DeSantis signs Florida budget, vetoes $800 million from lawmakers’ plan
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s next state budget Monday in Tampa, putting the final stamp on a spending plan that takes effect July 1 and is likely to stand as one of his final major acts as governor. The budget was initially pegged at roughly $114.5 billion, though the final accounting runs higher when including “back of bill” spending moves. At the Tampa event, DeSantis said the budget he was signing, after line-item vetoes of about $1.6 billion, has a top line of $117.6 billion. More from WTXL and Orlando Sentinel.
Jax real estate firm's step-by-step retail series draws massive online audience
Regency Centers is drawing millions of viewers with a crash course in turning an entrepreneurial idea into a brick-and-mortar business. Since launching in February, the Jacksonville-based real estate investment trust’s 12-part video series, “The Whitebox,” has generated more than 10 million views across YouTube and TikTok — far surpassing the company’s initial year-end goal. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
KSC’s canceled Artemis launch tower would have cost $2 billion, NASA audit says
NASA’s recent cancellations of four Artemis programs — including the mobile launcher 2 tower that was constructed at Kennedy Space Center — were projected to cost the agency billions more if they had been allowed to continue, according to the NASA Office of Inspector General. The projects were canceled when NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the remaining Artemis missions would all be flown on a standardized version of the SLS rocket. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Downtown Clearwater site cleared for $50M EVO entertainment complex
Developers have cleared the downtown Clearwater site where a $50 million EVO Entertainment complex is planned, moving the project from demolition into design and permitting ahead of construction. The project represents one of the largest private investments announced in downtown Clearwater in recent years and is expected to add a major entertainment destination along Cleveland Street, where public and private investment has fueled redevelopment, historic restoration projects and new restaurants, retailers and mixed-use development. More from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
Is Miami Beach getting a new marine science hub? North Beach residents hope so
A city-owned oceanfront property in North Beach could be transformed into a marine science center under a proposal backed by residents and advanced by the Miami Beach City Commission last week. Commissioners voted 7-0 to direct city staff to invite nonprofit, educational or marine science organizations to come forward if they’re interested in operating a community-focused marine learning center on the property at 7605 Collins Ave. More from the Miami Herald.
Florida Dining
Tampa Bay restaurants fear a slow summer season, and are scrambling to adapt
This year feels a little different. Facing surging gas prices, a less-than-stellar snowbird season, rising insurance costs and an inflation rate that just hit a three-year high, several restaurateurs are sounding the alarm bell for what could be a brutal few months. Summers are always tough in the restaurant business, but Tampa Bay, with its seasonal swings and heavy reliance on tourism, is particularly vulnerable.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
FIU’s elevator pitch
Ashley Prado learned how to perfect her elevator pitch through FIU’s career readiness program. The trick is not to sound too rehearsed or robotic. “That’s not something they teach you in the classroom,” the 21-year-old Microsoft intern says. FIU also uses an AI-powered program to help students build an eyecatching resume, says Ruth Pacheco, executive director of Integrated Industry Partnerships and Career Readiness.
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