$1.87 trillion strong: Florida economy set to tap the brakes before bounce back

Florida TaxWatch released its latest economic forecast today, mapping out where the state’s finances, job market, and population are heading between now and 2035. The first-quarter report, created alongside the Regional Economic Consulting Group, shows that while Florida’s economy is massive, it faces a temporary slowdown before rebounding later in the decade. Read more from the Tampa Free Press and see the full report here.

Spirit Airlines sets July date for Dania Beach headquarters auction

Broward County commissioners have a narrow window for deciding on whether to bid on the Dania Beach headquarters that was home to defunct Spirit Airlines, as a bankruptcy court auction has been set for late July in New York. The commission voted in early May to examine the possibilities for acquiring all or part of the expansive campus as a potential replacement for the county government’s current home in downtown Fort Lauderdale. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the South Florida Business Journal.

St. Petersburg weighs more resident-only parking. Retailers worry.

As visitors trickle into neighborhoods and create overflow parking, city leaders are weighing the expansion of resident-only parking zones outside of downtown. Some local business owners are sounding the alarm, saying these restrictions would push customers –– and maybe even the businesses themselves –– out. The City Council is scheduled Thursday to consider a new pathway for neighborhoods to opt in to resident-only parking areas. They would restrict street parking during specific hours to only those with a valid residential parking permit. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Florida-bound Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has officially expanded its fleet of the world’s largest cruise ships after taking delivery of Legend of the Seas at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland this week. After two years of construction, the third Icon-class ship is officially a part of Royal Caribbean’s lineup. Legend will sail its maiden voyage on July 4 with a 7-night Mediterranean cruise departing from Rome, Italy. After a summer in Europe, the vessel is headed for Fort Lauderdale this fall. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

City of Jacksonville incorporates AI into accounting, permitting and other services

Mayor Donna Deegan’s office and the city’s department directors have instructed municipal employees to use artificial intelligence to serve the community with potentially fewer employees, a spokesperson said. The city also has established a committee to create an AI policy for city employees. More from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

A new chapter for conservation leadership in Florida

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, among the state's largest conservation non-profits, is stepping into a new era of leadership with the appointment of Nick Wiley as Executive Director. "We are excited to welcome Nick Wiley to the Foundation at such an important time for our organization," shared Board Chair Laura Russell. "He has a remarkable depth of experience, a strong sense of purpose and a clear appreciation for the role this Foundation can play in supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and our other partners across the state. We are looking forward to all that his leadership will mean for our future." [Sponsored report]

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Out of the Box
Time is running out to win HGTV Smart Home giveaway in Orlando

Florida has been a favorite destination for HGTV since it started the Dream Home and Smart Home sweepstakes over two decades ago. The network has given away eight homes in the Sunshine State, more than any other state, across the two programs. Those designer homes had one thing in common: They were all located in coastal areas, until now.

» More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Sports Business
UF unveils eye-popping $1.45 billion Swamp renovation for iconic stadium

Florida’s long-awaited renovation of Ben Hill Griffin will cost $1.45 billion, an unprecedented, eye-popping price tag to overhaul one of college football’s most iconic venues. UF announced Thursday the comprehensive, multi-phase project is set to begin after the 2026 season and be completed by the 2030 season. The overhaul is vast and ambitious, but aims to maintain the current capacity of 88,548 while preserving the spirit of the Swamp.

» Read more from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

New wave of Florida billionaires building their own private schools