Florida is $20.6 billion in debt — lower than last year

The unpaid balance on Florida’s credit card dropped by $400 million in the last year. The state doesn’t really have a credit card. But the government borrows money to build roads, construct schools and buy environmental land. And a new report to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet shows Florida now owes $20.6 billion as of June 30, down from $21 billion of debt in the prior year. More from the Florida Phoenix.

Small Business Advice
Do you have what it takes to start your own business?

The first steps for creating a successful business involve planning, research, and more planning. Running a business is different from working for one. Ask yourself, “Can I be my own boss?” Try to objectively assess the pros and cons. Every responsibility - sales, marketing, bookkeeping, taxes, insurance, locating office space, etc. – falls on your shoulders. Read Gray Poehler's full column here.

Old high school enters new life as art museum

It has taken 16 years, but the old Sarasota High School building has finally been transformed into the new Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, which opens its doors to members on Thursday and to the general public on Saturday. The museum opens with a major retrospective of the work of Brazilian-born artist Vik Muniz. Since September, it has also served as headquarters for Ringling College’s expansive schedule of lifelong learning and continuing education classes. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month raised $300,000 for charity

For the first time, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month raised more than $300,000 for charity. The tourism industry advocate announced that its annual fundraiser, which donates proceeds from certain meals at dozens of area restaurants to a cause, raised $306,772 for National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando and Lighthouse Central Florida. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Clearwater wants $70 million in taxpayer money for a stadium. How’s it going?

The city wants $40 million from Pinellas County for improvements to a Philadelphia Phillies stadium and sports complex. So where exactly would that money go? Clearwater’s struggle to answer that question to the county’s satisfaction has caused months of delays in the city’s quest for nearly $70 million in city, county and state funding. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

 

Florida's Most Influential Business Leaders
Norman Van Aken — considered the founder of “New World Cuisine” — operates a cooking school and several restaurants. Norman’s in Orlando was selected as a semi-finalist for the “Best Restaurant in America” by the James Beard Foundation, only the second time a restaurant from Florida has reached that status. Read More.