Florida’s citrus outlook remains bleak. But new science offers hope.
Florida orange growers are bracing for yet another record-low harvest as climate challenges and diseased trees continue to cripple the once bustling industry. The state is expected to produce 90% fewer oranges than it did 30 years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s January forecast. Scientists have raced for over a decade against citrus greening, the incurable disease killing trees across the state. Research behind a genetically modified tree shows promise. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Gas prices are higher in Florida. Will the trend continue?
Gas prices have nudged up in Florida over the past week. On Monday, Jan. 27, prices at the pump are 3 cents higher than last week across the state. Several North Florida areas are averaging less than $3 a gallon as the region remains the cheapest to get gas in the state, in some places about 25 cents cents less per gallon than South Florida. Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas for gas. [Source: Miami Herald]
Showdown looms over Monday special immigration session called by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders are poised for a rare showdown Monday when the Legislature meets in a special session the governor called primarily to support President Trump’s aggressive efforts to deport unauthorized immigrants. It’s the first time DeSantis has unilaterally set a special session without the consent and cooperation of the Legislature, and it’s ruffled the feathers of legislative leaders who felt their authority was being usurped and of members who were put out by the inconvenience. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Quebec snowbirds fleeing Sunshine State in droves due to high costs, weak Canadian dollar
Many Quebec snowbirds living in Florida are listing their properties for sale, citing the high cost of living and a beneficial exchange rate due to the declining value of the Canadian dollar. The value of the Canadian dollar sits at around $0.70 US, the lowest it's been in five years. While this is troublesome for many, for some, it presents a favourable exchange rate. [Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]
Got a text message warning of unpaid SunPass tolls? Officials warn it’s probably a scam
If you recently got a text from an unknown number warning you about unpaid SunPass tolls, officials want you to know it was probably a scam. “Smishing,” or SMS phishing, is when fraudsters try to obtain your personal information through a text message. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the text might include a dollar amount for how much you supposedly owe, as well as a link. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Pensacola estimates winter storm response cost city $500K+
In the wake of a historic snowfall Tuesday, the city of Pensacola has begun to tally the cost and scope of its response operations. The preliminary cost of the winter storm to the city of Pensacola is estimated to be between $500,000 and $600,000, a city new release Saturday said. A final breakdown is expected to take a couple of weeks to calculate.
› What Brightline's record Orlando-to-Miami ridership means
Monthly ridership for Brightline finished 2024 on a record note for its route from Orlando. The Miami-based intercity rail service said in a ridership report released in January that it set a record of 162,445 for its route between Orlando and Miami, which launched in September 2023. In the first full year calendar of the route, it had more than 1.63 million riders.
› Legoland Florida guts entertainment department with 234 layoffs
Changes are coming for one of Central Florida’s entertainment destinations. With the holidays over, Legoland Florida is offering notice on an impending layoff of 234 employees primarily from its entertainment department. The mass layoffs are permanent and scheduled to begin March 25 through April 7 at the popular children’s theme park in Polk County’s Winter Haven.
› South Florida sports apparel business owner works around Trump's potential tariffs
The new Trump administration is working on plans to slap double-digit tariffs on foreign goods, which could make things more expensive for American consumers. One South Florida sports apparel store owner is figuring out how to work around the higher prices. Alex Quevedo owns Performance Team Sports and his products can have the same logo but can be made in different countries.
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› Tampa’s most snarled interchange is about to get more complicated
Drivers headed into a major source of congestion near downtown Tampa — the interchange from Interstate 4 to Interstate 275 — should slow down and prepare for a new traffic pattern starting Monday. The changes come as construction continues on a massive widening project involving the interchange. The notoriously clogged transitions from I-4 to I-275 and vice-versa will gain an extra lane in most directions by 2027.
› Can Florida panthers find a new home, new hope for survival in Osceola County?
Once spread across the Southeastern United States, the panther now is concentrated in southwest Florida, where development threatens to further constrict its habitat. Environmentalists and state officials hope to establish a second breeding population of the panther in Central Florida, and south Osceola’s vast acreage of already protected lands makes it a prime possible location.
› 500 Days to the World Cup: Security, fundraising top Miami host committee’s to-do list
To most sports fans, Monday Jan. 27 is just another day on the calendar. But for organizers of the 2026 World Cup, that date kicks off a significant countdown: 500 Days to Go. The opening match of the next World Cup is June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The expanded 48-team tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and there is much work to be done.
› 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction raises more than $33M
The live auction at the 25th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival unofficially raised more than $33 million on Jan. 25 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, bringing the total raised over 25 years to nearly $335 million. Auction lots included rare collections of some of the world’s most sought-after wines, exotic travel adventures, limited-edition cars and unique experiences. Every dollar raised under the auction tent funds the festival’s founding organization, Naples Children & Education Foundation, which seeks to transform the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children.