Development is taking a toll on Florida's precious springs
Because of its unique geology, the state has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs anywhere in the world. They're magnets for wildlife and for people who want to swim or paddle in crystal-clear water. But development and pumping of groundwater are taking a toll. Florida's springs provide important habitat for endangered and threatened species, including manatees. But they're also important for recreation, attracting locals and visitors alike. More from NPR.
Florida-Israel Business Accelerator startups surpass $1B in capital funding
The Florida-Israel Business Accelerator has exceeded over $1 billion in capital funding through the accelerator’s participating startups. FIBA has engaged over 1,000 community and business leaders annually with events and programs showcasing Israeli innovation. FIBA has supported 90 Israeli companies, 10 of which have achieved an exit or IPO — seven through acquisitions and three via initial public offerings. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Tallahassee lost 708 jobs last year; here's how the Chamber wants the city to grow
The critical need for more jobs underlined the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting as new efforts are being launched to steer attention toward industries capable of creating "transformational jobs." Leon County took a hit last year with a year-over-year loss of more than 700 jobs, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce economic scorecard (A dashboard of economic factors designed to gauge a community's vitality.) The job-growth rate dipped slightly by .4 percentage points. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
Reinventing the South Florida seawall to help marine life, buffer rising seas
In the back of a million-dollar mansion under construction in Miami Beach, contractors are installing what may be the future first line of coastal defense from erosion and climate-driven sea-rise. It’s a seawall but not your old-school plain poured concrete installation. This is a “living seawall” and it’s cutting-edge in both its design and how it is made. More from the Miami Herald.
Breeze Airways lands first NHL sponsorship, with Lightning
Breeze Airways, a Utah-based budget airline, seems to have a soft spot for Tampa Bay. The airline’s inaugural flight was from Tampa to Charleston in 2021, and now another first for the airline is happening in Tampa: Breeze recently announced it has signed a sponsorship deal the Tampa Bay Lightning. Perks of the partnership will include travel giveaways for fans, including a roundtrip flight to Raleigh for an away game, and in-game promotions. More from the Business Observer.
Business Beat - Week of January 17th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video news brief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Entertainment
‘Imagine the Future’ at 2025 South Florida Fair with sci-fi exhibits, out-of-this-world food tour
Teleportation. Holograms. Invisibility. Mind control. They could be the names of new thrill rides on the midway, but they’re actually some of the 15 futuristic exhibits you’ll find as you enter the 2025 South Florida Fair, which opens Friday, Jan. 17, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2, in West Palm Beach. Immerse yourself in this year’s theme, “Imagine the Future,” as you journey through the Expo East building and explore concepts right out of a science-fiction movie that could become tomorrow’s reality.
» Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.