Florida's labor shortage impacts multiple industries
Experts say that career and technical education is experiencing a surge in popularity, driven in part by escalating college costs and a high demand for skilled workers. They say the change is also being driven by a labor shortage in Florida that is creating a significant strain on several key industries. Florida's current labor market continues to grapple with a persistent workforce shortage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of Florida had 427,000 job openings in December of 2025. More from Spectrum News.
An unexpected predator is raiding Burmese python nests in the Everglades
A scavenger bird could become an ally in South Florida’s fight against the spread of invasive Burmese pythons. By feeding on their eggs, it may help slow the reproduction of one of the Everglades’ greatest ecological threats. The finding was documented in the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area in Broward County during python tracking conducted as part of an ongoing University of Florida (UF) radio telemetry program using scout snakes. More from the Miami Herald.
Florida is becoming a hotbed for reversing, or at least slowing down, biological age
Scientists have discovered that people’s biological age, which is how old their cells, tissues and organs are, often differs from their chronological age, the number of years they have been alive. As researchers study ways to slow down or reverse a person’s biological age, Florida is now considered a hotbed for clinics, treatments, trials and supplements. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Cat Fund in ‘strong position’ before hurricane season
The state-created fund that backs up private insurers in Florida is in a “strong position” ahead of this year’s hurricane season — aided in part by last year’s break in big storms and a reduction in losses associated with previous hurricanes. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which offers insurance companies reinsurance at prices generally lower than those in the private market, is legally obligated to provide up to $17 billion in coverage. More from E&E News.
Florida homeowners' insurance surge drives foreclosure rates to national high
A record surge in homeowners' insurance costs in Florida over the last three years is a driving force behind rising foreclosure rates in the Sunshine State, according to a recent report. Elevated insurance rates are exacerbating financial distress for homeowners who are also facing higher property taxes, higher mortgage rates and general inflation of goods and services, according to a News 6 investigation. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Business Beat - Week of May 22nd
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by associate editor Brian Hartz.
Out of the Box
Lakeland documentarian captures the world of competitive lightsaber duels
Lakeland filmmaker Matthew Wiatt's new documentary, "Saber," uncovers the world of competitive LED lightsaber duels. The self-financed, independent film has gained traction at festivals like the St. Petersburg Sunscreen Film Festival, but Wiatt hopes to secure distribution this fall. Wiatt and his team hope to show "Saber" in independent movie houses throughout Florida.
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