Business Observer | Business Observer

Elizabeth King
October 20, 2025

Sarasota psychiatric practice becomes part of network

Cohen & Associates LLC has been incorporated into Hope Therapeutics, Inc.

Manatee-Sarasota

Elizabeth King
October 20, 2025

Lakewood Ranch farmers market named No. 1 in America

The farmers market at Waterside Place received the most votes in a nationwide competition hosted by the American Farmland Trust.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
October 20, 2025

Tampa Aldi-anchored center sells for $12.7 million

The Hillsborough County shopping plaza was bought by an out-of-state investor

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Louis Llovio
October 19, 2025

Miami developer gets $121 million loan for St. Petersburg project

In the week's top commercial real estate news, a New York banks stays in Tampa, an industrial site is up for sale in Sarasota, and a famed barrier island inn is being rebuilt.

Florida

Anastasia Dawson
October 18, 2025

Trash collector to lay off 72, close Pasco office

Republic Services of Florida Inc. plans to close its hauling facility at 8608 Arcola Avenue in Hudson, laying off all 72 employees starting Dec. 31, according to state filings.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Anastasia Dawson
October 17, 2025

Tampa Bay journalism executive, former magazine editor dies at 78

Rick Edmonds, longtime media business analyst for journalism think tank Poynter Institute, died Oct. 5 from health complications following a car crash.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
October 17, 2025

Gecko's co-founder to be named Florida Restaurateur of the Year

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will induct Mike Quillen into its Hall of Fame.

Manatee-Sarasota

Eric Garwood, Mark Gordon
October 17, 2025

$314M nonprofit charter school operator targets region for major expansion

Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota are on Mater Academy's list of target schools. That's a request that one Manatee County school board member says will only happen over her "dead body."

Florida

Anastasia Dawson
October 16, 2025

Hillsborough commission approves $18M for Steinbrenner Field upgrades

Hillsborough County commissioners voted 6-1 Wednesday to spend $17.96 million in tourist tax revenue on renovations to the Yankees’ spring training field.