Florida has been a hotspot in the U.S. for many people over the past few years, with more than 1 million people moving to the state in 2022.

U.S. Census Bureau data shows that a large chunk of Florida’s incoming residents have moved from states like New York, California or foreign countries.

The state’s population has been on an incline for decades, though it saw an explosion of new residents beginning back in 2016.

In fact, inbound migration to Florida has been so high that the state’s population has passed 23 million people for the first time ever, according to the state’s Demographic Estimating Conference.

Earlier this month, the DEC announced that the record figure had been reached back in April, though rapid population growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

To be precise, Florida is set to see well over 300,000 people move in annually through 2026 — just under 900 people per day on average.

“These increases are analogous to adding a city slightly smaller than Orlando, but larger than St. Petersburg every year,” the DEC report reads.

By these estimates, Florida will reach 24 million residents by 2027; 25 million residents by 2031; and 26 million residents by 2036.

This huge influx of people into Florida is also set to bolster the state’s GDP and job growth, according to UCF economist Sean Snaith earlier this year.

“Florida is going to keep cruising at a higher altitude than the rest of the country,” Snaith predicted. “That’s because the ‘twin engines’ of a robust labor market and population growth are propelling us forward.”

Snaith explained that many of the people moving into Florida are retirees, which means more jobs are being created to meet their needs and wants.

However, this population growth could have other consequences.

With more people moving into the state, there are more people seeking goods and services like housing, food, gas and insurance — among many other products.

As a result, Florida’s cost of living is becoming inflated, outpacing wage growth in the state. This is despite having predicted average growth higher than the rest of the nation.

“Florida should enjoy the ride through these economically friendly skies with seatbelts fastened — just in case,” Snaith said.

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A Southwest flight arriving at Tampa International was rerouted to Fort Lauderdale after the plane descended dangerously low nearly four miles out from the tarmac.

According to reporting from Fox 13 Tampa, the plane descended within 150 feet of the Courtney Campbell Causeway. 

At that distance, the plane should have been around 1,000 feet from the ground.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT TO HAWAIIAN ISLAND PLUNGES, COMES WITHIN 400 FEET OF PACIFIC OCEAN: REPORT

“Southwest Flight 425 safely diverted to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 14 after the Crew discontinued their planned approach into Tampa International Airport,” a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines shared in an email with Fox News Digital. “The aircraft returned to Tampa after a short time on the ground in Fort Lauderdale.” 

In an air traffic control call obtained by Fox 13 Tampa, the technician can be heard contacting the pilot saying “Southwest 425, low altitude alert, check your altitude…”

It is unknown at this time why the flight diverted to Fort Lauderdale Airport. The FAA is currently investigating the incident.

LAPTOP CATCHES FIRE DURING BOARDING OF AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO

“The FAA has increased oversight of Southwest Airlines to ensure it is complying with federal safety regulations through the Certificate Holder Evaluation Process,” the FAA shared in a statement with Fox News Digital. “Safety will drive the timeline.”

One retired pilot interviewed by Fox 13 Tampa believes it was pilot error. “How they got to 150 feet with the number of warnings that are available on an aircraft… it’s really– it’s hard to believe,” said Kent Davis.

An aerial view of Tampa International Airport (TPA) on January 31, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The retired pilot of 30 years continued, “They either started their descent at the wrong point and descended thinking that they were on the proper descent rate to the runway, or something may have malfunctioned.”

A spokespserson for Southwest Airlines shared in their statement to Fox News Digital, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.”

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An initial finding from the FAA may take months to investigate.

The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources held its annual Straughn Seminar at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association on July 18. FTBOA Associate Vice President of Membership Services and Events Tammy A. Gantt shared the economic impact of the industry with participants, its importance when approaching legislators and how the economics of a racetrack and incentive programs work for breeders, owners and stakeholders. 

Prior to the program at the FTBOA offices and museum, the class attended a session with FTBOA board president George Isaacs at Bridlewood Farm. They next visited FTBOA board member Paul Bulmahn’s Goldmark Farm where he focused on investment in land and operations for the industry. The group also toured his Triple Crown museum. 

FTBOA immediate past president Valerie Dailey presented, “Understanding Trends of Marion County Real Estate and Land Values.” 

The class of select agriculture leaders from across the state also toured the World Equestrian Center where Jim Wolf, president of Wolf Sports Group, discussed the economic impact of the facility and the opening of its new hotel, The Riding Academy. 

The two-day program included sessions on Civil Discourse, Deliberative Engagement, and Leading with Humility; Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Discussion of Forever Chemicals; Understanding Partisanship in Agriculture & Natural Resources; Florida Commodity Legislative Issues and Navigating the Process; The University of Florida Artificial Intelligence Initiative and The Future of Florida Agriculture; Leadership, Hardiness and Anti-Fragility; and a tour of the Dollar Tree Distribution Center, with the topic An Introduction to the Logistics Industry. 

The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources develops leaders to ensure a strong and adaptable Florida agriculture and natural resources industry for generations to come. 

The institute’s next stops are Washington, D.C. and an international trip to Nairobi, Kenya.

Return to the July 23 issue of Wire to Wire