State looks at more nuclear power
It would take years, possibly decades. But Florida is looking at the possibility of adding nuclear power. After state lawmakers this year required a study on the feasibility of expanding the use of nuclear energy, Florida Public Service Commission staff members Thursday met with experts and electric-industry officials to discuss what is known as “advanced” nuclear technology. Myriad questions remain about issues such as costs and regulations. Also, future nuclear might not look like past nuclear. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Business Beat - Week of September 6th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida's digital economy nears $76 billion, five percent of GDP: report
A new report released by the Computer and Communications Industry Association Research Center, or CCIA, shows Florida's digital economy has contributed nearly $76 billion to the state, or 5% of its gross domestic product, or GDP. According to data obtained through the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Census Bureau, Florida is home to over 30,000 digital firms while employing 425,300 people. [Source: The Floridian]
Over $39 million in unclaimed property returned to Floridians in August. How to find yours
Ever get the feeling you were missing something? The state of Florida returned more than $39 million in unclaimed property to residents last month, according to a release from the state's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, part of nearly $2.5 billion that has been returned since 2017 through FLTreasureHunt.gov. All you have to do to get yours (if you have any) is ask. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
How climate change is contributing to the home insurance crisis in Florida and across the country
What singular aspect of climate change is most likely going to push a regular person to make some kind of big change in their personal lives? Climate experts say … home insurance. Yep, boring old insurance is already reshaping where people live. It's forcing some out of their homes, making the cost of a house out of reach for others. And for more and more people, changing their decision about where in the country they should live. More from WUSF and WLRN.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Orlando-based Red Lobster can exit bankruptcy, judge rules
After months of dozens of restaurant closings and headlines about “endless shrimp” woes, Red Lobster is poised to soon exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A U.S. bankruptcy judge on Thursday approved the casual seafood chain’s reorganization plan and sale to a lender group led by asset manager Fortress. Fortress, joined by co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch, created RL Investor Holdings LLC to acquire Red Lobster through bankruptcy court.
› Naples restaurant week turns into bustling month of revenue gains
Sizzle Dining has grown from a small event to a September celebration — a big impact on the Southwest Florida restaurant industry and one of the largest restaurant week events in the region. The next goal is to find more restaurants to add to the 114 that signed up for the 2024 event and more diners to go check out the places.
› Miami International Airport seeks Japan, Middle East flights
As Miami International Airport prepares to welcome more passengers, flights and growth in boosting its altitude as the US airport with the most airlines flying from it, it is actively negotiating to add multiple destinations in the Middle East.
› Visit Jacksonville leader to state lawmakers: Stop fiddling with tourist taxes
Efforts by Florida lawmakers to expand the uses for tourism taxes threaten to handcuff Visit Jacksonville’s efforts to promote and market Northeast Florida as a tourist destination, the president and CEO of the organization says. During a Sept. 4 appearance at the Cuppa Jax speaker series, Michael Corrigan said that if he could enact any public policy change to benefit Visit Jacksonville’s work, it would be for state government “to get out of the way” and leave tourism taxes alone.
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› Tampa asks for public's help to rewrite development codes
The city of Tampa is beginning a two-year review aimed at rewriting its land development code to make it more useful to residents and to address needs brought about by growth. The city says the process will update the current set of regulations that govern how land can be used and developed.
› Report: Indian River State College generates $1B for Florida's economy
A new report shows the huge success achieved by Indian River State College, which produces thousands of qualified graduates who are ready for the workforce every year. According to Florida TaxWatch, the college’s operations generate an economic output valued at approximately $1 billion, with alumni spending creating more than 9,000 jobs and an additional economic output of $1.7 billion.
› Titusville Playhouse envisions $75 million expansion as centerpiece of city arts district
Titusville Playhouse has embarked on plans for a $75 million expansion that would include one of the largest theater venues in Brevard County and that would be the centerpiece of a downtown arts and entertainment district for the city. The project, however, hit a roadblock last month, when a County Commission advisory board opted not to support a $7.5 million grant for the facility.
› Get ready for a full-fledged smart city experience this September 23-25 at MDC in Downtown Miami
Gearing up for its fifth annual edition, Smart City Expo Miami is doubling down on its offering to provide Miamians with the latest and greatest in urban innovation. Just like previous years, the Expo will bring upwards of 50 speakers from around the U.S. and the world – from Brazil to Bangkok, Italy to Israel, the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates, and beyond.