Proposal could bring paid leave for Florida private and public workers

It’s no secret Florida families are facing rising costs. That makes it increasingly more difficult for caregivers and new parents to take time off from work. While some state workers get paid time off when they have or adopt a child, a group is promoting a statewide paid family leave program for both public and private employees. Alexis Tsoukalas, senior policy analyst for the Florida Policy Institute, authored a recent report recommending, at a minimum, 12 weeks of paid leave for mothers recovering from childbirth, and eight weeks for other workers, like fathers as well as foster and adoptive parents. More from WUSF.

‘Crown jewel’ of Florida Everglades restoration planned to be done 5 years early

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday that they will accelerate the plan for completing the reservoir known as the “crown jewel” of Everglades restoration. The new plan moves the projected completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir up by five years, from 2034 to 2029. “We’ve taken on one of the most ambitious ecosystem restoration projects in the world, and we’ve agreed to do it faster,” said Gen. Jason Kelly, of the Army Corps. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Blue Origin plans new Space Coast projects

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is expanding its Brevard County footprint with plans for a new launch tower and industrial facility while preparing for multiple New Glenn launches this year, including a potential liftoff in April. The filings include plans for a 500-foot Launch Umbilical Tower for the New Glenn rocket and a 600-foot lightning protection system at Space Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, according to a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration. More from the Orlando Business Journal.

Palm Beach County rejects Boynton Beach annexation bid

Apparently, the annexation truce between Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County is over. At issue was Boynton Beach's effort to annex the 15 homes without holding a vote to determine whether the residents there want to become part of the city. Fourteen of the homeowners wrote letters to the commission opposing the annexation. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Beloved coffee chain Tim Hortons returns to Florida near Sarasota

Tim Hortons, the beloved Canadian coffee and doughnut chain that briefly had a Florida presence in the 1980s before quietly closing its shops in the early 1990s, is back. And this time it has landed in the Sarasota-Manatee region first. For the first time in more than 30 years, Floridians can order a double-double and a box of Timbits without crossing the Georgia state line. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Florida Trend Mention

2026 Florida Housing Solutions Summit

St. Petersburg, Fla. — The 2026 Florida Housing Solutions Summit, hosted by the Florida Policy Project, will convene on April 22, 2026, at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. It will gather policymakers, economists, and business leaders to address critical housing challenges, focusing on affordability, supply, and sustainable growth. The data-driven, solutions-oriented event will feature expert analysis, a "Bull vs. Bear" debate, and panels to strengthen the state's economic competitiveness. Learn more about early registration and sponsorship opportunities here.

Out of the Box
Inside the Kendall gym that trains you to do stunts like a Hollywood action star

South Florida has no shortage of fitness centers — but how many teach you to get kicked in the gut and then properly fall? Or tumble onto the ground from a high-wire? What about getting pushed around on a crash mat? Miami Action Design, co-founded by a Miami native, is carving out a unique niche as the region’s first stunt studio. And it’s open to the public, even those without experience.

» More from the Miami Herald.

Florida Trend Exclusive
High stakes

Employers face new challenges over marijuana use among their workforce after Hillsborough County paramedic-firefighter Angelo Giambrone prevailed — at least at the lower court level — in a suit against the county. The county suspended Giambrone after he failed a random drug test. He had a Florida medical marijuana card and used marijuana for anxiety and sleep disorder but said he only did so off-duty and never worked under the influence.

» Read more from Florida Trend.

What’s next for health care across Southwest Florida?