Steady Economic Growth Forecast for State

Economic growth in the Sunshine State will show steady gains over the next five years, building on the state’s current GDP of about $1.5 trillion, according to an analysis from Florida TaxWatch.

The group projects state GDP growing 3.2% this year, slower than last year’s 3.5% gain fueled by increases in tourism, trade, and real estate. The tourism industry is expected to remain strong going forward.

The number of jobs created will go up each year, but the pace of job growth could decline, according to the analysis.

Despite last year’s growth, Florida’s economy slipped from No. 15 to No. 16 in the world, a Florida TaxWatch leader noted. You can download the full report here.

Chair Named for Disney Oversight Board

Gov. Ron DeSantis installed Alexis Yarbrough as chair and appointed two new board members, John Gilbert and Scott Workman, to a state board that will play a big role in Central Florida’s theme park future.

Currently, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is working with Disney on a development plan expected to bring a $17 billion investment to the region in the next 10 to 20 years.

The district oversees permits and other approvals across 25,000 acres primarily owned by the Walt Disney Co.

Yarbrough, who is married to former DeSantis chief of staff Shane Strum, is a former general counsel of the state Department of Transportation and a former director at the Fort Lauderdale law firm Tripp Scott.

Where Florida Ranks on Grocery Costs

Florida ranks No. 16 in the nation for the share of income spent on groceries, according to a WalletHub study based on the prices of 26 common grocery items in 50 states.

Sunshine State shoppers spend 2.13% of their income on groceries. The states where groceries consume the biggest share of income are Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.

Overall, grocery prices jumped 23.6% from 2020 to 2024. Last year, eggs rose the most in price, surging 8.5% due to the bird flu outbreak that began in 2022, another study found.

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➤ Tallahassee: While Florida insurers claimed to be losing money in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Michael, their parent companies and affiliates made billions of dollars, the Miami Times/Herald reported. (See Details)

➤ Gas prices fell through the weekend, though they’re higher than a week ago. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is $3.08 per gallon. (See Prices By County)

➤ Miami: Saudi Arabia will open its second U.S. investment office in the coming months. Backed by the Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, the country pledges $600 billion in trade and investments in the next four years. (More)

➤ Brevard County: Residents, employees, and county officials voiced disappointment over Orlando Health’s decision to close Rockledge Hospital months after buying the medical center. (See Details)

➤ Miami-Dade County: The mayor announced an end to remote work for county employees starting April 15. (More)

➤ Collier County: Multiple people were arrested after more than 25 cars were involved in a high-speed racing and street takeover on I-75. (See Video)

➤ Miami Heat star Tyler Herro scored 40 points for the third time this season in the team’s 120-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled its 50th-anniversary logo for the upcoming season. (More)

➤ Franz Wagner and Anthony Black each tallied 23 points with seven rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-90 win over Washington. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Duke Energy Florida will invest more than $521 million to build solar energy sites in Madison, Sumter, Hernando, and Jefferson counties. (More)

➤ Buc-ee’s plans its fifth Florida location in Leon County with a sign tall enough to be seen from I-10. (More)

➤ Costco will open its first store in Stuart this year with a store for Pensacola still in the works. (More)

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➤ Several Florida real estate markets are considered buyer’s markets, where housing supply exceeds demand, according to Zillow’s Market Heat Index. (See Map)

➤ The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a boat with an alleged smuggler and 23 suspected illegal immigrants attempting to enter the U.S. off Florida’s coast over the weekend. (See Photo)

➤ A second man accused of stealing black swans from a Polk County neighborhood surrendered to deputies. (See Photo)

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It’s National Clam Chowder Day. Which do you prefer?

1. New England
2. Manhattan
3. Other
4. I don’t like clam chowder

Monday’s Results:

What’s your favorite at Chipotle?

1. Bowl: 25%
2. Burrito: 19%
3. Quesadilla: 18%
4. Tacos: 18%
5. Other: 20%

Where did Billy, the Florida Marlin mascot, get his name?

Show me the answer