Florida Trend Exclusive
‘Like little islands’
Established nearly a century ago by federal legislation, the Foreign Trade Zones Act remains today a useful and effective economic development tool. FTZs allow businesses to defer, reduce or eliminate U.S. Customs duties on foreign materials imported, assembled and manufactured on U.S. soil. The sustained popularity of FTZs is evident by their widespread and active use across all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida jobless claims ease for second week after Spirit Airlines layoffs spike
First-time jobless claims in Florida eased for a second consecutive week following a spike when nearly 5,000 Spirit Airlines workers were laid off in the state. The U.S. Department of Labor on May 28 estimated 5,805 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 6,224 for the week ending May 16 and 8,164 for the week ending May 9. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
Ready for a hurricane? Check your list for Florida storm season
Get ready, Florida. The most dreaded time of the year starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Although forecasters expect a “below normal” hurricane season in 2026 with fewer storms, all it takes is one. Whether you’re new to the state have been in Florida forever, here’s a hurricane preparation guide to help you survive the season: [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida lawmakers approve $20M for DOS arts grants
Florida lawmakers last week approved $20 million in grants for local arts and culture nonprofits and another $3.1 million for specific projects as part of the $114.5 billion 2026-27 state budget. The arts funding comes from the Department of State's annual arts and culture grant program. Each year, the DOS's 15-member Council on Arts and Culture vets and recommends funding for organizations that apply for grants of up to $150,000 each. [Source: Gulfshore Business]
Why Google wants to release 32 million weird mosquitoes in Florida
The internationally ubiquitous tech company Google wants to release 32 million bacteria infected mosquitoes in Florida, and experts say it’s not weird at all. Google, through its decade-old, but lesser known, initiative Debug, has been working on reducing diseases spread by the buzzing bloodsuckers worldwide by combining the expertise of software engineers, biologists, specialized insect breeding robots, and artificial intelligence. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Duke Energy trying to skirt new Florida data center law, consumer advocate says
Florida’s consumer advocate accused Duke Energy of being soft on data centers, saying a proposal from the company fails to implement customer protections required by a new state law. Under that law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed earlier this month, Florida utility companies must submit plans to state regulators by Oct. 1 for how they’ll regulate data centers to ensure their costs don’t bleed down to residents.
› Fort Lauderdale fury: Some parks put on backburner waiting on upgrades
A wooden boardwalk that winds through a scenic hardwood hammock at Snyder Park is all boarded up, closed to visitors since 2024. The nature trail, declared a safety hazard, is rickety and missing some of its wooden planks. Repairs are at least two years away, much to the angst of those who miss walking through the shady oasis. Residents point to the shuttered trail as just another sign of Fort Lauderdale’s bungled rollout of the $200 million parks bond approved by voters more than seven years ago.
› Culinary Institute eyes San Antonio as model for Jacksonville campus
The Culinary Institute of America is comparing an expansion campus proposed for the Downtown Jacksonville riverfront to what it opened in San Antonio nearly 18 years ago. Robert Jones, vice president of strategic initiatives of the institute, told City Council on Tuesday that, if its board selects Jacksonville for its Southeast U.S. campus next month, the site will likely provide veteran workforce training programs similar to what it offers in Texas.
› St. Pete leaders warn property tax proposal could jeopardize city
As Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes a proposal that could eventually eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties, St. Petersburg officials are beginning to raise a question that extends far beyond tax relief: How does a city continue providing services when one of its largest revenue streams disappears? During Thursday’s City Council meeting, members approved a resolution urging the Florida Legislature to carefully consider the impacts of property tax reform before moving forward with the governor’s plan, titled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes.”
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› UF study: Will spreading basaltic volcanic rock dust improve Florida’s soil?
Florida’s soils present unique challenges for growers, land managers and residents. The state’s year-round tropical weather and vast agricultural acreage create ideal conditions, but its soils vary widely from nutrient-poor sandy to highly organic soils, depending on location, prompting research into soil amendments such as volcanic rock dust. These conditions make it difficult to sustainably manage agriculture in a way that supports food production, environmental health and maintains a strong economy.
› From ruins to revival, Matlacha welcomes visitors back after Ian
Matlacha continues to rebuild nearly four years after Hurricane Ian devastated the island community. Business owners say the colorful fishing village isn't just recovering—it's coming back stronger. At a WINK Listens event in Matlacha, two business owners shared their love for the island and their message to the community: the island is open for business. The bright colors, local art and waterfront charm that made Matlacha a destination for visitors are slowly returning.
› Biscayne Bay has a restoration plan. Now it needs the tech to match
Biscayne Bay isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the reason Miami’s real estate, tourism, and coastal economy work at all. That’s the premise that brought scientists, policymakers, developers, and technologists together for the 2026 Biscayne Bay Marine Health Summit, hosted by the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition. The bi-annual event drew a wide range of stakeholders for a full day of panels, breakout sessions, and workshops focused on what it will take to restore and sustain the bay.
› Charlotte County industrial site opens at Babcock Ranch
Curry Commerce Center, a new commercial flex and light industrial development in Babcock Ranch, opened May 28. The 255,000-square-foot, eight-building complex was intended to be flexible commercial space for users, including office, showroom, warehouse, service, distribution, light manufacturing and trade-related businesses.