Visit Florida Secures $80 Million Tourism Marketing Budget

Visit Florida will maintain its $80 million state funding allocation for fiscal year 2026-2027, matching current year levels according to draft budgets moving through the Florida Senate and House. President and CEO Bryan Griffin expressed satisfaction with the sustained support during a recent Executive Committee meeting, emphasizing the agency's commitment to demonstrating effective stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The tourism marketing organization continues to face scrutiny over its spending practices, making the consistent funding level a significant win for Florida's $131 billion tourism industry. Griffin highlighted the agency's focus on transparency and accountability to maintain legislative confidence in future budget cycles.

In healthcare philanthropy, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute will undergo a naming transformation following a landmark $100 million donation from Dr. Herbert Wertheim, marking the largest single gift in the health system's 66-year history. The facility will become the Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, recognizing the Miami-based optical products manufacturer's generosity.

The substantial donation will strengthen Baptist Health's academic partnership with Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, expanding training programs for medical students, residents and researchers. Additionally, the gift establishes the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Center for Cancer Prevention within the institute, which opened in 2017 and continues expanding its services.

Dr. Wertheim, founder of Brain Power Incorporated, has now contributed over $300 million to Florida higher education institutions, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing medical research and education throughout the state.

Miami Beach commissioners approved comprehensive residential towing reforms on May 20, adopting Commissioner Alex Fernandez's "End Resident Tows" package designed to reduce unnecessary vehicle removals affecting local residents. The new framework introduces warning systems and correction windows for non-immediate violations such as parking in motorcycle-designated spaces.

The updated enforcement approach includes courtesy text message notifications while maintaining strict oversight of violations in residential parking zones by non-residents. The reforms also target freight loading zones, commercial loading zones and public safety violations with enhanced monitoring.

In commercial real estate developments, New York-based Big Think Capital has secured 5,995 square feet of office space in Aventura's Onyx Tower, marking the fintech lending platform's first Florida location. The 28-story building at 1010 South Federal Highway will house the company's regional operations as it expands its customized financing services for small and medium-sized businesses nationwide.

JLL brokered the transaction, reflecting continued demand for premium office space in South Florida's growing financial technology sector. Big Think Capital's arrival underscores Aventura's appeal to fintech companies seeking strategic positioning in the region's evolving business landscape.