Business Observer

Entrepreneurs

July 8, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen co-founder dishes on culture, billion-dollar secrets

Be a "work with" company — not a "work for" company. Prioritize kindness. Do the hard right thing. Leadership lessons come from all sides in a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur's story.

June 23, 2026

Naples' Hoffmann gets official approval to buy NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins

The family-owned company can move ahead with buying the professional hockey team after the league's governing body gave the transaction its official blessing.

June 11, 2026

$12M east Manatee Chick-fil-A operator to open larger store

Jonathan Ith has run Chick-fil-A Creekwood for the past 25 years and is excited for a bigger and better opportunity he was offered.

June 5, 2026

The rise and fall of Patrick Britton-Harr: From high-flying entrepreneur to convicted felon

The Justice Department calls the story of Patrick Britton-Harr, who charmed investors and local business watchers while systematically defrauding investors and facing federal investigations, a cautionary tale.

Healthcare

July 9, 2026

St. Pete woman seeks $10M in discrimination lawsuit against employer

The lawsuit alleges California-based Veracyte ignored disability accommodations, interfered with protected leave and retaliated against the sales rep — a top performer — after she disclosed a high-risk pregnancy.

July 7, 2026

President selected for BayCare Hospital Manatee

The leader of BayCare’s new hospital being built in Palmetto also heads up a hospital in Riverview.

July 7, 2026

Freestanding ER projects on major growth track in region

Baycare bought the site, a former CVS, for $6 million in what will be the latest in a long line of freestanding ER projects from a variety of healthcare organizations in the region.

Residential Real Estate

July 8, 2026

Sarasota waterfront home listed for nearly $15M

This marks the Lido Shores estate's first public listing in 50 years.

July 6, 2026

Sarasota waterfront house sells for $17M — nearly $2M below asking price

The sale of the house in the city's Harbor Acres neighborhood is reportedly the largest mainland sale thus far this year.

July 2, 2026

Is Polk County the next stop for Gov. DeSantis?

The governor, who leaves office next year, is reportedly buying a home in an exclusive community in Lake Wales.

Sarasota dance fitness business goes mega-viral with videos

From members to instructors to now owners, Stacey Iltis and Kari Schroeter constantly chase their why at Fly Dance Fitness: to spread the love.

Detwiler's Farm Market plans largest store yet, first of its kind

Developer of 116-acre Tampa industrial project hires JLL

$1 billion Tampa development grows tenant roster

24 acres sell in Lee County

California Pizza Kitchen co-founder dishes on culture, billion-dollar secrets

Naples' Hoffmann gets official approval to buy NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins

$12M east Manatee Chick-fil-A operator to open larger store

The rise and fall of Patrick Britton-Harr: From high-flying entrepreneur to convicted felon

Sarasota craft taco spot to close, reopen under pizza concept

Sweet Tomatoes plots return after COVID-linked liquidation

Smoothie King franchisee oversees small empire of Gulf Coast stores

Seafood restaurant headed to old Tommy Bahama spot on St. Armands

SWFL bank president, market exec announces retirement

Sarasota trust company leader, former FDIC chair announces retirement

California wealth management giant acquires $1.1B Clearwater firm

St. Pete venture fund surpasses $1B milestone in four years

St. Pete woman seeks $10M in discrimination lawsuit against employer

President selected for BayCare Hospital Manatee

Freestanding ER projects on major growth track in region

Sarasota waterfront home listed for nearly $15M

Sarasota waterfront house sells for $17M — nearly $2M below asking price

Is Polk County the next stop for Gov. DeSantis?

Tampa Convention Center wins global award, primed for more

Sarasota waterfront home listed for nearly $15M

Naples man who swindled elderly couple sentenced to 4 years

Construction underway on $60M Tampa Riverwalk expansion

The best ways to manage uncertainty for yourself — and your team

Leadership transition in family business can create new opportunities

Defeating impostor syndrome requires responding to self-doubt with clarity, confidence

3 Articles Remaining!

Not a Subscriber?

Already a Subscriber?

Sarasota dance fitness business goes mega-viral with videos

From members to instructors to now owners, Stacey Iltis and Kari Schroeter constantly chase their why at Fly Dance Fitness: to spread the love.

3 Articles Remaining!

Not a Subscriber?

Already a Subscriber?

Sign Up for Daily Brief

Sign Up for CRE Central