Entrepreneurs

Anastasia Dawson
May 1, 2026

Vegas exec brings big bet mentality to new Tampa gig

Travis Lunn led some of Las Vegas’ most recognizable properties before taking on the role of president of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Anastasia Dawson
April 29, 2026

Former industry regulators lead group launching new Tampa bank

New South Bank would be the second de novo bank to launch in the region in the past year.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Andrew Warfield
April 27, 2026

Exclusive club complements developer's Sarasota evolution vision

Already expanding before it opens, 1000 North augments the vision of developer Kevin Daves to make Sarasota among the country's "most refined" cities.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
April 7, 2026

Naples Realtor tackles $271 million listing

Tim Savage has been tasked to sell one of the most expensive residential properties in the nation. He's confident he'll find the right buyer.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Mark Gordon
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.

Leadership

Anastasia Dawson
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.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth Djinis
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.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Elizabeth King
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.

Manatee-Sarasota

Louis Llovio
February 18, 2026

Hillsborough College president says Rays' stadium plan is a big win for all

Kenneth Atwater spoke with the Business Observer about a how proposed deal to build a stadium and mixed-use development on the school's Dale Mabry campus.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Beth Luberecki
February 11, 2026

Construction leaders with nearly 50-year age gap are each other's best mentors

A pair of construction leaders at vastly different stages of their careers have a flourishing mentoring relationship at Suffolk's Southwest Florida office. The lessons go both ways.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Elizabeth King
February 7, 2026

Development exec behind 7 multimillion-dollar projects 'bullish' on region

While keeping costs down remains a core challenge, Kolter Urban says the market for its offerings on the west coast of Florida is in good shape. At stake: hundreds of units for millions of dollars.