The Sunshine Economy explored the people, companies and trends that make South Florida one of the most dynamic economies in the world. The program ran from 2013-2023 as the region bounced back from the Great Recession, nurtured a burgeoning technology industry, and wrestled with climate change. The program takes listeners from the waters of Florida Bay to the depths of the PortMiami tunnel (and countless offices and conference rooms) to hear from bartenders and bankers, caregivers and CEOs.
Latest episodes
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49 min
A 'perfect storm' of problems plagues Florida's home insurance market
The home insurance market is broken with companies collapsing or leaving — raising costs and risks for homeowners.
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50 min
Florida's home and condo property insurance market 'is collapsing – a mess beyond proportions'
Property insurance rates are skyrocketing and Florida lawmakers promise action.
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49 min
How Disney and DeSantis clashed over power and policy, and what it means for business and politics in Florida
The battle between Gov. DeSantis and Disney CEO Bob Chapek is a rare public display of big business and hard knuckle politics.
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49 min
'If we don't open, mom can't go to work' — the pandemic puts a priority on child care
The child care industry is pivotal for parents being able to work and for children's early learning. It struggles to compete for workers.
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11 min
BONUS: Why a veteran climate activist thinks Russia's war in Ukraine may be a turning point for fossil fuels
The Russian war in Ukraine has brought focus — again — to sources of energy. Climate activist Bill McKibben talks about how he hopes the war will reshape the developed world's rela…
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49 min
How two generations are fighting climate change by focusing on finance and age
Delaney Reynolds and Bill McKibben are from different generations and live on opposite ends of the East Coast. Both have committed themselves toward fighting climate change and ral…
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49 min
How a banker, baker and cleaner survived, then thrived during the pandemic, and new challenges they face
WLRN has been following three businesses for more than a year as the regional economy recovers from COVID-19.
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25 min
The South Florida economy experiences 'a different kind of surge' while sentiment wanes
The unemployment rate has plunged while the inflation rate has soared, hurting consumer confidence.
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49 min
One couple's small business journey during the pandemic
COVID-19 cost them one business, but Jamila and Akino West used their pandemic pivot to reinvest and reinvent their entrepreneurial ambitions.
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49 min
Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impact on countries with close ties to South Florida.
War has broken out in Eastern Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is felt here with higher gasoline prices, but it also impacts countries with close ties to South Florida.
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49 min
How four South Florida small businesses survived two years of COVID-19 and are growing again
First it was the virus, now small firms are dealing with new challenges like inflation and finding workers.
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28 min
How two bills would rewrite the relationship between businesses and local governments in Florida
The latest Tallahassee Takeover podcast from WLRN News explores the building friction over business and local rules. The battle over booze in Miami Beach may be its first test.
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49 min
The newest cruise ship operator at PortMiami says 'we're being singled out as an industry'
Virgin Voyages hopes to stand out in the cruise ship business with its rock-and-roll attitude and adults-only cruises even as the CDC still advises travelers to avoid cruising beca…
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49 min
The South Florida housing market has 'too few roofs to rent or own'
The escalating unaffordability of housing for local workers threatens competitiveness and quality of life, and worries housing experts.
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49 min
The storm in Florida's home insurance market is not weather-related. It's fraud and litigiousness
After years of shrinking, the state taxpayer-backed property insurance company Citizens has been growing as private insurers lose money in Florida.
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44 min
How a South Florida insurer is dealing with the cost of COVID care, at-home tests, and Obamacare
The second year of COVID-19 could cost $50 million for health insurance company AvMed.
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49 min
From parking lots to ghost kitchens – how Reef Technology is changing the restaurant business and regulations
A Miami company has attracted big investors and is reshaping the restaurant industry.
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49 min
Teddy bears, bedroom sets and brand new cars — what's fueling inflation for South Florida companies?
How inflation is affecting South Florida businesses from furniture to food, new cars to even Tonka toy trucks.
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49 min
Florida's special session: About protections from 'federal overreach' or 'vehicle for misinformation'?
Florida Republican lawmakers said employees need protections against being fired for not getting vaccinated. Democrats called it political theater casting doubt on COVID-19 vaccine…
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49 min
Costs and considerations for home health care of aging loved ones in Florida
The demand for home health care has increased even while the supply of workers has been squeezed thanks to how most of the care is paid for.