Business Observer

Entrepreneurs

March 12, 2026

Sarasota best-selling author, speaker overcame teenage trauma

Simone Knego overcame some crushing teenage trauma to lead a life of confidence — and consistent accomplishments. Now she encourages others to do the same.

March 10, 2026

St. Pete entrepreneur aims to outsmart AI algorithms with startup

Jon Mest, winner of a spARK Labs by Ark Invest’s Innovation Showcase, is choosing to bootstrap his way with his startup ChatRank.

March 4, 2026

Tampa entrepreneur invests in European soccer clubs

Not yet 30, Will Freeman is adding to his already-long entrepreneurial resume with a headfirst dive into pro sports investing.

February 27, 2026

Sarasota County charter flight firm aims to quadruple volume in 2026

Amid a surge in clients, opportunistic air charter business AvSky Charters refuses to relent on white-glove service.

Health Care

March 11, 2026

Mental health text service lands contract with UnitedHealthcare, Optum

The partnership will spread Cope Notes to thousands of Medicaid recipients in major Florida markets.

March 6, 2026

AdventHealth nearing completion of Pasco medical office building

The new 35,000-square-foot facility is expected to open to the public this fall.

March 5, 2026

Sarasota lab to pay $980K over kickback, false claims allegations

The laboratory paid a marketing service for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries, prosecutors say.

Residential Real Estate

March 12, 2026

Report: 2 Gulf Coast metros among top for migrating house hunters

Those looking to relocate are increasingly searching Florida and two regions specifically, according to Redfin.

March 12, 2026

$38M affordable housing complex breaks ground in Tampa

Rio Palma Apartments will provide 90 affordable housing units for families in Tampa’s Palm River-Clair Mel area.

March 11, 2026

Naples-based luxury real estate firm acquires Punta Gorda brokerage

John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has acquired Walker Realty Group.

$5 million Sarasota-Manatee pet retail business starts franchising

The franchise market for retail dog food and toys is lucrative. Entrepreneurs — and passionate dog parents — Rob and Linda Emery enter it with a litter full of in-the-field experience.

Aldi, Publix open three stores in a week across Tampa region

Aldi plans new store in south Sarasota County

Benderson to renovate, reintroduce downtown Tampa tower

Ringling College sells Englewood Art Center

Sarasota best-selling author, speaker overcame teenage trauma

St. Pete entrepreneur aims to outsmart AI algorithms with startup

Tampa entrepreneur invests in European soccer clubs

Sarasota County charter flight firm aims to quadruple volume in 2026

Wahlburgers opens at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Bankrupt brewer Big Storm sells Clearwater property

First Watch CFO, who guided $1.2B company's IPO, to retire

El Greco to return in south Sarasota

Study: Florida homebuyers among most financially stretched in US

Tampa investment firm adds United Soccer League to growing sports portfolio

Bank of America reopens Sarasota office; plans $29M investment in region

Suncoast Credit Union announces merger, would grow to over $21B

Mental health text service lands contract with UnitedHealthcare, Optum

AdventHealth nearing completion of Pasco medical office building

Sarasota lab to pay $980K over kickback, false claims allegations

Report: 2 Gulf Coast metros among top for migrating house hunters

$38M affordable housing complex breaks ground in Tampa

Naples-based luxury real estate firm acquires Punta Gorda brokerage

Naples-based luxury real estate firm acquires Punta Gorda brokerage

$12B Tampa mining company promotes leader to VP role

Peachey's opens second Sarasota County donut store

After heavy opposition, Tampa developer reveals revamped plan for marina

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

Fair or equal? How to split up ownership of a family business

Family wealth transfer: More at stake than money

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$5 million Sarasota-Manatee pet retail business starts franchising

The franchise market for retail dog food and toys is lucrative. Entrepreneurs — and passionate dog parents — Rob and Linda Emery enter it with a litter full of in-the-field experience.

3 Articles Remaining!

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