Things To Do In SW Florida

A global biotech firm that develops novel cancer treatments wants to build a facility in NeoCity for its future offices, research and development, and manufacturing.

Osceola County Commissioners are scheduled to vote Monday on a Memorandum of Understanding with Empyrean Medical Systems and its development partner, Concept Companies, for a multi-year expansion in the county’s 500-acre tech district, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. It would be the latest addition to NeoCity, the county’s taxpayer-subsidized effort to attract cutting-edge industries and create higher-paying jobs, diversifying its tourism-based economy.

Empyrean, which is based in Boca Raton, would lease between 1,000 and 5,000 square feet in the OC Building on NeoCity Way in 2025 for the engineering and fabrication of parts for the company’s trademarked Morpheus robotically-assisted, high-beam radiotherapy system. Both Empyrean and MagCorp, its strategic partner on the Morpheus project, would open administrative offices in the county-owned building. read more

Could Elon Musk and SpaceX be set to drop $1.8 billion for new launch support facilities in Cape Canaveral?

Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development entity, isn’t saying just who wants to spend the money, but they are planning to discuss the secretive plan called “Project Hinton” at a meeting this week.

The agenda notes for Wednesday’s meeting outlined the project that will be a “high-volume production facility, high bay and launch infrastructure at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport.”

The price tag is greater than the $1 billion Jeff Bezos sunk into refurbishing Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 36 for his Blue Origin New Glenn rocket, so it falls in line with Musk’s plans for launching hundreds, and eventually thousands, of Starships a year in his quest to create a colony on Mars.

Curiosity reigns at SpaceX Starship environmental impact meeting on Space Coast

SpaceX already is trying to get Starship pads built at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39-A as well as pursuing a takeover of Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 37 that had been used by United Launch Alliance until this year’s final Delta IV Heavy launch. The Canaveral site is in the midst of an environmental impact study led by the Air Force, while the KSC site has one being run by the Federal Aviation Administration. read more

About 4 million people in Florida are insured by UnitedHealthcare, a company facing backlash after its CEO was shot to death in Manhattan, followed by public outrage over its pattern of coverage denials.

Florida represents UnitedHealthcare’s second largest market after Texas, providing coverage through employee plans, the Affordable Care Act open marketplace and Medicare Advantage plans.

This week, the insurer’s prior authorization and coverage denials in the state drew the same anger and frustration seen nationwide on social media in the wake of the shooting. Florida lawyers, insurance advocates and medical billing experts say being informed about UnitedHealthcare’s practices, making smart choices and fighting back is critical, especially now that the insurer uses sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) to deny approvals and claims. According to consumer research site, ValuePengiun, UnitedHealthcare denies claims at a rate nearly double the industry average and now faces a barrage of lawsuits, including hundreds in Florida. read more

PORT CANAVERAL — The Disney Treasure cruise ship’s arrival to Florida is something Disney Cruise Line is used to — the second ship of a new class preparing for its maiden voyage.

It’s what comes next that marks uncharted territory for the cruise line as it prepares to flood the market with seven more ships in seven years.

The line is running through preview sailings on Treasure ahead of its maiden voyage Dec. 21 when it begins normal seven-night Caribbean sailings, taking on the weeklong duties while its sister ship Disney Wish, which began sailing in 2022, continues short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral.

“We’ve been really able to build on the launch of the Disney Wish and by following up with the Treasure almost right behind — certainly feels right behind — with new stories, new intellectual property, new character experiences,” Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for Disney Cruise Line said during an interview on the ship. “Just sort of taking and building upon what we did with Wish and being able to add enough unique, different spaces and stories that it’s really interesting and exciting for guests and for our crew and for our cast.” read more

“The sky’s the limit!” said SoDough Square owner Rob Bair in response to major projects at Orlando International Airport that will bring a slew of popular local food offerings to terminals A and B.

Bair’s award-winning Detroit-style pizzeria is one of them. And he and his team were thrilled to be included in the plans, approved by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority on Wednesday.

Orlando airport’s multibillion-dollar spending spree will modernize aging terminals. Here’s what you get.

“It’s so exciting to be part of such a dynamic, high-traffic environment and to share our unique pizza with both travelers and airport staff,” Bair said. “Winning this bid is a tremendous honor, and our team is fully committed to delivering a high-quality dining experience that aligns with the airport’s mission and meets the needs of its guests. We are already hard at work on the next steps and look forward to transforming this new location into a must-visit destination.”

The project, said airport Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Angela Starke, is part of a concession master plan that will take “a holistic approach to dining and shopping experiences at Orlando International.” read more