Florida Trend Exclusive
Land lords: Florida's biggest landowners
The last time Florida Trend completed an inventory of the state’s top 10 landowners, Plum Creek Timber topped the list, with 590,000 acres. That was in 2011 — five years before the Seattle-based real estate investment trust merged with Weyerhaeuser to become the largest timberland owner in the nation. Today, Weyerhaeuser owns less than half as much Florida acreage, but it ranks among the largest landowners in the state, with holdings equal in size to about 425 square miles — and it’s doing more than just growing trees. [Source: Florida Trend]
Business Beat - Week of January 10th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida jobless claims inch up after Christmas
The U.S. Department of Labor estimated 4,817 initial unemployment claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended Jan. 4, up from a revised count of 3,475 claims during the previous week, which included Christmas and the start of Hanukkah. Since the start of 2024, Florida averaged 6,420 new claims a week, up from 5,744 a week in 2023, and 6,177 in 2022. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Researchers develop tree that could combat greening in Florida citrus
Scientists at the University of Florida are testing a new type of citrus tree that can fight off the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening. It is one of the most promising discoveries to date in a challenge that has plagued growers, researchers and consumers as Florida’s citrus industry has plummeted over the past two decades. More from the Gainesville Sun and Florida Politics.
State healthcare agency wants $6.7 million to hike staff pay, improve services
The state agency that administers Florida’s Medicaid program for 5 million residents told lawmakers it needs a midyear budget boost of $6.7 million to address chronic staffing shortages that advocates say prevent needy families from getting medical care. The agency wants to raise the salaries of underpaid positions so it can hang onto those employees. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Publix stores across South Florida experience egg shortages
South Florida shoppers have been on an egg hunt at local Publix stores after finding empty shelves. The Lakeland-based grocer said there’s a shortage due to the bird flu outbreak. According to a statement released this week, Publix said the shortage of eggs is due to the Avian Bird Flu (HPAI) and as a result, items in the section have limited availability.
› Outdoor hockey is coming to Florida. The NHL will have games in Miami and Tampa next season
Hockey. Outdoors. In Florida. Next season, the NHL is making it happen — twice. The NHL announced Wednesday that the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will play host to the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami — home of baseball’s Marlins — on Jan. 2, 2026, in the Winter Classic, with the Tampa Bay Lightning playing host to the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026.
› Critics ‘appalled’ as Related offers to give away prehistoric relics found in Brickell
The Related Group has offered to donate hundreds of thousands of ancient artifacts and other relics unearthed at the site of a long-buried Native American town in Brickell to universities across the country -- drawing sharp rebukes from archaeologists, some Native American activists and at least one of the schools.
› Cape Coral ranks as top city in U.S. for snowbirds in 2025
Cape Coral was named the top destination in the U.S. for snowbirds in 2025, according to a study by Retirement Living, which compiles data from across the country for resources that provide health, excitement and stability for retirees. The Retirement Living research team compared all U.S. cities across three weighted categories — affordability, climate and community.
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› Blue Origin pushes 1st New Glenn rocket launch attempt to early Sunday
The Space Coast could welcome a big player to the launch landscape early Sunday with the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, a two-day delay from original plans to launch early Friday. Blue Origin announced Thursday morning it was delaying because of bad weather in the Atlantic for a potential rocket booster recovery.
› After Clevelander lawsuit, Miami Beach ordered to restore two-way traffic to Ocean Drive
A judge is ordering Miami Beach officials to restore two-way vehicle traffic to Ocean Drive, meaning the removal of a pedestrian plaza at the northern end of the street and possibly the elimination of a bicycle lane. Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez made the ruling after a hearing Wednesday afternoon, mandating the end of a configuration that has been in place for three years along the iconic South Beach strip.
› Red tide rampant along Naples beaches and Marco Island
State health officials are warning red tide is in Gulf waters near south Marco Beach and many Naples beaches. Officials urge beachgoers to be cautious if they have health issues. The other beaches include Clam Pass, Barefoot Beach, Wiggins Pass, Naples Pier, Barefoot Beach State Preserve, Vanderbilt Beach, and Seagate, according to the state Department of Health.
› Commercial real estate 2025: Demand will continue in PBC for offices, shops, stores
Palm Beach County's buzzy reputation as a center for business will continue to help the economy, and its commercial real estate, shine in 2025. This means a continued demand for office space, restaurants, shops, hotels and more. Business and government leaders ticked off a few features that make the county a very unique spot in the country — and the world.