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Maritime innovation ‘Hub’ plans $34M expansion to fuel growth
The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub – “The Hub” – in St. Pete’s Innovation District is inching closer to a massive overhaul in design (Hub 2.0) and an expanded footprint to accommodate the growing demand for space in marine tech, coastal resilience and ocean economy industries flocking to the area. The estimated $34 million redevelopment represents a significant economic investment in positioning St. Petersburg as a leader in Florida’s rapidly expanding blue economy as well as facilitating new research and technology start-ups.
Florida bill would force some on Medicaid to work but at what cost?
Only the lowest paid Floridians qualify for Medicaid in the Sunshine State, the result of eligibility rules that are among the strictest in the nation. The result is that the vast majority of the almost four million Floridians enrolled in the federal health benefit program are children, disabled individuals and adults who stay home to care for young children or the elderly. Despite that, Florida may be about to adopt a work requirement program that critics say could violate federal law.
Florida universities face H-1B hiring freeze - The panel that oversees public universities in Florida is set to meet Monday to approve a one-year ban on hiring new foreign faculty through the H-1B visa system – a move critics said could harm research and education in the state. The popular visa program, established in 1990, allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals with highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. More than 500 foreign nationals were employed at Florida public and private universities under the program as of last year.
The Wolf of Winter Park: Florida crypto CEO's $328M house of cards collapses - A 34-year-old Florida CEO who alleges he traded a trailer park upbringing for a life of Lamborghinis is now facing his third act: federal prison. Federal agents say the man who marketed himself as a blockchain baron was actually orchestrating a massive $328 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme between January 2023 and January 2026 that defrauded investors from Winter Park to Dubai.
5 steps to avoid litigation before a contract’s signed - Corporate litigators are known for skillfully and persuasively advocating on behalf of their clients. Yet their greatest achievement is often preventing disputes from ever reaching a courtroom or mediation table. Well-drafted and reviewed documents, saying little in digital correspondence that could later be construed as terms of an agreement, and keeping the legal team advised of potential issues can help avoid situations that could spark litigation.
Will Florida gas prices rise in Mideast conflict? - Gas prices rose slightly on Monday in South Florida as drivers get back to their commute. But the big question is: Will prices increase with conflict in the Middle East? “Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.–Iran attacks,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. For now, Miami-area prices are 2 cents a gallon lower than a month ago and 12 cents lower than a year ago.
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