Business Observer | Business Observer

Elizabeth King
February 25, 2025

Lee County equipment supplier buys firm for $3.8B after previous deal collapses

Herc Holdings has entered into a merger agreement with H&E Equipment Services.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Andrew Warfield
February 25, 2025

More than 550 multifamily units proposed for North Trail in Sarasota

A developer has had a pre-application conference with city staff for a planned 300-unit complex between 17th and 18th streets along North Tamiami Trail.

Manatee-Sarasota

Laura Lyon
February 25, 2025

Health care giant BayCare adds 100 students with expanded residency

The Tampa Bay hospital system looks to triple its students amid doctor shortage by 2029.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
February 25, 2025

Car dealership buys distinctive Sarasota building on US 41 for $1.8M

A piece of commercial real estate on South Tamiami Trail has sold.

Manatee-Sarasota

Elizabeth King
February 24, 2025

SWFL eye care practice acquired by South Carolina company

The acquisition of Quigley Eye Specialists marks "an exciting new chapter for our practice," one ophthalmologist says.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Louis Llovio
February 24, 2025

Local condo prices fall in aftermath of new safety rules

While condo prices inland rise, a new report finds that owners on the state’s two coast are taking a big hit.

Florida

Laura Lyon
February 24, 2025

Tampa tech infrastructure firm completes acquisition

A Miami company bought the firm in early 2024 but kept the branding.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
February 24, 2025

Toll Brothers to build new luxury home community in south Sarasota County

Oakbend Wellen Park will begin selling homes this summer.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
February 24, 2025

Nearly 80% of Tampa Bay architects say hurricanes hurting business

An annual survey of local architects shows that concerns over the aftereffects of last year’s storms — and the national economy — point "to modest real estate development growth" this year.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Louis Llovio
February 23, 2025

983-square-foot Captiva building sold for $1.5 million

In the week's top commercial real estate news, a Fort Myers apartment complex sells, a Pasco hotel owner gets a $14 million loan, and a Naples contractor is hired to usher through a major Sarasota condo project.

Florida

Laura Lyon
February 22, 2025

Tampa contractor ordered to pay $55 million, serve 4 years in prison

A Pasco man who ran a wood-framing construction company for residential homes out of Tampa was sentenced for charges including fraud, tax evasion and workplace violations.