Automatic tax deadline extension for Floridians: What to know about Tax Day 2025
We're a day away from the official end of the 2024-2025 tax season. And the sooner you file, the sooner you can get your tax refund — or, unfortunately, pay your taxes. The last day to file taxes is tomorrow, but Floridians in certain regions of the state who were affected by the major storms of the 2024 Hurricane Season automatically get an extension. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and News 4 Jax.
Here's where manufacturing is booming in Central Florida as tariffs cast shadow on industry
The manufacturing industry in Central Florida has grown substantially in the last 10 years, with gross domestic product growing to $17 billion in 2023 — a 93% increase from 2014. Manufacturing employment has slowly increased in Central Florida counties, but tariffs installed by the Trump administration, intended to bolster domestic manufacturing, may weaken profitability and uproot supply chains, according to experts. More from WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal]
Cruise terminal called largest in the world opens in Florida
MSC Cruises has opened what it dubs the largest cruise terminal in the world at PortMiami The four-level building, unveiled April 5 at a public ceremony and developed in partnership with the port and Miami-Dade County, can serve up to 36,000 passengers a day. Two ships can dock simultaneously at the moment. Miami-Dade County is responsible for completing a third berth, which should be finished by 2028. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Can CTE solve Florida’s workforce crisis—and make college optional?
For post-secondary students, Career and Technical Education (CTE) isn’t just another option, it’s becoming a lifeline. In a state where financial stability is often tethered to college diplomas, CTE programs are opening doors to high-paying careers, bypassing student debt and creating workforce opportunities for marginalized students traditionally overlooked in higher education. [Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune]
FEMA slashes $300 million in flooding, hurricane relief projects in Florida
Nearly $300 million in federal aid meant to help protect Florida communities from flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters has been frozen since January. Now the state will never get the money, leaving dozens of projects in limbo, from a plan to raise roads in St. Augustine to a $150 million effort to strengthen canals in South Florida. Florida will lose $293 million of the $312 million Congress okayed for hurricane relief and flood mitigation efforts. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Pinellas teachers, school support staff set to see more money
Pinellas County’s teachers and school support staff are poised to see their paychecks grow next year thanks to the district’s expanded property tax referendum, which voters approved in November. Representatives from the employee unions and the school district agreed during negotiations on how to divide the revenue from the tax, which goes up to $1 per $1,000 of taxable value on the next round of bills.
› Miami Tech Summit served up experts on the region, crypto, AI and more
Three hundred entrepreneurs and executives in tech and finance, as well as university and local government leaders, packed into the Perez Art Museum Miami’s bleacher style seats for the Miami Tech Summit last week, and as has been the case at past summits, business and politics do mix. The summit leaders brought in experts from government, industry and education for talks about crypto, tariffs, AI, the state of Miami tech, and more.
› Toxic Secret: Long silent Seminole now says 1,4-dioxane contamination will get worse
After years of staying mostly quiet about a cancer-linked chemical in county drinking water wells, Seminole officials have launched an aggressive effort to get the polluters to clean up what they say is rapidly expanding contamination. Lawyers hired by the county say the concentration of 1,4-dioxane in the underground water supply —while currently posing no threat to residents — will grow to dangerously high levels in coming years.
› Michelin Guide's arrival in St. Pete-Clearwater brings foodies — and pressure
The Michelin Guide first came to Florida in 2022, assessing the dining scenes in Miami, Orlando and Tampa and selecting its recommended restaurants. In February 2025, it was announced that three more Florida destinations would be added to the guide: Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater. That means a new spotlight on the Gulf Coast culinary scene.
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› Charlotte County suspends parking fees for parks, beaches as tourism flattens
Charlotte County is marketed as a beach, fishing and boating destination. With tourism numbers declining in the area during peak season, the county suspended parking fees at beaches, parks and boat ramps until further notice. Community Services Director Tommy Scott asked commissioners April 8 to suspend fees until the beaches and parks are restored. The board unanimously approved the suspension.
› St. Petersburg mayor staked it all on a Rays stadium deal. Now what?
Ken Welch ran for mayor promising to get certainty on the Tampa Bay Rays’ future in St. Petersburg. Three years later, there’s less certainty than ever. The Rays have backed out of a stadium deal they signed months earlier. There are doubts Tropicana Field will be ready by next spring after it lost its dome to Hurricane Milton last year. The team is under contract to play there through 2028, but everything after that is unknown.
› Brevard County commission votes to stop funding North Brevard Economic Development Zone
A longstanding institution tasked with driving growth in North Brevard could no longer receive funding from the county after a heated debate by commissioners this Tuesday. In a 3-2 vote, the commission chose to draft a statement of legislative intent to stop all payments to the North Brevard Economic Development Zone and collect any unused funds.
› Citrus Innovation Center opens as first industry partnership at Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland
The first industry partner has arrived at Florida Polytechnic University, a Fortune 500 company whose newly opened center on campus bears more than a touch of Willy Wonka whimsy. IFF, a New York-based company specializing in flavors and fragrances, unveiled its 30,000-square-foot Citrus Innovation Center with a media tour last week.