiency with customers pointing to toppings and staff assembling bowls in minutes. And down the road, a newly opened Chipotle is facing a similar midday crush. As national brands expand into the Space Coast, they’re bringing a clear message: Brevard diners want meals that are quick, customizable and consistent. The changes have been especially noticeable in recent months. More from Florida Today.
Business Beat - Week of May 15th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by associate editor Brian Hartz.
Out of the Box
Why customers smash the dishes at this Miami business. ‘People needed this’
On the outside, The Break Room blends in with the surroundings — wholesale clothing and perfume businesses next door and across the street. But it’s a different world inside. Bright shades of pink, yellow and blue paint cover the walls. Broken glass litters the floor. Giant sheets of plastic hang from the ceiling to separate different areas for destroying things and painting. One of the areas has crowbars and smashed electronics. It’s a beautiful mess. But somehow, you feel a sense of peace in the chaos.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.