Industries

By Elizabeth King
November 12, 2025

Manatee County company changes name, gets new CEO

Sovereign Naturals is the new name for Natural Immunogenics Corporation.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
November 12, 2025

Barnes & Noble returns to Lakeland after 16 years with new store

The chain is opening the store Nov. 19 along with six others as it continues to grow along the Gulf Coast and nationwide.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Anastasia Dawson
November 12, 2025

PopUp Bagels coming to Carrollwood

The bagel chain will open its second Tampa area restaurant on Nov. 14.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
November 12, 2025

SWFL botanical garden wins $1.3M in state funding for event center

Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs celebrates its 90-year anniversary in 2026.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Andrew Warfield
November 12, 2025

Sarasota Orchestra releases schematics of $425M Music Center project

As it aims toward a 2027 groundbreaking, the Sarasota Orchestra has released designs of its new Music Center campus.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
November 11, 2025

Naples farm operation sues former exec, alleges he stole $12.5M

Oakes Farms contends Steven A. Veneziano Jr. went to bought a Lamborghini, among other purchases, off ill-gotten gains. Veneziano also faces prison for his role in a $5 million Covid fraud case.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Elizabeth King
November 11, 2025

279-unit apartment complex with lazy river opens in Bradenton

The Stadler is now leasing apartments in Manatee County. Among the amenities are a golf simulator, sky deck and lazy river.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Elizabeth King
November 11, 2025

Lakewood Ranch tech company adds AI experts to executive team

Roper Technologies has created new roles on its leadership team focused on artificial intelligence.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Anastasia Dawson
November 11, 2025

USF releases new vision for football operations center

The 150,000-square-foot TGH Center for Athletic Excellence is part of the University of South Florida's on-campus stadium project, slated for completion by 2027.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Business Observer Staff
November 11, 2025

Sarasota Memorial breaks ground on $507M North Port hospital

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's new south county hospital will open with 100 beds and can be expanded to 400.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Anastasia Dawson
November 10, 2025

ZooTampa nearing completion of $35M manatee rescue center

After nearly six years of fundraising and planning, ZooTampa at Lowry Park says its largest ever expansion project is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Elizabeth King
November 10, 2025

$3B global wellness company opens American HQ in Manatee County

PM-International plans to invest $50 million into expanding its footprint in Manatee County, where it projects it could someday hire up to 1,000 employees.