Local Business & Climate Resilience: Babcock Ranch is joining Ambition Accelerated through the Southwest Florida Resilience Accelerator, aiming to help founders scale climate-resilience tech tied to disaster-ready infrastructure and sustainable construction. Small-Business Tech & AI: Pax8’s Nick Heddy says SMBs should focus on applying existing tools for AI competitiveness, not chasing the most expensive “frontier” models—plus a push toward “managed-intelligence-ready” partners and repeatable outcomes. Florida Elections (School Board): Lee County voters face District 4 and District 6 races, with candidate profiles highlighting business and community experience alongside education priorities. Property Tax Relief Debate: Lee County is set to vote on a homeowner property tax exemption increase this fall, with supporters citing relief from rising bills and opponents warning about impacts to government services. Tourism & Local Spending: Highlands County is banking on sports tourism with ProWatercross at Lake Verona (Aug. 15–16) and a second August event, aiming for hotel, dining, and media exposure. Fraud Pressure on Merchants: A report flags a surge in online scams and “friendly fraud” chargebacks, reminding businesses to tighten payment dispute processes as consumers file more disputes. Retail Real Estate Watch: Tampa’s WestShore Plaza is being bought for $135M and is headed toward demolition and mixed-use redevelopment, leaving remaining shops unsure about timing.