Florida citrus to receive nearly $196 million in state investment
The recently signed 2026-2027 Florida state budget will allocate $196 million in support for the recovery and revitalization of the local citrus industry. The investment will fund efforts in research, field trials, nursery and packing equipment infrastructure, and marketing. Among the funds promised by the state government, $160 million will support citrus research through the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) program. More from Fresh Fruit Portal.
Florida company to launch first commercial nuclear spacecraft on SpaceX mission
A Florida-based company that pioneered tiny nuclear batteries is preparing to launch the world’s first commercial nuclear-powered spacecraft atop a SpaceX mission, a milestone that could help shape future missions to the moon and beyond. Located in Miami, City Labs is a small company focusing on micro nuclear power. They created the first commercial Tritium-powered battery and now are preparing for a new first: launching a nuclear-powered spacecraft, known as BOHR (Betavoltaic Orbital High-Reliability) satellite. More from Florida Today.
Jaxport CFO says cruise growth is surpassing expectations
In the heat of vacation season, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the strength of the cruise industry at an event Thursday. With a history of serving passengers out of Jaxport, Carnival has seen sustained growth in Northeast Florida. That success has even attracted some competition. With both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line now sailing out of Jaxport, the port's chief financial officer said local cruise travel is surpassing expectations. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Lakeland seeks one-year freeze on new data centers
Lakeland is preparing to suspend approvals for new data centers for up to a year as city officials weigh how the facilities should fit into the city’s long-term growth plans. The proposed moratorium would halt applications for data centers and other large-load customers for 12 months. It would apply both within Lakeland and to projects outside the city that would rely on Lakeland’s electric, water, wastewater or other utility services. More from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
FIU researchers find new weakness in AI chatbots as lawsuits grow
Florida International University researchers have found a blind spot in AI systems, one that allows chatbots to override their own safety limits. Small, almost invisible tweaks to an image were enough to push certain AI chatbots into responding to requests they’re designed to block, their study shows. The finding comes as multiple lawsuits, including one filed by a Jupiter family in March, accuse AI companies of failing to prevent their chatbots from leading the people who use them into harmful situations. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Profile
Central Florida ‘Project Runway’ contender talks TV, talent — and Tyra
He never had any formal training — though his mother was a seamstress for the Rockettes — but now Central Florida fashion designer Jeffrey Kelly Abess is creating couture for the likes of Cardi B and making a splash on TV’s “Project Runway.” That means coming face-to-face with new judge Tyra Banks — whose fearsome reputation preceded her.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Tallest mural in the nation to grace Excel Miami building
The nation’s tallest mural has been completed on Excel Miami, a 24-story residential tower at 1550 NE Miami Place in Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District. This artwork extends to the top of the building and occupies four mural areas across the tower, with the south-facing wall serving as the primary canvas. The installation was completed ahead of the building’s first resident move-ins, which are expected to begin in September.
» Read more from Florida Yimby and Miami Today.