University of Florida investing $24M to acquire one of world’s most powerful supercomputers
The University of Florida board of trustees approved investing $24 million to acquire a more advanced version of UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer. This acquisition will make UF one of the first higher education institutions in the nation to own such a machine, which includes a type of technology that is not even on the market yet. NVIDIA — co-founded by UF alumnus Chris Malachowsky — is expected to deliver the machine to the Gainesville campus during the first half of next year. HiPerGator, the AI supercomputer, was brought to UF in 2021 as the fastest of its kind in higher education at the time (and it still is today). [Source: UF News]
Business Beat - Week of December 20th
Get the top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
State committee on graduate medical education meets for the first time, six months late
A state committee tasked with writing an annual report about medical school graduates’ training in Florida hospitals had its first meeting Thursday, but the law that created the committee required it to meet no later than July 1, 2024. The six-month delay in the inaugural meeting means the committee will only have six months, instead of a year, to meet its deadline to report the cost of training residents and how much the state’s health infrastructure relies on the trainees. According to the Live Healthy Act, the report is due to Legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis by July 1. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Miami’s largest hospital could ink $1 billion deal with Related Group
Jackson Health System could sign a $1.05 billion land lease and development deal with Related Group to build housing for its workforce on its main campus in Miami. The Public Health Trust Board governing the public hospital will consider awarding the deal for the 3.3-acre site at 1500 N.W. 12th Ave. to Related Urban Development Group, the affordable housing arm of Miami-based Related Group, on Friday, Dec. 20. The site currently has Jackson Medical Towers, a 691,584-square-foot structure with a mix of parking and health care offices. It was built in 1972. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
State signs off on Tampa Electric hikes
State regulators Thursday signed off on a plan that will lead to a $184.9 million increase next year in base electric rates for customers of Tampa Electric Co. The Florida Public Service Commission, with little discussion, approved rate hikes that will take effect in January. The commission made a series of underlying decisions about the rates on Dec. 3, with Chairman Mike La Rosa describing Thursday’s vote as “largely a fallout” of those earlier decisions. The plan also is expected to lead to increases of $86.6 million in 2026 and $9.1 million in 2027. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› A new monument at the Tallahassee National Cemetery honors the region's VFW posts and their members
Tallahassee's National Cemetery has several monuments honoring various military branches. Now there's a new monument that pays respects to the Veterans of Foreign Wars who rest nearby.
› Bill bars regulation of presidential libraries
Local governments would be blocked from regulating construction and operation of presidential libraries for President-elect Donald Trump and other presidents who might plan such facilities in Florida, under a bill filed Thursday for the 2025 legislative session.
› UF/IFAS secures $5M grant to expand avocado production in Florida, combat Laurel wilt disease
Scientists with the University of Florida have secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles responsible for it.
› Topgolf, Nordstrom's Rack, popular businesses coming to Brevard. Is Trader Joe's next?
With news of businesses like Topgolf and Nordstrom Rack coming to Brevard County, residents continue to wonder: What about Trader Joe’s?
Go to page 2 for more stories ...
› Fort Myers Beach Council votes 3-2 to approve Seagate condo towers
The verdict was unanimous for the more than two dozen Fort Myers Beach residents who turned out Monday to speak out at the Town of Fort Myers Beach Council’s hearing against the 17-story, multi-building Seagate condo project at the former Red Coconut RV Resort.
› Health First to expand First Flight operations with helicopter based in North Brevard
Health First is adding a second air ambulance helicopter to its First Flight operations to handle the increasing demand for emergency and trauma care, with the Space Coast's growing number of residents and visitors.
› Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii grows presence in region
Things are looking good in Florida for Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. The company with the fun-to-say name and island vibe will have eight locations in the Sunshine State by the end of 2024, including a handful on the Gulf Coast, from Naples to Clearwater Beach.
› 'There's a cost to growth': Billionaire Ken Griffin on South Florida's rising population
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin knew he had to find a location to do business that wouldn't be limited by quarantine or social distancing restrictions. Florida was the obvious choice.