Florida Power & Light’s proposed $10 billion rate hike — the largest in U.S. history — is on hold after the utility and key stakeholders reached a tentative settlement. The Florida Public Service Commission approved suspending two weeks of planned hearings, with a final agreement expected Aug. 20. If approved, new rates could take effect in January. Consumer advocates, including the Office of Public Counsel, opposed delaying the proceedings and remain outside the negotiations. FPL officials said the hike is needed to modernize infrastructure and meet growing demand, but critics cite affordability concerns. Hearings will resume once a settlement proposal is ready.

Florida ranked sixth in WalletHub’s 2025 Best States to Live list, which evaluated all 50 states using 51 metrics across affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life and safety. The Sunshine State excelled with the nation’s highest number of restaurants per capita, third-best income growth and a strong economy ranking at 11th. However, it ranked 24th in homeownership, 27th in percentage of adults in fair or poor health and 29th in average weekly work hours. Massachusetts topped the list, followed by Idaho, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The study used data from federal agencies and nonprofits, factoring in housing costs, income growth, education quality, health outcomes, amenities, crime rates and infrastructure to determine overall livability scores. 

Florida collected $4.85 billion in net general revenue in June, $31.6 million more than projected, according to the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research. Economists said consumers boosted purchases ahead of anticipated tariffs, marking the second consecutive month the trend influenced collections. Sales taxes, the largest revenue source, totaled $3.099 billion, $192.4 million above forecast. Investment earnings exceeded expectations, while corporate income taxes fell $171.4 million short. General revenue funds key state programs such as education, health care and prisons.  

HM Restaurant Group promoted Krystian Martinez to general manager of Bonita Fish Co., set to open this fall on San Carlos Island. Martinez has been with the company for eight years, most recently managing Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel. The new 300-seat waterfront restaurant will feature coastal-inspired seafood, a center bar, live entertainment and a marina with 30 slips for boat-in customers. Bonita Fish Co.will also offer Bayside Private Events, an indoor-outdoor venue for up to 150 guests. HM Restaurant Group also operates the neighboring Dixie Fish Co. and Doc Ford’s locations, with plans to revitalize Fisherman’s Wharf into a dining and entertainment destination. 

Lee County Public Safety is updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan and inviting residents to complete a short public survey to help shape the plan’s recommendations for wildfire response, mitigation and education. Developed in partnership with SWCA Environmental Consultants, the plan addresses the increased wildfire risk from trees downed by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and will provide access to federal mitigation funding under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. The survey is open to homeowners, renters, land managers, fire professionals and anyone who lives, works or owns property in unincorporated Lee County. The CWPP is funded through a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery awarded in 2024. To take the survey, click here. 

Collier County’s Collier Boulevard Park Boat Ramp will reopen Aug. 13 after major renovations to improve safety and convenience. Upgrades include a new seawall, boat ramp, floating dock, timber pilings and repaved parking. The facility, north of the Marco Island bridge, now offers T2 MobilePay for parking, allowing smartphone payments without an app. Launch fees are $10, with free parking for drivers holding a Collier County Resident Beach Parking Permit.

Grumpy Goat Coffee relaunched The Wandering Goat, its summer series of roving tasting events in Bonita Springs, with the next stop at Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28. Guests can meet local artisans and sample coffee, sourdough baked goods, Italian tapas, cookies and chocolates from exhibitors, including Grumpy Goat Coffee, The Hoppy Homestead, Pansardo Italian Specialties, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies and Olde Naples Chocolate. The free event is open to the public.   

Meagan Hill joined Priority Marketing as a marketing project manager, assisting with planning, organizing and executing client marketing campaigns and projects. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank promoted Edwardo Castro to assistant vice president and assistant controller, where he will help oversee financial reporting, accounting operations and internal controls. David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health appointed Timothy Reeder as outreach and partnership coordinator. 

Neighborhood Health Clinic received a $20,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation’s Access to Care Grants Program to expand affordable oral health care for underserved adults. Nearly 70% of clinic patients suffer from heart disease and diabetes-related illnesses, with poor oral hygiene often complicating treatment. Licensed medical volunteers provide all direct patient services, making the dental suite vital in preventing systemic infections. In 2024, volunteers handled over 12,000 patient visits and delivered 30,000 procedures. The Naples nonprofit leverages each donated dollar seven times in services through volunteer hours, in-kind donations and donated services. 

Youth Haven debuted a new shaded on-campus bus stop, funded by a $30,850 grant from the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation, just in time for the new school year. The shelter provides a safe, comfortable and weather-protected space for children and staff traveling to and from school at Collier County’s only emergency and residential shelter for abused and neglected youth.   

The Bonita Springs YMCA will host its annual charity golf tournament Sept. 19 at Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs. The event raises funds for the Children and Families Scholarship Fund, ensuring access to YMCA programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, regardless of financial situation. This year’s tournament honors the memory of Hank Hochstetler and invites golfers of all skill levels for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, followed by an awards lunch. To register, click here.  

The October issue of Gulfshore Business will feature our annual Women Business Leaders special advertising section with profiles of some of the most successful women business owners and women executives in Southwest Florida. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to spotlight the achievements of your women-owned company and women executives to the more than 55,000 monthly readers of Gulfshore Business. For advertising inquiries, please contact Advertising Director Chris Renstrom at 239-498-8517 or chris.renstrom@gulfshorebusiness.com.