Canadians' demand for U.S., Florida travel is cratering
Canadians' desire to visit the U.S. is absolutely tanking, new data suggests. Advance bookings for Canada-U.S. flights in April-September are down over 70% compared to this time last year, per aviation data firm OAG. It especially matters in tourism-dependent Florida, which is among the top U.S. destinations for Canadian travelers. More from Axios and the Tampa Bay Times.
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» Gov. DeSantis dismisses reports of Canadians not visiting Florida
Recent Florida laws face undoing in legislative session U-turn this year
New laws requiring schools to start later, to distribute gambling revenues for environmental programs, to provide dedicated funding for affordable housing programs and eliminate one-way attorney fees for property insurance disputes all could be undone this year. House leaders say reneging on spending for new initiatives is necessary in the light of the potentially dicey budget picture they’ll face in the years to come. State economists project a $2 billion surplus for the next fiscal year, but a nearly $7 billion shortfall two years later if current spending trends continue. [Source: Tallahassee Democrcat]
This Florida program could make your home more resilient ahead of hurricane season
Hurricane season is around the corner and if you’re a homeowner looking to make your property more resilient to the impending storms, Florida is awarding grants to help cover most of the work. Under a new state program called Elevate Florida, eligible homeowners could either elevate, rebuild or implement wind mitigation measures on their homes to help fortify their homes ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The best part? Florida is paying up to 75% of the costs. [Source: NBC Miami]
Florida homeowners turn to this insurance strategy to save money. Agents say ‘be careful.’
Stressed by rising home insurance prices? Some insurers and agents are offering a way for clients to save substantial amounts of money off their insurance premiums, and data shows more homeowners are taking them up on it. But experts warn that the strategy can be risky. Sales of a form of insurance known as “dwelling/fire” is happening more and more in Florida, according to a South Florida Sun Sentinel analysis of quarterly insurance data released by the state Office of Insurance Regulation. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
USF St. Petersburg researchers first to identify viruses in red tide
A group of St. Petersburg-based University of South Florida researchers recently made history as the first to identify viruses in red tide blooms. Scientists believe the findings of the groundbreaking study could help them predict and mitigate red tide. While naturally occurring, extreme blooms decimate coastal economies, kill marine life and cause respiratory issues for humans. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› 'Cash incentive cliff': Bills coming due for city of Jacksonville's past deals
The city of Jacksonville is on the hook to make a record payout for economic development incentives during the next fiscal year, prompting talks of budget cutting and a slowdown in requests for economic development incentives. Jacksonville City Council member Will Lahnen refers to the city’s looming $74.1 million in commitments to private developers as the “cash incentive cliff.”
› Federal cuts for HIV research, prevention and treatment impacting South Florida
Just in the first few months of 2025, Robert Boo’s Pride Center discovered four people in Broward County who had HIV through its free testing at churches, festivals, pharmacies and nightclubs. “If we weren’t testing, those four people could spread to four more, and it could quickly start spreading out of control,” Boo said. “The people spreading it aren’t even going to know they are doing it.” The Pride Center’s $350,000 grant for HIV testing runs through June and funding hasn’t been renewed yet. With so many federal cuts, it may not be.
› Pinellas County to begin enforcing new vacation rental rules
Pinellas County this month will be ramping up its strengthened vacation rental ordinance, designed to have owners of rental properties register and face stiff code enforcement fines for infractions. Will loud music blaring into the night and raucous pool parties come to an end in residential neighborhoods? County commissioners hope so, now that code enforcement has been given marching orders to strictly regulate those who don’t play by a new set of rules.
› Leaders stress the value of Central Florida’s cultural organizations
Central Florida arts leaders agreed they need to better communicate the value of what they do — to the community as well as funders, including government officials, at a public discussion on the state of the arts.
“How do we get people to value what’s happening in arts and culture?” asked JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of Orlando Science Center.
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› Fluoride debate spreads across Central Florida — next up Seminole County
As fluoridation bans sweep smaller cities across Central Florida, Seminole County is poised Tuesday to consider removing the cavity-fighting chemical from its drinking water — the largest public water provider in the region to confront the issue. In the last three months, a half-dozen local city commissions have voted to stop fluoridation — including Longwood and Lake Mary — reflecting a political shift fueled by state and federal GOP health leaders.
› Mandarin Oriental, Miami to close and lay off 430 employees
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key is set to permanently close its doors on May 31, marking the end of a 24-year run. The shutdown paves the way for a massive redevelopment that will transform the site into a $1 billion two-tower residential project. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice submitted by the company informed state and local officials that the closure will result in the layoff of 430 employees.
› This is Florida’s ‘healthiest’ city — and here’s why
“Location matters when it comes to health.” That’s the central theme behind WalletHub’s latest study on the ”healthiest" cities in the country. The study examines over 180 of America’s most populated cities to determine which cities score best on factors like diets and fitness.
› Carnival Cruise Lines offers summer internships to Tampa high schoolers
For high school students looking to stretch their sea legs this summer, Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines is offering an internship the company has dubbed a “fun-ternship.” Students will work alongside Carnival’s port services team members who operate the cruise terminals where guests embark, according to a statement. Interns will get a behind-the-scenes look at homeport operations and receive training and mentorship from Carnival team members.