The billionaire founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, has made a grand entrance into Florida's waters with his colossal 417-foot sailing yacht, Koru, docking at Port Everglades. This move comes just weeks after Bezos announced his relocation back to Florida, marking a significant shift from his nearly three-decade residency in Seattle.
The arrival of Bezos' yacht isn't just a display of luxury but a signal of the tech mogul's growing interest in the Sunshine State. The Koru, recognized by Boat International as the world’s largest sailing yacht, is a testament to engineering and luxury, reportedly costing around $500 million to build.
Bezos' connection to Florida is deepening on multiple fronts. Nearly three years after stepping down as the CEO of Amazon, Bezos has been focusing on his aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company, Blue Origin. He recently mentioned in a social media post that operations for Blue Origin are “increasingly shifting” to Cape Canaveral, located about 200 miles north of Miami. This move underscores the billionaire’s commitment to his space venture and Florida's growing importance in the aerospace industry.
In a related development, Amazon is expanding its footprint in the Miami area. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to NBC6 the company's search for 50,000 square feet of leased office space in Miami, reflecting its organic growth in the region over the past few years. Amazon currently employs over 400 corporate and tech staff in serviced office locations around Miami, but this new office space would mark the company’s first dedicated base in the city.
Furthermore, Bezos' personal investment in the region is notable. According to Bloomberg News, he purchased a mansion in the exclusive area known as “Billionaire Bunker” for $79 million in October, following an earlier acquisition of a neighboring estate for $68 million. These purchases in one of the most affluent areas of Florida highlight Bezos' commitment to his new base of operations.
Jeff Bezos' yacht docking in Port Everglades is more than just a billionaire’s maritime preference; it's a clear indication of his and Amazon's deepening ties with Florida. From space ventures to real estate investments, Bezos is laying down roots in the Sunshine State, signaling new business opportunities and personal ventures. As Amazon seeks to expand its presence in Miami, it’s clear that Florida is becoming an increasingly important hub for tech and corporate growth, fueled by the interests of one of the world's most influential billionaires.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri on
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