Florida lawmakers move again to restrict hemp marketplace
Less than a year after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation that would overhaul Florida’s hemp marketplace, Florida senators are trying again. Some of the ideas in the package senators moved forward are the same as what was in the bill that DeSantis vetoed last year. Others are new. When DeSantis vetoed last year‘s bill, he said it would impose too harsh a burden on small businesses. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Storms, tariff talk put pressure on Charlotte County tourism
As Charlotte County officials struggle to restore beaches and structures damaged from recent hurricanes, a new tourism trend has emerged. While visitors continue to flock to Charlotte County, more have chosen to visit and stay in Punta Gorda due to hurricane damage in Englewood and Manasota Key. The 5% Tourist Development Tax imposed on lodging shows January’s revenue of $1,068,448 was nearly $29,000 less than in January 2024. More from Gulfshore Business.
Florida Burmese pythons are adapting, evolving and slithering around the Treasure Coast
There have been at least 25 documented sightings of Burmese pythons on the Treasure Coast since 2004, and countless more of the invasive snakes likely have lurked undetected or unreported. Scientists don’t know when the first python appeared in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties or how many have invaded since, and they aren’t exactly sure where they came from. More from TC Palm.
Beyond just business: Webber International adds online certifications, other new programs
As Webber International University approaches its 100th anniversary, its leaders emphasize that it is no longer merely a business school. As evidence of that, Webber is expanding its offering of online, non-degree programs for certifications in a range of areas, most related to information technology and medicine. More from the Lakeland Ledger.
Miami Beach company owes Google millions, assets to be sold
A Miami Beach-based digital advertising company is seeking to sell its assets in state court to pay off millions of dollars in debts. Ariadna filed an assignment for the benefit of creditors in Miami-Dade County Court, listing nearly $9.3 million in liabilities and $3.9 million in assets. More than half of the company's debt is with Google, to which it owes roughly $6.2 million. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Sports Business
Want to buy the Tampa Bay Rays? Get in line.
At least four interested parties who say they have the means to buy the Tampa Bay Rays have come forward as pressure builds among elected officials and fans for owner Stuart Sternberg to sell the team. Of those publicly jockeying for ownership, most have stated interest in keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay. But at least one group is courting the team from afar.
» More from Tampa Bay Times.
Entertainment
Theme-park awards gala moving from California to Orlando for 2026
A black-tie awards ceremony that salutes theme parks and their creators will be staged in Orlando next year after a three-decade run in Southern California. The Thea Awards, presented by the Themed Entertainment Association, dole out recognition for outstanding achievement in categories such as theme park land, immersive technology and spectacular show.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.