Grants boost military, defense industry's $75 billion economic impact in Florida

Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity [DEO] has distributed more than $2.9 million in grants for infrastructure and economic development programs to support communities reliant on the 21 military installations across the Sunshine State. While tourism and agriculture are Florida’s biggest industries, often overlooked is the $75-plus billion economic impact generated by military and defense spending in the Sunshine State. More from the Center Square.

What makes Florida 'the place' for space? Former astronauts weigh in

The commercial space market will undoubtedly get more crowded in the coming years, which has prompted Florida to try and maintain its edge. State lawmakers created the independent group Space Florida in 2006 to do that. It works to encourage space and aeronautical development in the Space Coast region and beyond. More from WPTV.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Terry Taylor is the nation's largest private owner of automotive dealerships

If you find yourself in a car dealership in the Southeast, particularly in Florida, that seems locally owned but has no owner’s name on the building, keep your eyes open for a lean, 68-year-old man, 5-foot-11, dressed impeccably, perhaps carrying a briefcase so worn with age it looks to fall apart. It could be your best chance of catching sight of the ever elusive, rarely spotted Terry Taylor, the publicity-shy Palm Beach man who’s the nation’s largest private owner of automotive dealerships. More from Florida Trend.

Coca-Cola paid sponsorship of Miami Beach may be bottled up

City of Miami Beach corporate sponsor Coca-Cola may face consequences for its plastics use. Commissioner Ricky Arriola plans to rally commissioners this week to terminate the city’s contract with Coca-Cola, all for the sake of reducing plastic waste. Coca-Cola serves as the City of Miami Beach corporate sponsor. The company pays $325,000 per year for sponsorship rights. More from Miami Today.

Groups sue to block new Florida immigration law

The city of South Miami joined farmworker and Hispanic advocacy organizations Tuesday in suing to overturn a new Florida law requiring local police to assist federal officials in enforcing the nation’s immigration laws. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, seeks to block the law, which took effect July 1, claiming it violates equal protection guarantees in the federal constitution and conflicts with federal law. More from the Gainesville Sun.

Trend Mention

Event: Florida Water Forum The issues surrounding water and environmental policy are of critical importance to the future of Florida.  Our business climate, our ability to grow as a state, and our quality of life are all directly tied to the availability and sustainability of our water resources.  These issues and more will be discussed during the Florida Water Forum, where you will have a unique opportunity to hear from Florida’s top experts, policymakers, and elected leaders.