Millions of people are still moving to Florida. They might regret it.

A lot changed in 2022, but one thing stayed the same: Americans kept moving to Florida in large numbers. Some of them, however, are likely to regret it. Even as population growth has slowed in the US and turned negative in some states, Florida's population has grown every year since 1946, increasing nine-fold from a population of roughly two million that year. But some new residents are saying they regret their decision, citing severe weather, low wages, crowded beaches, changing politics, and steep housing prices. [Source: Business Insider]

What’s new in Florida cruises for 2023

Florida will have to wait just a little bit longer before it gets its hands on the new title holder for world’s largest cruise ship. That’s because Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas won’t make its inaugural sailing from Miami until January 2024 even though the cruise line will take delivery of the behemoth before the end of the year. That isn’t to say Florida will be completely lacking of new vessels in 2023, although several cruise lines will still be riding the highs of their 2022′s debut. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

National Labor Relations Board says Tesla illegally told Florida staff to not discuss pay or working conditions

Tesla’s accused of violating national labor laws by allegedly telling employees at its Orlando, Florida location not to talk about pay and working conditions, as first reported by Bloomberg. In a complaint filed in September, the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) regional director in Tampa claims Telsa “told employees not to complain to higher level managers about their pay or other conditions of employment” and said “not to discuss their pay with other persons.” More from the Verge and Bloomberg.

Want to take a train from New Orleans to Miami? Amtrak has ‘big time’ plans for Florida

The agreement is forged for Amtrak to run from New Orleans to Mobile starting in 2023, and now there is talk that passenger trains could continue on from South Mississippi to Orlando and Miami. A map outlining possible new service — revealed at a public meeting of the Amtrak board of directors Dec. 1 — shows Amtrak extending across the Florida panhandle again Pensacola through Tallahassee and to Jacksonville on the East Coast. [Source: Miami Herald]

SpaceX knocks out 1st launch of the year from Cape Canaveral

After managing 61 launches in 2022, SpaceX got its 2023 plans off to a booming start with a Space Coast launch and booster landing on Tuesday morning. The first-stage booster being used for a record-tying 15th time was able to return at Canaveral’s Launch Zone 1, bringing with it the rare double sonic boom that can be heard for miles around the landing site. SpaceX often relies on drone ships hundred of miles off the coast for its landings. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Butt out: Miami Beach stubs tobacco products at beaches, parks [Florida Politics]
Beach bums and parkgoers in Miami Beach can still show off their cabooses in revealing swimwear, but other butts — the ones attached to cigarettes — are no longer welcome. A new smoking ban went into effect on New Year’s Day on Miami Beach, where residents and visitors may no longer use most tobacco products at public parks and beaches.

› Hillsborough lifts water restrictions after two years [Tampa Bay Times]
The start of the new year meant the start of new water rules in fast-growing southern Hillsborough County. The county ordinance limiting outdoor irrigation to one day a week expired Sunday. The temporary rules, approved by the County Commission in December 2020, were intended to offset what the county termed “dangerously low” water pressure in the southern part of the county utility system.

› The outlook for Northeast Florida residential real estate in 2023 [Florida Times-Union]
In the world of Northeast Florida residential real estate, 2022 began with houses staying on the market for days rather than weeks or months. Prices escalated. Cash buyers from other states didn’t flinch at what longtime residents thought were outrageous prices because those new Floridians saw them as bargains. Then in the summer, interest rates spiked and inflation slowed a still tight market. “We’ve experienced two very different markets,” Northeast Florida Association of Realtors President Mark Rosener said.

› Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest: A new home, new shows and what you need to know [Orlando Sentinel]
Orlando Fringe is putting its best foot forward in a new way for the 2023 Winter Mini-Fest: It will be the first event in its new ArtSpace at 54 W. Church St. “There are a lot of artists brand new to Orlando” who are participating, says producer Lindsay Taylor. “They’ll get the best treatment right off the bat.” Fringe ArtSpace officially opens with a free open house and party on Jan. 11, and the Mini-Fest kicks off the following night with 16 shows taking place over four days.

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› Volunteers needed for 'critical' 2023 homeless count in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties [Florida Times-Union]
Changing Homelessness, the lead homeless prevention agency for Clay, Duval and Nassau counties, is seeking volunteers for an annual federally mandated survey of unsheltered people in the three counties. With the past two years of survey results limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Point in Time count will be "especially critical," according to Dawn Gilman, CEO of the nonprofit.

› Sound check: The 23 best concerts coming to South Florida in 2023 (so far) [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
If there is a theme to be deduced from a look at the current state of South Florida’s 2023 concert calendar, it’s that old people plan ahead. So we have noteworthy performances set by Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Roger Daltrey, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow and Anita Baker, but we’re still waiting on lineups for Sunfest, Rolling Loud and III Points. While we won’t see Taylor Swift, we do have local shows by some of the other great songwriters out there, including John Mellencamp, Jeff Tweedy, Morgan Wallen, Eric Church, Natalie Merchant and the criminally under-appreciated Jason Isbell.

› Mecum Auctions returns to Kissimmee with 4,100 cars in largest event yet [Orlando Sentinel]
At last year’s Mecum Kissimmee collector car auction, company president and founder Dana Mecum proclaimed that the 2023 event would have more than 4,000 vehicles, which felt like an ambitious aim. That goal is coming to fruition as Mecum Auctions has already tallied 4,108 consignments with several days left until the event begins. Bidders, potential buyers and visitors of all ages can explore the event at Osceola Heritage Park Jan. 4-15.

› New Pasco administrator has plenty on his plate as the new year begins [Tampa Bay Times]
On the job as Pasco’s county administrator since October, Mike Carballa has already had a crash course in the aspects of county government he hadn’t already seen in his previous roles. He also has been exposed to the host of challenges ahead steering the growing community as it transforms. Pasco’s population jumped nearly 21 percent in the last decade and, last year alone, property values soared by 15 percent. The tasks required by those kinds of changes don’t bother him and he is enthusiastic about what’s ahead for Pasco in 2023.