Industries

By Louis Llovio
February 19, 2026

Clearwater insurance firm shutting office, laying off 103

Clarifying has informed the state that it is closing its corporate office and laying off the employees in April.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Elizabeth King
February 19, 2026

$31M affordable housing complex opens in north Sarasota

New Trail Plaza contains 96 apartments designed for families of varying income levels.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Denise Federer
February 19, 2026

Fair or equal? How to split up ownership of a family business

Emotions and money are in play when deciding the future of a family business. Over-communicating is essential when making long-term decisions.

Advice

By Louis Llovio
February 18, 2026

Lakeland hit with more job cuts as tech company lays off 98

HCLTech told the state this week that it was cutting the jobs at an unnamed worksite.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Louis Llovio
February 18, 2026

Port Charlotte retail site sold for $2M, to be developed as Whataburger

A Tampa developer bought the nearly 1-acre outparcel near a Target and is in process of redeveloping the property.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Mark Gordon
February 18, 2026

Potential New College takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus looms

A local group is fighting back against the move, with a former University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee top official saying this would sacrifice one public school for another's dreams.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Elizabeth King
February 18, 2026

Investor buys noted Sarasota bar for $3.5M, pledges revitalization

The new owner of 975 Cattlemen Road plans to revive the Cock & Bull brand.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Anastasia Dawson
February 18, 2026

Second MarineMax shareholder urges sale of company

Levin Capital Strategies is urging the company to consider an activist investor’s $1.1 billion offer.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Louis Llovio
February 18, 2026

Sarasota developer sells Tampa area hotel for $32 million

A suburban Boston investment firm bought the property in Brandon, its fourth hotel in the state.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By 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.