Industries

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By Amanda Postma
February 23, 2023

Nonprofit sets up fishing charters for disadvantaged kids

Chasten Whitfield was just 16 when she began these fishing charters. Now she hopes to make it a full-time job.

Entrepreneurs

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By Louis Llovio
February 22, 2023

Tort reform in Florida turns to auto insurance and loopholes

Two legislators have proposed changes to windshield laws that they say encourage lawsuits and send auto insurance rates higher.

Insurance

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By Business Observer Staff
February 22, 2023

Mental health franchise hires first local clinic director ahead of opening

The Ellie Mental Health location in Bradenton is expected to open in March.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Business Observer Staff
February 22, 2023

National homebuilder buys 87 lots in luxury Naples community

Construction on Pulte Homes's Caymas project will begin later this spring.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Mark Gordon
February 22, 2023

Lack of convention space — again — concerns business leaders

With the pending demolition of one major property, a go-to ballroom spot for Sarasota events is being taken off the board.

Commercial Real Estate

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By Louis Llovio
February 21, 2023

Federal grant will allow Tampa to rework downtown connectivity

The city is using a U.S. Department of Transportation grant to transform interchange, improving bike and pedestrian safety along the way.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Brian Hartz
February 21, 2023

Mississippi bank promotes executive to Florida regional presidency

Frank Hall will lead Cadence Bank’s operations along most of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Brian Hartz
February 21, 2023

Largo nonprofit that aids children names new CEO

Chris Letsos, a 25-year veteran of youth and community development organizations, will lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Business Observer Staff
February 21, 2023

Regionwide trust firm names new head of operations

Laura Frost previously worked for Hughes Snell & Co. in Fort Myers.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Brian Hartz
February 21, 2023

Development group shares lessons learned from Gas Plant loss

Hard work has proven to be its own reward for members of Sugar Hill Community Partners, the group that narrowly missed out on the chance to redevelop St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field site.

Commercial Real Estate

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By Louis Llovio
February 20, 2023

Bankrupt retailer to shutter 11 stores across the Gulf Coast

Sales at the closing Tuesday Morning stores, which includes 24 in Florida, will go on for about eight weeks before the locations go back to landlords.

News

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By Brian Hartz
February 20, 2023

Michigan chicken-wing restaurant expands to Tampa Bay region

To promote its new restaurant, Detroit Wing Co. gave away free wings for a year.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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By Brian Hartz
February 20, 2023

Prominent accounting firm seizes opportunities with Tampa expansion

Philadelphia-based Centri Business Consulting, after increasing its gross revenue by 40% in 2022, has arrived in Florida in search of even greater growth.