News

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.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Business Observer Staff
October 16, 2025

The Business Observer honors its 40 Under 40 2025 winners

The Business Observer held its annual 40 Under 40 event Oct. 9 at The Ora in Sarasota.

Class of 2025

Elizabeth King
October 16, 2025

National builder breaks ground at SeaFlower in Bradenton

M/I Homes is selling townhouses and villas at the developing Manatee County community.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
October 16, 2025

Dick's Sporting Goods sets opening day for Brandon super store

The sporting good chain's latest House of Sport location will open in suburban Tampa on Halloween.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

S.T. Cardinal
October 16, 2025

Longboat Starbucks 'on hold' with build-out yet to start

It has been eight months since the arrival of Starbucks to Longboat Key was announced, and interior work is yet to start.

Manatee-Sarasota

Elizabeth King
October 15, 2025

Sarasota manufacturer signs deal with Australian distributor

Trace Eye-D has partnered with Optimum Tecnology of Australia.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
October 15, 2025

Rebuilding of historic Captiva Island property officially begins

The rebuilt Captiva Island Inn is being constructed with a focus on resiliency.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Anastasia Dawson
October 15, 2025

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant returns to Tampa next summer

After closing its original south Tampa location in 2018, the Spanish tapas restaurant will open a new spot on Bay Street at International Plaza in summer 2026.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Mark Gordon
October 15, 2025

Noted New Jersey motorcycle detailer opens SWFL location

Harry Sandwith, of Dirty Harry's & The Hogfather fame, has cleaned Keanu Reeves' motorcycles, among other celebrities. The new Cape Coral location is now open.