Preparedness Is Key to Continuity for Florida’s Small Businesses

When disasters occur, officials focus primarily on the safety and well-being of human life, ensuring the most basic necessities of survival are met through their emergency preparedness plans. Post-disaster, communities are mobilizing to rapidly return essential businesses to operation. Corporations with resiliency plans have protocols in place that ensure this can happen quickly and efficiently, […]Read More

Balancing Development and Conservation on the First Coast

Overdevelopment is the new buzzword when it comes to advocacy on behalf of stopping the latest commercial or residential project. But is it really true? What are communities across the northeast Florida region doing to ensure we keep a healthy balance between urban development and nature? Talking with Flagler and St. Johns County leaders, including […]Read More

The Face of PACE … Is It Right for Your

What IS it, and why should I consider the program?   The PACE Program: After the Great Recession, the PACE Program was funded by the private sector — and adopted on a case-by-case basis — by local governments modeling the national initiative. The Program enabled residential or commercial property owners — with challenges accessing capital […]Read More

Growing in the First Coast Region Despite Current Challenges

COVID, inflation, challenging election cycles – the past two years have been the perfect storm to wreak havoc on the nation’s economy. Despite the many challenges, businesses in northeast Florida are finding innovative ways to not only keep employees on the payroll but also, in some cases, expand profitability and their footprint as Florida rolls […]Read More

Timeless Craftsmen and the Art of Boat Building

Timeless Craftsmen and the Art of Boat Building The art of shipbuilding has taken on many forms and advances over the millennia. From the ancient Egyptians traversing the Nile River to new world colonists navigating the Port of Boston, our fascination with being on the water has never waned. While we no longer bind reeds […]Read More

Better Than Baywatch: Performing at the Highest Levels

Better Than Baywatch: Performing at the Highest Levels As Volusia County’s beaches welcome spring break, bike week and summer crowds, Chief Andrew Ethridge is the epitome of calm professionalism. Serving as the director of Volusia County’s Beach Safety Division, his top priority is ensuring his team is focused on the safety of the 11 million […]Read More

Area Community Colleges Adapt for Student and Business Success

Florida has made higher education a priority, earning accolades as the No. 1 state in the nation over the past few years. Launching the “Get There Florida” initiative in 2020, supporting enrollment in the state’s career and technical education programs, colleges have seen an uptick in funding and the welcome addition of 54 new industry […]Read More

How Sweet It is: The Business of Love

How Sweet It is: The Business of Love Despite the turbulence of the past two years, the $51.2 billion wedding industry is regaining its footing by adapting––offering micro-weddings and buddymoons and helping couples prioritize what’s important on their wedding day.  Florida ranks second overall in the nation for weddings, and in 2020 there were 3,082 […]Read More