Downward trend in jobless claims ends
Florida saw a jump in first-time jobless claims last week, ending a three-week slide. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 7,447 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida last week, up from 5,363 the Memorial Day shortened week ending May 30. The state had seen its weekly numbers slide since 8,164 applications came the week after Dania Beach-based Spirit Airlines shutdown operations on May 2. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of June 12th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by associate editor Brian Hartz.
New lawsuit challenges Florida’s proposed property tax amendment
Two former local elected officials and a nonprofit group filed suit Thursday in Leon County Circuit Court against the property tax cut amendment placed on the November ballot by lawmakers, alleging it is misleading. The group is called Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language and the two officials are Thomas Campenni, former mayor of Stuart, and Michael Davey, former mayor of Key Biscayne. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
What does it take to be middle-class in Florida?
Are you middle class in Florida? It can be hard to tell, as rising prices and the cost of living make "middle class" a moving target. To be considered middle class in the Sunshine State these days, you'll need to make at least $51,823 a year, according to a new study by SmartAsset. Household income over $155,470 would be considered upper class, SmartAsset said. More from TC Palm and the Daytona Beach News Journal.
Airbnb is giving free World Cup tickets to guests as business slows
Airbnb rentals typically give guests a place to sleep, bathe, cook a meal and watch TV — and if they’re lucky, even some luxury. This month, some unit owners are going way beyond that, offering tickets to World Cup games played across North America, including at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The initiative comes as the tourism industry across the U.S., including in South Florida, is under growing pressure to show it is making the most of a once in a generation, epic event. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Affordable housing replacing public housing as developers address Miami shortage
Miami-Dade has a shortage of affordable housing — and the land to build it on. Bounded by Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west, the county doesn’t have much space for the estimated 90,000 new units needed to address the shortage. But to deal with the squeeze, some developers are turning to sites where affordable housing already exists. They’re replacing aging county-owned public housing with new, denser affordable and workforce housing developments.
› FSU to host premier global entrepreneurship conference
Florida State University and the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) will welcome entrepreneurship educators, center directors, researchers, startup ecosystem builders and innovation leaders from around the world for the 2026 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Conference Oct. 15–17 in Tallahassee.
› Florida DOGE team turns its focus to Fort Lauderdale. Some are wondering why
Fort Lauderdale now finds itself under the scrutiny of the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, just as the city is bracing for possible passage of a ballot measure in November that would impose statewide property tax cuts. Fort Lauderdale received a four-page email from DOGE on Wednesday demanding the city turn over a long list of documents from fiscal year 2024 through 2026.
› ‘A Land Remembered’ TV series gets $250K boost from Pasco County
Earlier this year, a TV production team came to Pasco County and started filming an adaptation of the beloved novel, “A Land Remembered.” Now, Pasco County is ensuring that even more of the show will be filmed within its borders, specifically with what’s left of “old Florida nature.” On June 2, the County Commission approved giving the producers of the TV show $250,000 so they would return and film more of the show next year.
More stories ...
› Why Tallahassee rejected a data center ban
At least three Tallahassee city commissioners see no need to add additional barriers for the construction of any proposed data centers in the state capital as other local governments have moved to prevent or delay them. At Wednesday's meeting, the majority bloc of Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and City Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox voted against a motion by Commissioner Jeremy Matlow to implement a one-year moratorium for large-scale data center to be built within city limits.
› Kennedy Space Center to honor America's 250th with summer events
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is planning a series of events in July and August to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the nation's achievements in space exploration. The events are designed to honor the curiosity, courage and innovation that have defined America’s journey into space. “This summer is a celebration of the American spirit of discovery,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
› Best May rain in years, but drought still grips North Central Florida
For the first time in nearly a year, the Suwannee River Water Management District is reporting a significant increase in rainfall, though officials say the region is still not out of the historic drought. Stretched over 7,640 square miles and 13 river basins, the district serves a total population of 360,000 within 15 surrounding North-Central Florida counties, including parts of Alachua, Bradford and Levy counties, and all of Columbia, Gilchrist and Suwannee counties.
› Former Postcard Inn reopens on St. Pete Beach as ‘The Luce’
It’s been almost two years since Postcard Inn — a St. Pete Beach staple known for it’s rowdy beachfront bar ― closed its doors due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. Now the nearly 70-year-old hotel is back under a new name: The Luce. The hotel remains under the same ownership, but joins the Tribute Portfolio, a collection of independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy.