Gov. DeSantis establishes Florida version of DOGE, will cut positions, audit universities
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a Florida version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), following the federal government’s steps to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse” but on the state level. The governor said over a one-year term the state will attempt to sunset 70 state boards and commissions, cut 900 positions, require universities to undergo independent reviews and audits and look into local government expenditures. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the News Service of Florida.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Coastal cleanup
Commercial fisherman Casey Streeter and his wife owned a fish house, several fishing boats and a retail market on the island of Matlacha in Lee County. In 2022, the 10-year-old family operation was wiped away in about 10 hours by Hurricane Ian’s 155 mph winds and 15-foot storm surge. The county suffered more than $5 billion in damages. Tourism in the region crumbled. Amid the devastation, Streeter turned to cleaning the local waterways and coastlines littered with storm debris. [Source: Florida Trend]
Does Apple's 'bullish' US investment, jobs plan include Florida?
Apple announced early Monday, Feb. 24, its "largest-ever" spending plan: $500 billion over the next four years. While there may not be any manufacturing facilities planned in Florida, Apple in 2024 leased more than 40,000 square feet in Coral Gables. The company also opened a flagship 19,000-square-foot retail space in Miami Worldcenter in January. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Bill would revoke Citizens insurance coverage for noncompliant condos
Most condominium buildings three stories and higher must have had a building safety inspection and study outlining recommended budgets for future building maintenance by Dec. 31 of last year. But so far, most of the more than 11,270 condominium associations in Florida required to get the study for funding future repairs haven’t followed through, the secretary for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation told House lawmakers in a panel discussion last week. There are no criminal penalties for noncompliance. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
EPA gives Mosaic Co. green light on phosphogypsum road study
Florida roads could soon contain a radioactive hazardous waste produced by fertilizer production giant The Mosaic Co., following recent federal approval of a pilot project studying ways to build roads with phosphogypsum. Environmental advocates have long raised alarm about the environmental hazards created by the fertilizer production process, including phosphogypsum, a byproduct of the fertilizer production. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sweeping job cuts hit South Florida national parks
Sweeping job cuts at national parks across the country now include about 20 staffers in South Florida’s beloved swampy wilderness. Rangers tracking the National Park Service layoffs ordered by the Trump administration say the cuts include staff at Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks, Biscayne National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve and the South Florida Natural Resources Center.
› L3Harris expands its presence of robots to combat explosive devices on battlefield
L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay is working on two large contracts with allied military forces to produce remote-controlled robots that can seek out and neutralize explosive devices. The Melbourne-based aerospace and defense company also is aiming to expand the capability of its robot system, as well as to land more contracts with military allies of the United States.
› Nearly 80% of Tampa Bay architects say hurricanes hurting business
Fewer local architects are expecting demand for their services to increase again this year as developers look to move on in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton late last year. In an annual survey conducted by the Tampa Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 65.6% of the architects say they expect more work in 2025, similar to last year’s 64%, but far below the 85% from 2022.
› What does Miami airport’s record-breaking growth mean? More people, cargo — and issues
Miami International Airport set a new record last year by serving 56 million passengers. The figure was a slight increase over the 2023 figure of 52 million, which was the previous record. MIA also set a new record in 2024 for cargo, receiving 3 million tons. That included the vast majority of fresh-cut flowers for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
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› Sarasota, Bradenton real estate market cooldown continues, favors buyers
The Sarasota, Bradenton area real estate market is continuing a cooling trend early into the new year, according to the latest report from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. The association’s January findings noted a decrease in median sale prices and an overall increase in closed sales, indicating a shift favoring buyers. The report also found an increase in the time to contract and sale.
› Hundreds of employers want to fill roles at South Florida job fair
If you’re a South Florida resident looking for a job, you’re in luck. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, more than 100 employers across South Florida will be at Sunrise’s Amerant Bank Arena for the Mega Job Fair event. Companies such as Norwegian Cruise Lines and New York Life Insurance will be in attendance to hire for thousands of local jobs.
› St. Pete Beach leaders once again considering charging nonresidents for Freebee shuttle
City commissioners are once again considering charging nonresidents $3 for the Freebee shuttle service. Commissioner Lisa Robinson quipped the micro-transit service could be referred to as The Threebee. During the Feb. 11 meeting, Robinson told fellow board members she is bringing the issue back for discussion because many people spoke in favor of it during the last discussion. However, she has also heard plenty of opposition.
› JaxPort board approves $32.5 million to help raise power lines near Blount Island Terminal
An agreement to cover higher-than-expected costs of raising power lines to accommodate large cargo ships at JaxPort received the first of three necessary approvals Feb. 24 when the Jacksonville Port Authority board signed off on it. The board unanimously approved a $32.5 million contribution by JaxPort toward elevating the high-voltage lines near the Blount Island Terminal from their current 175 feet to at least 225 feet.