This Week's Latest Tech News in Palm Coast, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Palm Coast, FL is witnessing a significant wave of tech-driven growth, cementing its reputation as a rising tech hub along Florida’s high-tech corridor. The tech sector now contributes 15% to the city’s GDP and sustains over 5,000 jobs, with an economic impact surpassing $500 million - a figure bolstered by a 25% annual increase in new tech companies since 2020.

Notably, the city has invested in advanced fiber-optic infrastructure, positioning Palm Coast to become Florida’s second Certified Gigabit City and providing up to 10 Gbps speeds for businesses citywide (Palm Coast tech hub overview).

Local businesses are quickly adopting cloud computing, AI, and CRM solutions, with nearly 60% reporting digital transformation - including success stories from companies like Bean & Brew and Palm Coast Medical Center (Latest Palm Coast tech news).

Palm Coast’s presence at major industry events such as SpaceCom 2025 reflects its ambition to attract aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and information technology businesses, leveraging its strategic location and growing population (Palm Coast at SpaceCom 2025).

This collaborative energy sets the scene for the exciting local tech advancements explored in this week’s edition.

West Palm Beach has introduced the MiCa autonomous minibus, developed by Guident in partnership with several organizations, on a 0.9-mile downtown loop connecting CityPlace and the Brightline train station.

This new free service launched in April 2025 and is designed to advance public transit with a Level 4 fully autonomous, electric vehicle operating primarily without human intervention.

For safety, a trained staff member remains onboard during the pilot phase, and Guident’s Remote Monitoring and Control Center provides oversight, with remote operators able to view the shuttle’s surroundings through onboard cameras and intervene if needed.

• Advanced safety measures are implemented, including both onboard trained staff for intervention and Guident’s remote operators, who monitor the shuttle’s environment through cameras and can take control if necessary.
• Innovative technology features such as LIDAR and multiple cameras enable the minibus to detect obstacles and maintain situational awareness, enhancing operational reliability.
• Accessible service is prioritized by seating eight passengers and providing real-time tracking via WPBgo’s website or the Transit app for accurate arrival information.
• Community engagement is key, as feedback from residents and visitors will inform future expansion and the long-term vision for remotely operated shuttle services.
• Data-driven improvements are anticipated as the city collects data on ridership, occupancy, and user feedback during the 90-day pilot phase.

As West Palm Beach, with support from Thomas Davis and Mary Lopez at the city council, evaluates this pilot during a 90-day period, the city aims to improve accessibility and reduce congestion while testing a modern solution for urban mobility challenges.

“The community’s response will help shape expansion plans and the long-term vision, potentially allowing remote operators to manage several shuttles simultaneously.” - James Perez, City Transportation Official

Feature	Description	Benefit
Level 4 Autonomy	Primarily operates without human intervention	Reduces need for an on-board driver
Onboard Safety Staff	Trained professional present during the pilot	Enhances rider confidence and safety
Live Tracking	Routes and arrivals tracked via WPBgo or Transit app	Improves accessibility and planning for riders

Residents and visitors are encouraged to try the service and offer feedback, as community responses will help shape expansion plans and the long-term vision of remote operators managing several shuttles simultaneously.

For more details about the pilot program, its technology, and how to ride, visit the official project page at WPBgo’s Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program, see coverage of its debut at The Palm Beach Post, or read about the program’s goals and community partnerships at Self Drive News.

At this year's NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, the league officially approved the move to Sony's Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system for first-down rulings, starting with the 2025 season.

Instead of relying on the traditional chain crew, NFL games will now feature an array of six 8K cameras in each stadium that track the ball's exact position, with the technology coordinated centrally from the NFL’s Art McNally GameDay Central Officiating Center in New York.

While human officials still spot the ball after each play, the Hawk-Eye system digitally measures the distance to the line-to-gain, streamlining a process that previously averaged over a minute to just about 30 seconds per measurement, saving valuable game time and reducing opportunities for error.

The manual chain crew will remain on the sideline as a backup. Hawk-Eye's implementation comes after extensive preseason testing and demonstrations during the 2024 season, with both in-stadium displays and broadcast graphics planned for real-time virtual measurement visuals.

The NFL has partnered closely with Sony on this initiative, following Hawk-Eye’s successful use in sports such as tennis and MLB, to address accuracy and consistency concerns that have impacted games in previous years.

Executives including Daniel Lopez have emphasized that this technology will raise standards for officiating and enhance transparency for teams and fans alike.

For more information on the Hawk-Eye rollout and its features, you can check official announcements and expert breakdowns from ESPN on the NFL’s Hawk-Eye adoption, a detailed summary from Sactown Sports’ Hawk-Eye coverage, and specifics on its integration and planned benefits on the New England Patriots’ official technology announcement.

With Palm Beach as the formal starting point, the NFL’s Hawk-Eye system signals a significant step toward leveraging data and technology for faster and more accurate officiating, while keeping the human element present for checks and support.

The opening of Humanaut Health in Palm Beach Gardens marks a notable development in bringing advanced health technology to the region. Launched in April 2025 at 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Humanaut offers a blend of detailed medical testing and innovative wellness services that focus on optimizing healthspan and longevity for adults in midlife and beyond.

The clinic’s care model centers around proactive disease prevention and integrates multiple areas of medicine - including traditional, hormone, peptide, and regenerative therapies - under one roof.

Membership plans start at $225 per month, while a range of a la carte wellness treatments are available, such as IV drips, intramuscular shots, and fitness sessions administered by licensed clinicians.

These service lines reflect Humanaut’s broader mission to leverage scientific advancements and compassionate providers to deliver highly personalized care, distinguishing itself as a leader among the new breed of longevity clinics in South Florida (read more about the expansion).

• Clinic Innovation: Advanced technologies drive Humanaut Health in providing optimized and preventative medical care for adults in midlife and beyond.
• Service Offerings: Wellness treatments including IV drips, shots, and fitness sessions are offered alongside standard memberships for comprehensive health support.
• Personalization: Care plans are highly tailored to individual needs, distinguishing Humanaut as a unique longevity clinic in the region.

Early interest in the Palm Beach Gardens clinic has mirrored the rapid growth experienced at Humanaut’s flagship Austin location.

Since its launch in 2024, overall membership for Humanaut’s core plans has tripled, underscoring strong community demand for health optimization services. Members benefit from advanced technologies including full-body diagnostic assessments, personalized preventative care, and access to lifestyle medicine resources.

Services like IV therapy and fitness programming can be scheduled by both members and non-members, expanding access to evidence-supported modalities aimed at boosting energy, immunity, recovery, and overall well-being (see clinic wellness services).

Christopher Williams, an early member, shared, “The ability to schedule IV therapy or fitness sessions on-demand really helped me maintain my health goals, even with a busy schedule.”

• Membership Growth: Tripling membership reflects strong demand for health optimization in the region.
• Technology Integration: Diagnostic assessments and personalized care leverage the latest advancements for improved wellness.
• Access for All: Both members and non-members can benefit from wellness programming, extending care to the wider community.

With a leadership team of experienced physicians specializing in fields such as regenerative, functional, and hormone medicine, Humanaut Health is part of a growing network of clinics dedicated to helping individuals navigate health changes proactively.

The company’s national expansion is supported by a recent $8.7 million seed round, positioning Humanaut to open new locations across the South and West in 2026 (learn about their national growth).

As demand rises for clinics combining medical expertise and the latest health tech, Palm Beach Gardens emerges as a hub for data-driven, preventative healthcare.

Feature	Description	Impact
Comprehensive Medicine	Integration of traditional, hormone, peptide, and regenerative therapies	Broader preventative and personalized care options
Nationwide Growth	Seed funding enables expansion across multiple regions	Access to advanced health clinics increases
Community Focus	Services open to both members and non-members	Improved health outcomes for the wider public

• Leadership Expertise: Physician-led teams ensure clinical quality and proactive care for members.
• Funding & Expansion: A new $8.7 million seed round supports Humanaut's upcoming growth across the southern and western US.
• Regional Hub: Palm Beach Gardens stands out as a leading destination for data-driven, preventative healthcare solutions.

Pinnacle Live’s 2025 expansion highlights a shift in South Florida’s event technology space, as the company enters the region through new partnerships with high-profile venues such as JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, and Pier Sixty-Six.

These collaborations signal a push toward more customizable, tech-driven event experiences that combine advanced audiovisual solutions, 3D event visualization, and integrated onsite services.

According to Pinnacle Live leadership, the company's approach centers on offering choice and personalization for each hotel partner, which aligns with the growing demand for innovative, hybrid event experiences in Florida.

By blending technology, creative design, and dedicated customer support, Pinnacle Live is positioned as a preferred provider for hospitality venues looking to elevate their offerings and deliver seamless execution for both physical and virtual attendees (official press release).

• Expansion into South Florida signals a shift in the region’s event technology, driven by new partnerships with top venues.
• Customizable and advanced tech-driven event experiences are at the forefront, offering tailored audiovisual and visualization solutions.
• Personalization and customer choice define Pinnacle Live’s approach, meeting the demand for innovative hybrid events.
• Technology and design blend to help venues elevate their offerings and provide seamless experiences for both in-person and online guests.

Some of the company’s touted capabilities include full-spectrum event design, high-quality video production, 3D interactive renderings, modular lighting and scenic set design, as well as robust on-site services like reliable meeting internet and power management.

These tools not only support corporate meetings and conferences but also social gatherings - addressing a wide range of event needs with tailored solutions (detailed service overview).

The expansion is part of Pinnacle Live's broader strategy to create immersive, engaging environments for attendees, making it easier for hotel partners to attract larger and more frequent events while differentiating themselves in a competitive market.

1. Full-spectrum event design offers both flexibility and creativity for organizers in diverse settings.
2. High-quality video production and 3D renderings enhance the virtual and physical presence of any event.
3. On-site services such as internet and power management ensure reliable, robust logistics for gatherings of all types.
4. Attracting more frequent and larger events helps venues stand out in a competitive market.

As described by Pinnacle Live’s president, Daniel Jackson, this growth is a response to the industry’s push for innovation and memorable guest experiences, further cementing Palm Coast and the wider South Florida area as leaders in this evolving sector (recent industry coverage).

The impact is expected to be significant, providing local venues with technology that supports everything from live streaming to in-depth event analytics, positioning the region at the forefront of national event tech trends.

Feature	Benefit	Who Benefits
3D Event Visualization	Enhanced planning and immersive previews of event setups	Event Planners
Integrated Onsite Services	Smoother execution and fewer technical issues	Hotel Venues
Advanced AV Solutions	High-impact presentations for both virtual and in-person audiences	Attendees

“By blending technology, creative design, and dedicated customer support, Pinnacle Live creates new standards in the hospitality and event tech sector.” – William Garcia

The impact is expected to be significant, providing local venues with technology that supports everything from live streaming to in-depth event analytics, positioning the region at the forefront of national event tech trends.

AquaSonic is bringing a new era of sustainable car care to Florida with its high-tech, water-saving car wash locations, leading the way in eco-friendly solutions for Palm Beach and beyond.

Each AquaSonic wash uses about 15 gallons of fresh water per vehicle, thanks to advanced water reclamation that recycles up to 90% of water used during the cleaning process - helping the company achieve a 65% reduction in water consumption compared to most traditional washes.

These innovations are part of AquaSonic’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact as Florida emphasizes resource conservation, following recent guidance encouraging commercial car washes to lower potable water use by at least half by 2026.

You can learn more about AquaSonic’s sustainability practices, like its use of biodegradable cleaning agents and waste minimization efforts, on their dedicated sustainability page.

What sets AquaSonic apart is not just its water savings.

The company’s technology leverages multi-stage water filtration systems, energy-efficient equipment that reduces emissions, and advanced chemistry like ceramic and graphene oxide in its cleaning blends.

These innovations also help maintain and gently restore your car’s finish with frequent washes. Statewide, AquaSonic is expanding fast, with over 15 locations confirmed - including sites in Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville - on their mission to make premium, sustainable car care accessible across Florida.

Details about their expansion and new locations are available in updates from the company’s launch coverage.

The impact is measurable: initial site clusters are projected to save over 2 million gallons of water annually.

As AquaSonic’s Florida rollout progresses, its eco-conscious model is already being recognized as a blueprint for the industry’s future. To explore the vision and latest announcements behind this initiative, check out Joseph Brown’s expansion news for AquaSonic’s Florida grand opening.

Palm Coast’s interest in environmental technology takes a cue from advancements around Florida, especially Tampa’s adoption of LG Sonic’s ultrasonic buoys to address harmful algae blooms in the Hillsborough River.

The City of Tampa has installed two LG Sonic MPC-Buoys as part of a state-funded pilot program, using ultrasonic sound waves to block algae’s access to sunlight and nutrients, causing it to sink and die off without releasing toxins.

This method not only restores dissolved oxygen levels crucial for aquatic life but also avoids the use of traditional algaecides and their associated risks to fish, plants, and humans.

The buoys emit sound waves within a 2,600-foot radius and can project up to the riverbanks, with frequency adjustments possible based on bloom type - allowing continuous, targeted control and monitoring.

The pilot, undertaken with support from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is comparing the ultrasonic approach to copper sulfate treatments and has shown encouraging early results in balancing the ecosystem and improving water quality according to LG Sonic’s project overview.

These solar-powered buoys are designed for minimal environmental impact, relying on low-power ultrasound that is safe for aquatic organisms and humans.

Local officials like Patricia Moore highlight that the system’s effectiveness has been observed in over 50 countries, and in Tampa, two more buoys are planned for deployment.

Each buoy can monitor and impact algae within a 500-meter radius, and initial feedback points to a reliable, chemical-free strategy for preventing blooms that threaten wildlife and water quality.

The effort is part of a broader strategy that includes curbing fertilizer use and upgrading septic systems, showing promise for broader use across Florida communities as detailed by FOX 13 News.

• Chemical-free technology is helping water managers to reduce dependency on potentially harmful traditional treatment methods.
• Protecting aquatic habitats fosters safe recreation and rich biodiversity for area residents.
• Ready scalability means the solution can be deployed to various water bodies statewide.

Comparing algae control options demonstrates the value of ultrasonic buoys:

Solution	Initial Cost	Annual Maintenance	Environmental Impact	Effectiveness
LG Sonic Buoy	$45,000–$60,000	Low	Eco-friendly	Significant algae reduction
Chemical Treatments	$10,000–$50,000	$10,000+	Potentially harmful	Short-term, less targeted

As Tampa’s pilot explores new technologies for cleaner water and restored ecosystems, coastal cities like Palm Coast are taking note.

Linda Hernandez of the city government notes that LG Sonic’s ultrasonic approach is being monitored for its potential to scale to other regions, supporting long-term, chemical-free water management.

For further details on Tampa’s ultrasonic buoy pilot, visit this summary of Tampa’s non-invasive approach.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s decision to close its historic Worth Avenue store in Palm Beach in April 2025 marks a significant shift for the local retail landscape, following its parent company’s acquisition of Neiman Marcus.

The move is part of a larger restructuring as Saks Global seeks to cut costs and adapt to changing consumer preferences and shopping habits, with the company aiming to reduce annual expenses by $500 million and consolidating overlapping operations between Saks and Neiman Marcus.

• Employee Support: Employees impacted by the closure were offered opportunities to transfer to other Saks locations in Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton, and some received severance packages. This demonstrates Saks' wider effort to treat staff respectfully during the process.
• Retail Shift: Business leaders and analysts note that the closing signals the end of nearly a century of Saks on Worth Avenue and highlights department stores' efforts to focus more on digital experiences rather than traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
• Digital Continuation: Instead of a physical store, Saks will continue serving Palm Beach customers through online shopping and the new Fifth Avenue Club - a personal shopping and styling service at the White Elephant hotel scheduled for fall 2025.
• Industry Trend: Integration of tech-drive services, like virtual stylists and AI-powered recommendations, allows Saks to meet evolving customer preferences while consolidating costs and adapting to industry changes.

Local business leaders, including Lisa Rodriguez, see the closure as a reflection of how luxury retail is evolving to prioritize customer convenience and digital innovation, without losing the human touch that sets brands apart.

Main Factor	Outcome	Industry Impact
Restructuring & Mergers	Closure of Worth Avenue store	Increase in digital retail services
Cost Reduction	Consolidation of operations	Enhanced focus on tech integration

For more background on the closure’s local impact and Saks’ strategy, see coverage by the Palm Beach Post, details on the company’s restructuring in CoStar News, and analysis of retail consolidation at The Impression.

The closure underscores an ongoing transformation in luxury retail, emphasizing digital convenience while maintaining essential relationships with longstanding customers.

Rocket launches continue to be a major draw for Palm Coast residents, especially in April 2025, with memorable events lighting up the sky and uniting the community.

The upcoming United Launch Alliance Atlas V liftoff, scheduled for April 28 from Cape Canaveral as part of Amazon’s Project Kuiper, is set to deliver a constellation of 27 satellites aimed at global internet coverage.

Weather permitting, this launch will be visible not just on the Space Coast, but also from Palm Coast and beyond, with viewing timelines suggesting that locations as far as Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, and even outside Florida may catch a glimpse, depending on cloud cover and line of sight.

The excitement is driven by the significant technology at play - notably, Project Kuiper’s intent to compete with SpaceX's Starlink by building a $10 billion satellite network - making these launches both a spectacle and an inspiration for tech enthusiasts and learners in the region.

For locals looking to get the best view, popular beach parks and elevated spots near the Indian River Lagoon continue to be recommended, and apps and livestream coverage are available for those following along at home or in the classroom.

Updates and live launch information can be found via resources like Florida Today and specialized launch viewing guides such as those from the Space Coast’s official visitor site.

The anticipation and social buzz, including local hashtags and photos shared on launch nights, reinforce Palm Coast’s close link to the expanding space economy.

For more details on launch times, trajectories, and viewing recommendations, check out up-to-date coverage and tips at The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Public engagement continues to climb, including:

• Community gathering is booming, with more than 2,500 people turning out for the “April Launch Watch” at Flagler Beach, organized by the Palm Coast Astronomy Club, reflecting local excitement about space events.
• City website traffic soared by 65% during launch windows, showing a significant increase in local interest as residents search for tips and event news.
• Educational outreach flourished as school districts collaborated on livestream sessions, bringing STEM-focused lessons to over 1,200 students during actual launches.

Date	Rocket	Operator	Attendees (est.)
April 19, 2025	Atlas V	Amazon Kuiper	1,800
April 23, 2025	Falcon 9	SpaceX	2,500+

As Robert Williams from Florida Tech Enthusiasts says, “Every launch is a reminder that Palm Coast is connected to the heartbeat of American innovation.”

These events continue to offer students and residents not just a chance to look up, but a reason to dream bigger in tech and engineering fields.

The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction in 2025 underscored how car culture and technology are blending in real-time, creating an experience rooted in both heritage and innovation.

Hosted at the South Florida Fairgrounds from April 24-26, the event drew thousands of spectators to witness an eclectic mix of collectible vehicles - including rare supercars, American muscle, and even unique memorabilia like the “Miami Vice” movie boat "MOJO" - all auctioned live and broadcasted nationally.

This year, the auction enhanced its on-site experience by offering more hands-on attractions; attendees could navigate the Exhibitor Marketplace, explore sponsor displays, and watch celebrity guests, or take part in the popular Thrill Rides and Hot Laps on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track, available for guests age 8 and up, providing a firsthand encounter with high-performance vehicles under professional supervision (full event details).

Technology played a key role not only on the block but in how visitors engaged. The Barrett-Jackson Live App allowed guests to track vehicles, schedules, and sales in real-time from their phones, while RFID-enabled consignment and AI-powered bidder tools contributed to efficient and transparent operations for sellers and buyers alike (featured auction highlights).

The event also offered special experience packages featuring private lounge seating, gourmet cuisine, behind-the-block tours, and invitations to the Opening Night Gala, making it possible for both serious bidders and families to enjoy the unique atmosphere (explore experience packages).

With added amenities like a clear bag policy for security, free parking with shuttle service, and a kid-friendly admission policy, the auction has become more than just a marketplace - it’s an inclusive celebration where tradition and tech unite under one roof.

Sinclair Broadcast Group has named Vincent J. Sollecito as the new Vice President and General Manager of WPEC CBS 12, serving the West Palm Beach market.

Sollecito steps into this leadership role with more than 20 years in broadcast media, previously steering organizations like Marquee Sports Network, where he was Senior Vice President of Ad Sales and played a key role in launching the network in 2019.

Before that, he was President of ABC National Television Sales, overseeing sales across eight owned-and-operated ABC stations and holding vice president positions at ABC 7 Chicago as well as WABC in New York (TVTechnology coverage).

Sollecito’s background is rooted in business, with a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University. Reflecting on his appointment, he shared, “Sinclair’s commitment to innovation and community-focused journalism aligns perfectly with my passion for building strong local connections and driving meaningful results” (Nasdaq announcement).

Sollecito’s arrival marks a shift in the region’s media technology trajectory:

• Accelerated Tech Adoption: The central theme is rapid introduction of new technologies. There are expectations for expanded streaming, enhanced digital newsroom tools, and advanced media platforms at WPEC in the coming year.
• Enhanced Community Engagement: The main idea centers on strengthening digital ties with the local community. Sollecito brings experience in integrating mobile-first content and interactive solutions, which may strengthen WPEC’s digital connection with local audiences.
• Workforce Upskilling: The core idea is investment in staff development and training. His leadership history suggests newsroom staff will see new investments in training for emerging digital and analytics tools, fostering both innovation and efficiency (Sinclair official news).

This focus on digital transformation - grounded in Sollecito’s extensive background in ad sales, station management, and local content innovation - signals WPEC’s intent to modernize its operations and set a regional example for technology-driven local journalism in 2025.

Palm Coast’s momentum as a technology hub is more tangible than ever, illustrating a trajectory that now positions the city among Florida’s fastest-growing tech economies.

Recent 2025 data highlights that tech jobs contribute 15% of the city’s GDP, with an average tech salary reaching $75,000 and annual industry growth running at a strong 15%.

Palm Coast’s strategic location - situated along I-95, less than 90 minutes from the Space Coast and between major hubs like Jacksonville and Orlando - is making it a top choice for startups and established firms looking to expand in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and information technology as highlighted at major industry events.

Flagler Technical College’s $1.6 million-backed programs and local innovation centers, such as the Brown Innovation Center, are key drivers for workforce development in cybersecurity and cloud computing, helping to prepare nearly 700 students for high-demand tech roles according to recent local tech news.

Major trends shaping Palm Coast this week include:

• Smart city development: Palm Coast invests in smart city tech as startups like UrbanPulse leverage AI and IoT to cut traffic congestion by 30% and reduce municipal energy use by 20%.
• Fintech growth: Fintech platforms such as SmartFin are thriving by using blockchain and AI to enhance security and optimize transactions, greatly benefitting local business operations.
• Environmental and health tech innovation: Tech innovation drives sustainability as EcoTech Solutions supports a 30% reduction in business carbon footprints, while HealthWave enables a 25% uptick in virtual care and boosts diagnostics accuracy through AI.

Community spirit is central to this progress.

As outlined in the city’s 2025 State of the City address, recent programs have fostered collaborative innovation, improved infrastructure, and kept resident voices at the forefront.

The consistent collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and local government suggests Palm Coast’s upward trajectory is set to continue - opening doors for tech-driven businesses, prospective employees, and residents eager for positive change.

We’ll keep sharing these developments each week as Palm Coast’s tech story unfolds.