How Florida's population is set to change by 2030
Florida will remain one of the most populous U.S. states in 2030 with more than a quarter of its residents expected to be aged 65 and over. Florida's aging population could have major economic and political implications for the state. These include a potentially smaller workforce and increased demand for health care services. [Source: Newsweek]
Home insurance costs in Florida spiked in third quarter. Are more increases on the way?
Those stabilized home insurance costs that industry leaders and state insurance regulators touted over most of 2024? It looks like premiums might be heading up again. The statewide average premium paid for an all-perils single-family home policy in Florida increased by 3.1% between the second and third quarters, the data shows. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
On a long-dormant pad in Florida, a rocket that could challenge SpaceX’s dominance is poised to launch
On a Florida launchpad that has been dormant for almost two decades, a new, roughly 320-foot (98-meter) rocket — developed by Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin — is poised for its maiden flight. The uncrewed launch vehicle, called New Glenn, will mark Blue Origin’s first attempt to send a rocket to orbit, a feat necessary if the company hopes to chip away at SpaceX’s long-held dominance in the industry. [Source: CNN]
Small Business Administration deadline to get loans to pay for fall's hurricane losses is Tuesday
The Small Business Administration is offering loans to businesses and people who had losses in the storms. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 7. The SBA will loan up to $2 million to businesses. A homeowner or renter can get up to $100,000 to cover belongings and vehicles lost to the storms. People also can get up to $500,000 for damage or loss of real estate. [Source: WUSF]
States are walking away from high school exit tests. Is Florida next?
Each spring, thousands of high school seniors across Florida don’t get to graduate because they’ve failed to pass a test. It’s been that way for nearly 50 years. Some people say it’s time for Florida to join a growing number of states in eliminating the high school exit exam mandate. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Royal Caribbean faces more legal woes
Royal Caribbean is facing more legal trouble after a former crew member admitted to spying on cruise passengers, including children, in their bathrooms and showers after planting small cameras in their cabins to record them in states of undress. A dozen potential victims, represented by Coral Gables-headquartered Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, have sued Royal Caribbean and Arvin Mirasol, the cabin stateroom attendant, in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida in Miami in a complaint filed last week.
› South Florida’s UKG grows in Ireland, plans to employ 200 there
Miami software company Kaseya recently made headlines with plans to expand its Ireland offices to 1,000 employees by 2026. Now, software maker UKG, with headquarters in Weston, is growing in Ireland too, adding 200 employees there at a new operations hub focused on cybersecurity.
› Population growth outpacing health care in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area saw a 15% increase in population increase over the last 10 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. During that same time, the region added 1,307 hospital beds or a 9% increase. However, 90% of these were in Hillsborough and Pasco counties alone.
› What's ahead for Space Coast development? Everything from luxury homes to high-tech centers
Brevard has been on a building boom lately, a trend likely to continue in the coming year. Development is expected to be robust in 2025, particularly in the residential sector, including single-family homes, apartment complexes and hotels. Commercial and industrial projects also are proceeding throughout Brevard County, as are projects at the Space Coast's colleges.
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› FDEP holds hearing on its proposal to protect Florida springs
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is holding a public hearing in the state capitol Monday morning about the agency’s recently-proposed rules to better protect the state’s freshwater springs. But springs advocates say FDEP’s proposal still needs more work.
› Give Kids the World set to replace CEO Pamela Landwirth
Give Kids the World is replacing CEO Pamela Landwirth, the nonprofit organization has announced. She has been leader of the group since 1995. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude to Pamela for her leadership over these past 30 years,” GKTW Chairman John Nichols said in a news release. The organization’s mission centers on providing terminally ill children and their families with free vacations based out of Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee.
› Sarasota-Manatee advisory council supports measures to keep skies dark amid development
Deep in the untouched parts of Florida, far from neighborhoods and shopping centers with their blinding light, a glance upward on clear nights can leave stargazers breathless. Even in parts of rural Sarasota and Manatee counties, thousands of stars can — at least currently — be viewed in the night sky.
› Here's how to tell Brevard County your ideas for improving local government operations
Brevard County's online suggestion box is open. With the start of 2025, the submission period has begun for residents to suggest improvements to Brevard County government, in an annual process required under a voter-approved provision of the county's charter. Residents have until Jan. 31 to submit ideas and recommendations aimed at improving county efficiency and effectiveness, as part of the "Speak Up Brevard" program.