Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Aug- 2026 -10 August
JAXPORT Supports Record $82,000 in Scholarships for Local Students
Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) supported the awarding of a record $82,000 in scholarships to 24 local students through the ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund, helping students pursue higher education and advance toward their academic and career goals. The scholarship program has provided more than 1,200 scholarships totaling over $1.5 million since 1995, offering financial assistance to students and helping ease some of the costs associated with pursuing a college education. This year’s record award reflects…
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10 August
Florida Realtors Volunteers Help Protect Florida’s Waterways
Florida Realtors brought together Realtors from communities across the state for a multi-week volunteer initiative focused on improving and protecting Florida’s waterways. Participants dedicated their time to removing debris and helping maintain the health and beauty of local waterways, contributing to the preservation of Florida’s natural resources. The statewide effort demonstrated how local volunteerism can create a broader environmental impact when communities work together. The initiative reflects Florida Realtors’ commitment to community involvement and environmental…
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10 August
Florida Power & Light Awards First-Ever Drones in School Scholarship
Florida Power & Light Company awarded its first-ever Drones in School Scholarship to an incoming Santa Fe College student and standout dual-enrolled student at Baker Aviation. The scholarship recognizes the student’s achievements as part of her school’s Drones in School team, which captured both the 2026 Florida State and National Championship titles. The award will help support her continued education and future opportunities in aviation, technology, and other STEM-related fields. The scholarship highlights the impact…
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7 August
Work-Based Learning: A Practical Solution to Florida’s Talent Needs
As Florida’s economy continues to evolve, employers are increasingly looking for ways to build talent from within while expanding access to opportunity. Work-based learning models—including registered apprenticeships and earn-and-learn pathways—are helping businesses develop skilled talent while strengthening long-term retention. CareerSource Florida works with employers, education partners, and workforce leaders across the state to support work-based learning strategies that align training with real-world business needs. These approaches allow individuals to gain hands-on experience while earning credentials…
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5 August
Nemours Children’s Health Appoints Patrice Harris, MD, MA as Executive Vice President and Chief Health Impact Officer
Nemours Children’s Health recently announced the appointment of Patrice Harris, MD, MA, as Executive Vice President and Chief Health Impact Officer (CHIO). As CHIO, Dr. Harris will ensure the integration of Whole Child Health across all facets of the organization by partnering with clinical, operational, financial, strategy, and advocacy teams to drive improvements in child and community health outcomes. “Dr. Harris has deep experience improving children’s health from many angles — as a physician, the…
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4 August
Polk State and Florida Poly Partner to Build Regional STEM Pipeline
Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, at the university’s campus, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students. Under the agreement, Polk State students can complete their Associate in Arts (AA) degree and all required prerequisites on the…
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3 August
Tampa Electric Customer Bill Update: Storm Recovery Charge Ends One Month Early
Beginning with August 2026 bills, the storm recovery charge will be removed one month earlier than projected, resulting in residential customer bills that are approximately 11% to 12% lower than they otherwise would have been. Storm Recovery Charge Update Beginning with August 2026 bills, customers will no longer see the storm recovery charge. The charge is ending one month earlier than expected because storm restoration costs from the 2024 hurricane season are being recovered ahead of schedule. Residential customer bills will…
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Jul- 2026 -30 July
Broward Health Supports Families Through Annual Back-to-School Jamboree
Broward Health recently hosted its annual Back-to-School Jamboree through Broward HealthPoint, bringing together children, families, and community partners for a day dedicated to health, preparation, and support. The event provided families with access to helpful resources designed to support students as they prepared for the upcoming school year. Through community connections and educational activities, the jamboree helped ensure children had the tools and encouragement needed to begin the year feeling confident and ready to learn.…
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29 July
Sam Verghese Named CEO and Superintendent of Florida Virtual School
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has appointed Sam Verghese as its new chief executive officer and superintendent, bringing a strong background in education leadership, technology, and organizational growth to the role. FLVS is Florida’s only fully virtual public school district and one of the nation’s largest online K-12 providers, serving more than 230,000 students annually with statewide and national reach. Since joining FLVS in 2019, Verghese has helped advance the organization’s growth, strengthen operations, and expand…
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29 July
Tampa Electric Volunteers Support Food Access for Hospital Patients
Tampa Electric employees recently volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay to help prepare food packages designed to support community members facing food insecurity. Members of Tampa Electric’s Customer Experience team assembled bags containing cereal and other non-perishable items that will be distributed to individuals transitioning home after a hospital stay who may need additional support accessing meals and essential resources. The volunteer effort highlights the impact of community partnerships in addressing hunger and providing assistance to…
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29 July
Tampa General Supports Cancer Patients and Families Through Hope Lodge Event
Tampa General Hospital recently supported the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge EMPOWER Open House, bringing together members of the TGH Cancer Institute team and student volunteers to create a meaningful experience for guests. The event focused on fostering connection, creativity, and encouragement for cancer patients and their families. Through activities and community engagement, volunteers helped provide moments of support and positivity for individuals navigating their cancer journeys. The collaboration reflects Tampa General’s continued commitment to…
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29 July
Jacksonville Port Authority Supports St. Johns River Habitat Restoration Effort
Jacksonville Port Authority partnered with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to support the restoration of three acres of submerged aquatic vegetation in the St. Johns River. The conservation project is focused on improving vital underwater habitats that support a variety of native species, including fish, manatees, and other aquatic wildlife. Restoring these habitats helps strengthen the health of the river ecosystem while contributing to long-term…
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29 July
Florida Blue Celebrates Scholarship Recipients Advancing STEM Education
Florida Blue recently recognized 10 student recipients of the NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME, supporting their continued academic growth and future career opportunities. The scholarship program provides students with resources to pursue higher education while encouraging pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By investing in student success, the initiative helps strengthen Florida’s future workforce and supports the development of the next generation of innovators and leaders. Through partnerships that expand…
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29 July
Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System Provide Aid to Venezuela Earthquake Relief Efforts
Broward Health partnered with Memorial Healthcare System to support families affected by the earthquake in Venezuela through a community donation effort that delivered more than five tons of essential supplies. The collection included critical items such as blankets, canned food, diapers, and first-aid supplies, providing much-needed resources to individuals and families navigating the aftermath of the disaster. The collaborative effort brought together healthcare organizations and community members to help meet immediate needs during a time…
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23 July
Celebrating Florida Chamber Leaders Recognized in Florida Trend’s Florida 500
Florida’s continued success is powered by leaders who are committed to strengthening their industries, communities, and our state’s long-term competitiveness. We are proud to recognize members of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and Florida Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees who were named to this year’s Florida Trend Florida 500. Their inclusion reflects the leadership, vision, and commitment to free enterprise helping move Florida forward. Albert Dotson, Jr., Bilzin Sumberg Alexander Cartwright,…
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