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🐒💸 Wild and Wealth. Florida’s wild side made waves recently as a kayaker spotted dozens of monkeys leaping from the trees into the water and a local resident saw a bald eagle in the middle of Apalachee Parkway. 🦅 Meanwhile, on the wealth front, Florida’s billionaires are making headlines of their own: the state boasts a growing roster on the 2025 Forbes 400, with fortunes climbing even as markets fluctuate. Florida is thriving, whether in its wild landscapes or its growing billionaire wealth.
Quick Summary
In our 583rd edition, here’s the scoop:
Animals: It’s Raining Monkeys
Florida: Billies Included in Forbes 400
Featured: Women's History Month | Women United
TLH Weekend Events
ANIMALS
FLYING MONKEYS
Image Source: Giphy
🐒 "It's raining monkeys!" | ABC News
A kayaker’s peaceful trip through the waterways of Silver Springs State Park took an unexpected turn when dozens of monkeys suddenly leapt from the trees, splashing into the water. 🏞️
The monkeys are rhesus macaques, a species native to South and Southeast Asia, not Florida. The group at Silver Springs dates back to the 1930s, when a local tour operator reportedly brought them in for a jungle-themed boat attraction. Over time, they reproduced and formed a wild population that still lives there today.
Today, the troop is thought to number in the hundreds with an estimated 300 to 600 or more living in Central Florida. The population is growing by about 11% each year.
Wildlife officials monitor the population to help protect visitors and the surrounding environment. Like many wild animals, they can carry diseases, so guests are advised to keep a safe distance and not feed or approach them. While moments like this may surprise some visitors, monkey sightings are a familiar part of a visit to the park, where they’re often seen swimming across the river and interacting playfully in their groups.
FLORIDA
BILLY OF FL
Image Source: Giphy
✨ America’s 400 richest hit record $6.6T as billionaire wealth surges despite economic headwinds in 2025. | Forbes
Before we get ahead of ourselves, we are fully aware one notable name will soon to be added for 2026. Mark Zuckerberg is moving to Florida and recently purchased $170M Miami home currently under construction. We’ll narrow down the Top 10 2025 Forbes 400 Florida-Based Billionaires, showing their net worth and source:
Rank 4: Jeff Bezos - $241B (Amazon)
Rank 18: Thomas Peterffy - $73.3B (Discount Brokerage)
Rank 21: Ken Griffin - $50.4B (Hedge Funds)
Rank 41: David Tepper - $23.7B (Hedge Funds)
Rank 59: Stephen Ross - $17B (Real Estate)
Rank 68: Robert Duggan - $15.4B (Pharmaceuticals)
Rank 74: Shahid Khan - $14.3B (Auto Parts)
Rank 87: J. Christopher Reyes - $13.1B (Food Distribution)
Rank 87: Jude Reyes - $13.1B (Food Distribution)
Rank 91: Orlando Bravo - $12.8B (Private Equity)
Check out our spreadsheet featuring Florida-based Billies on the Forbes 400 lists. 📝
FEATURED
Image Source: Women United
Women's History Month | United Way of North Central Florida – Women United
United Way Women United is a dynamic network of women committed to making a positive impact in their community through advocacy, philanthropy, leadership, and volunteer service. As an initiative of United Way of North Central Florida, it connects women who support local programs, mentor youth, and work together to address critical community needs and improve lives through collective action.
📲 Reach out to Rahkiah Brown at [email protected] or (352) 333-0858 for more information.
EVENTS
Image Source: Canteens & Camo via FB
Saturday, Mar. 7
Super Mega Yard Sale Pop-Up by NorthFlora Collective | Saturday, Mar. 7 | 10 AM | 609 Railroad Sq. | Learn More
Featured Event: Canteens & Camo | Saturday, Mar. 7 | 6 PM | Aero Center Tallahassee, 3240 Capital Cir. SW Ste 5 | From $150 Tickets | Learn More
Friday, Mar. 13
Literacy & Lattes by Tally Mobs | Friday, Mar. 13 | 10 AM | Proof Brewing Company, 1320 S. Monroe St. | Learn More
Deadline for Application for Camp Ignite by The Tallahassee Fire Department | Friday, Mar. 13 | Apply | Learn More
Camp Ignite: April 3rd to 4th for Ages 14 to 21
Saturday, Mar. 14
Adoption Day by Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue | Saturday, Mar. 14 | 10 AM | Coldwell Banker Hartung, 3303 Thomasville Rd. Ste 201 | Learn More
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration by Amicus Brewing Ventures and Flamingo Party | Saturday, Mar. 14 | 12 PM | 717 S. Gadsden St. | Learn More
Sunday, Mar. 15
Spring Fling Pop-Up Market by Community Thrift Market | Sunday, Mar. 15 | 11 AM | 652B Capital Cir. NE | Learn More
A Night at The Oscars by FSU College of Motion Picture Arts | Sunday, Mar. 15 | 6 PM | The Moon | $50 Tickets | Learn More
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