Majority of Floridians name economic issues as their biggest concern
A majority of Floridians say the most important problems facing the state today are economic issues, according to a statewide poll released Tuesday. About 34% cited housing costs and property insurance rates as the most pressing issue, while about 21% cited the economy, jobs and inflation. The poll found that concerns about housing costs and homeowners' insurance rates have soared in the last few years. More from Florida Today and the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Merlin, owner of Legoland, promotes Fiona Eastwood to CEO
Fiona Eastwood has been named CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group, the operator of dozens of attractions worldwide, including Legoland Florida theme park, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Aquarium Orlando and the Orlando Eye observation wheel on International Drive. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Six landmark projects are shaping the future of Wynwood
Wynwood's artistic and cultural future is being shaped by several projects and new businesses. Renovations to historic spaces preserve the neighborhood's artistic roots while adding affordable housing and modern areas for creators. Meanwhile, unique establishments are transforming social spaces. More from the Miami Herald.
SRQ took hit in Q4, saw 2024 passenger traffic dip
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport experienced a slight decrease in passenger traffic and enplanements year-over-year in 2024, which airport officials largely anticipated as the result of several factors, including hurricanes. There were 4.25 million passengers traveling through SRQ in 2024, according to data from the airport. That marked a slight slowdown from 2023, which was a record year for the airport in terms of passenger traffic, with 4.32 million travelers. More from the Business Observer.
Meet the South Florida investment bank behind a multibillion-dollar TikTok bid
Last month, Equiturn teamed up with serial entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to raise soft commitments from several well-known individual and corporate investors for a fund aimed at potentially acquiring TikTok. One of the investors reportedly includes MrBeast, also known as the world's most-subscribed YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson. More from the South Florida Business Journal.
Out of the Box
Tampa Bay residents juggle flames, spin donuts for Guinness World Records
The first Guinness Book of World Records came out in 1954. Almost 70 years later, the book endures. Tampa Bay residents hold six records in the 2025 book. An Eckerd College student scored three new ones: Longest time juggling three flaming torches; most backflips in a minute; most juggling in one hand while hanging from the other. A St. Petersburg parrot identified the most items in three minutes. And a Bradenton man held onto his title for doing the most donuts in a monster truck.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Limb saver
As a young interventional cardiologist training in Boston, Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark wanted to learn more about disparities in cardiovascular care for Black and Hispanic communities, especially when it came to peripheral artery disease (PAD). His interest continued after he set up his practice in Miami, a community ripe for health care disparities given its significant Black population and Hispanics from diverse cultures in Cuba, Central and South America.
» Read more from Florida Trend.