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Economists raise FL revenue estimates amid continued uncertainty - With economic “uncertainty” ahead, state economists Friday made raised revenue projections lawmakers will use to craft the budget for the next fiscal year. The panel of economists known as the Revenue Estimating Conference increased the state general revenue projections by nearly $1 billion across the current fiscal year and the next fiscal year. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Opinion: AI can ensure Florida’s small businesses remain competitive - Artificial intelligence is becoming part of the day-to-day reality for Florida’s small businesses. It is helping owners manage routine work, respond to customers and maximize the time they can devote to growing their businesses and planning for what comes next. A 2026 report found 58% of Florida small businesses use AI, with most reporting increased revenue. Training and AI literacy are crucial for business owners to use these new tools safely and effectively. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Independent voters seek access to Florida primaries - Florida’s write-in loophole is just one example of the ways election laws can block — or conversely, encourage — wider participation in party primaries. Some states allow no-party-affiliation voters to pick which party primary they want to vote in. Others, like California, have ditched the notion of each party picking its own general election contender altogether, letting every primary participant vote for whomever they want. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Thanks to the drought, Florida's Lake Okeechobee is flourishing - In Lake Okeechobee, this year’s prolonged drought that withered parts of Florida is leading to a renaissance as water levels lower and sun reaches submerged plants that are the ecosystem building blocks in the largest lake in the southeastern U.S. For the first time since 2007, the retreating water allowed state agencies to access and dredge portions of the lake this summer — areas that should be clear water over a sandy bottom but are instead coated in muck from decades of manure- and fertilizer-laden runoff. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Sarasota employer named No. 1 in Florida for women [Sarasota Herald-Tribune] - Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has been named Florida’s top employer for women by Forbes. The health system, founded in 1925 as Sarasota Hospital and now known as Sarasota Memorial Hospital or SMH, earned the No. 1 ranking in Florida in Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers for Women 2026.”
Port Canaveral begins $95 million expansion of Cruise Terminal 10 [Orlando Sentinel] - The world’s busiest cruise port is making space for even more passengers and the industry’s largest ships by expanding another cruise terminal. Earlier this month, Port Canaveral began construction on a $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, which regularly homeports MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. The project is expected to be completed by November 2027 and aims to accommodate some of the industry’s largest ships that carry up to 6,700 passengers.
Publix ranked among the top on 2026 ‘Companies That Care’ list [Suncoast News Network] -Publix was honored as one of PEOPLE magazine’s 2026 PEOPLE Companies that Care, a list that highlights top U.S. companies exemplifying successful business practices regarding customers, employees, and the planet. Publix Super Markets, whose headquarters is located in Lakeland, ranked number 4 on the list, standing out as one of the most caring companies to work for and shop at.
Major Sarasota attraction begins next phase of $60.9M expansion [Sarasota Herald-Tribune] - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has begun vertical construction on the second phase of its major downtown Sarasota expansion as the popular attraction nears its fundraising goal for the $60.9 million project. The garden announced three milestones in early August: a $41.9 million bond sale, the start of vertical construction and reaching 98% of its Phase Two fundraising goal.
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