Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Jan- 2026 -30 January
$500K Google Grant Enables AI Integration Across Florida Poly Curriculum
Florida Polytechnic University is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into its academic programs thanks to a $500,000 grant from Google. The funding supports the University’s Faculty Innovation Lab, providing resources for faculty to embed AI into every STEM curriculum, ensuring students graduate with cutting-edge skills for a rapidly evolving technology landscape. “Artificial intelligence is shaping far more than computer science and engineering – it’s transforming how we approach every discipline,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen,…
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30 January
Rick Case Parking Garage Unveiled Following $1 Million Gift to Support Microsurgery Innovation at Baptist Health
Baptist Health Medical Center in Plantation has unveiled the newly named Rick Case Parking Garage, recognizing a generous $1 million gift from Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. The contribution benefits microsurgery research and advanced technology at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, strengthening the organization’s commitment to innovation in patient care. The gift supports leading-edge technology, specialized equipment, staff education, and research related to microsurgery and biomechanics for orthopedic and nerve treatment.…
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30 January
JEA Hosted Senior Resource Event Offering Free Vaccines and Energy Bill Assistance
JEA supported the health and financial well-being of older adults through a senior-focused community event held on January 13, offering free vaccinations and access to utility assistance resources. In partnership with the Duval County Health Department, the event provided free flu and shingles vaccines, addressing preventative healthcare needs and seasonal health concerns for seniors. Attendees were also able to connect directly with JEA Customer Care representatives to learn about programs designed to help reduce energy…
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30 January
Tampa Electric Dispatches Crews North to Support Winter Storm Recovery
Tampa Electric is sending qualified line crews and restoration personnel northward to assist with electrical recovery efforts following severe winter weather that has impacted communities outside of Florida. As part of a broader mutual assistance response, the utility is deploying trained workers to help restore power and support infrastructure recovery in areas affected by winter storm conditions. This deployment aligns with longstanding industry practices in which utilities share resources and expertise across regions to respond…
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30 January
UF Health Announces Fletcher as 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital has introduced 14-year-old Fletcher Huddleston as its 2026 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Champion, honoring his remarkable journey of resilience and courage. CMN Champions are selected annually from among 170 member hospitals to serve as voices for children treated at their local children’s hospital and help raise awareness about the ongoing need for community support. Fletcher’s story began in 2017 when he was hospitalized after months of unexplained illness. Following emergency…
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30 January
Syniverse Recognized by Juniper Research for Excellence in Billing, Settlement, and Satellite Connectivity
Syniverse has once again been recognized by Juniper Research for its leadership in global telecommunications, earning a Platinum Award for Best Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE) Platform Solution and a Gold Award for Best Satellite Connectivity Solution in the 2026 Future Digital Awards for Telco Innovation. The Platinum Award marks a third consecutive win for Syniverse’s clearing and settlement capabilities, with its Universal Commerce platform continuing to set the benchmark for BCE-compliant operators. Universal Commerce…
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26 January
Publix Charities Donates to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota
Publix Super Markets Charities has made a $10,000 donation to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to deliver nutritious daily meals, social interaction, and wellness checks to homebound neighbors in the Sarasota community. The contribution is part of Publix Charities’ broader focus on alleviating hunger and strengthening local support networks, with the organization having donated millions to hunger‑related programs across the Southeast over recent years. Read More: Publix Charities supports Meals on…
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26 January
Nova Southeastern University Earns Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, recognizing its strong partnerships with local communities, promotion of civic engagement, and extensive experiential learning opportunities. NSU is the only large, professions‑focused university in the country to hold this designation alongside its R1 Highest‑Level Research and Opportunity classifications, validating both its research strength and community impact. The Carnegie distinction highlights NSU’s participation in more than 3,500 community collaboration projects annually,…
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26 January
Bank of America to Distribute $1 Billion in Stock to Employees
Bank of America will award $1 billion in company stock to non-executive employees through its Sharing Success Program, marking the ninth consecutive year of broad-based stock grants. Roughly 96% of eligible employees outside senior management will receive awards, which aim to align compensation with long-term company performance. Since the program’s inception, Bank of America has distributed nearly $6.8 billion in stock. The initiative complements other workforce investments, including a $25 minimum hourly wage, expanded hiring…
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26 January
PortMiami Cuts Pollution with $125 Million Shore Power Upgrade
PortMiami has invested $125 million in shore power infrastructure, allowing cruise ships like Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas to plug into the city’s electrical grid while docked instead of burning fuel. The upgrade, funded in part by federal grants and county dollars, has already enabled ships to plug in for 175 calls, cutting 6,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions—roughly the annual electricity use of 1,250 homes. Five of the port’s nine cruise berths now…
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26 January
Novartis to Build Radioligand Therapy Facility in Winter Park, Florida
Novartis is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a new 35,000‑square‑foot radioligand therapy (RLT) facility in Winter Park, Florida. The site is part of the company’s $23 billion investment strategy to advance precision cancer treatments and improve access for patients. RLT combines tumor-targeting molecules with therapeutic radioisotopes to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, making proximity to treatment centers critical. The Winter Park facility is expected to come online by 2029 and will complement existing…
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26 January
Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Six to the State University System Board of Governors
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Ashley Lukis, Michael Okaty, Keith Perry, and Nick Sinatra and the reappointment of Ashley Bell Barnett and Charles Lydecker to the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. Ashley Lukis is a shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A., with experience representing public entities and private clients and has served on the Florida Commission on Ethics. She holds…
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26 January
Three FSU Alumni Reappointed to Board of Trustees
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Maximo Alvarez, Vivian De las Cuevas-Dias, and Jorge Gonzalez to the Florida State University Board of Trustees, pending final approval by the Senate. All three appointees are FSU alumni. Jorge Gonzalez, CEO of The St. Joe Company, has extensive experience in community development and economic initiatives in the Panhandle, serving on boards including the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Economic Development Alliance. The 13-member Board…
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26 January
Department of Defense Invests $1 Billion in L3Harris Missile Solutions, Plans IPO in 2026
Melbourne-based L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced a $1 billion investment from the Department of Defense to create a direct-to-supplier partnership with its new Missile Solutions company, which will later become a separate entity. L3Harris plans to pursue an IPO for Missile Solutions in the second half of 2026 while retaining a controlling interest. The partnership aims to scale the domestic supply chain for solid rocket motors, modernize facilities, increase production, and strengthen industrial resilience as…
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26 January
Rep. Sam Garrison Prioritizes Behavioral Health Ahead of Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session
As Florida lawmakers prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session, Rep. Sam Garrison emphasized that behavioral health, including mental health and substance use disorders, will remain a top priority. Speaking at the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, the Fleming Island Republican—who is in line to become House Speaker after November’s elections—called the issue a “first-tier” challenge that affects all demographics, amplified by technology and social media. Garrison noted that mental health is one of the few areas…
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