Business Observer | Business Observer

Louis Llovio
May 13, 2025

Struggling downtown Clearwater gets two new merchants

A new restaurant and gym are set to open in the once-thriving district now looking to reimagine itself.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Observer Staff
May 13, 2025

James Beard-nominated restaurateurs to open upscale Japanese spot at UTC

Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.

Manatee-Sarasota

Mark Gordon
May 13, 2025

$2.6B global tech firm buys Fort Myers company

Fiber Solutions has a second office in Tennessee.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Laura Lyon
May 12, 2025

Longtime St. Petersburg accounting firm announces rebrand

SBF Advisors, a St. Petersburg accounting firm that merged with another firm in February, has officially rebranded.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Louis Llovio
May 12, 2025

Fort Myers industrial park sold for $87 million

An international REIT has closed on a second major industrial park in 14 months.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Elizabeth King
May 12, 2025

Fast-casual healthy restaurant opens in Lakewood Ranch

Flower Child is making its Florida debut with the launch of a location on University Parkway.

Manatee-Sarasota

Mark Gordon
May 12, 2025

$2B wealth management team leaves UBS, launches independent firm

The new entity is based in Southwest Florida and north-central Ohio.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Andrew Warfield
May 12, 2025

Longtime Manatee politico, entrepreneur to run for Sarasota City Commission

Former Florida legislator and Manatee County elections supervisor Michael Bennett has moved to Sarasota and wants to provide "senior leadership" to the City Commission.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
May 11, 2025

Pasco County lifestyle clothing brand sells HQ for $22.5M

In the week's top commercial real estate news, a developer has big plans in Bonita Springs, details of SouthState’s sell off trickle in and a church, developer affordable housing community opens.