Agriculture

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By Louis Llovio
May 19, 2025

Governor signs Farm Bill championed by Florida’s Ag commissioner

The far-reaching legislation addresses issues including who can decide where a solar farm goes, food labeling, drinking water and school programs.

Florida

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By Mark Gordon
April 4, 2025

Naples firm reaches deal to buy one of the largest poinsettia growers in the US

HF Companies. will acquire N.G. Heimos Greenhouses, billed as one of the nation’s largest poinsettia growers and preeminent greenhouses.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Louis Llovio
March 9, 2025

Collier, Charlotte properties included in $84.5M state purchase of conservation land

In the week's top commercial real estate news, a $65 million loan for Fort Myers apartments, a Tampa REIT pays $35 million for a hospital, and South Sarasota acreage sold for conservation.

Florida

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By Louis Llovio
March 7, 2025

Wilton Simpson talks egg prices, farm bill and political future

Florida's Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioners spoke at land conference in Lakeland about how a farm bill can boost farmers, ban fluoride in the water and limit the use of drones.

Florida

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By Lesley Dwyer
March 4, 2025

Manatee County reconsiders buying shuttered fruit farm appraised at $16M

The property could become a county complex that includes a library, park and community center.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Louis Llovio
February 25, 2025

Naples nonprofit formed to help small citrus growers

Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation is aiming to help small growers "bring abandoned citrus groves back to life."

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Louis Llovio
February 17, 2025

Fort Myers’ Alico Inc. has $20 million in land sales pending

The company, which is exiting the citrus industry, says about 25% of the land it owns will be set aside for “non-agricultural purposes.”

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Louis Llovio
January 17, 2025

Citrus industry withers as Florida's groves flounder

Despite the best efforts and hopes of the citrus industry, hurricanes and a bacteria continue to batter Florida's diminished defining crop. Yet some survival strategies are beginning to sprout.

Florida

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By Louis Llovio
January 6, 2025

Fort Myers land company shutters citrus production, cuts 170 jobs

Alico Inc. is closing its citrus division after more than a decade of declines due to storms and greening.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Beth Luberecki
December 20, 2024

Entrepreneurs return to their roots for new events venue venture

Lee County couple Rodney and Stacey Poole are taking it slow while utilizing innovative ideas for a somewhat counterintuitive multimillion-dollar business pursuit: They bought a farm.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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By Elizabeth King
May 22, 2024

Mixed-use transformation ahead for 1,175-acre Bradenton flower farm

SeaFlower will open for residents in summer 2025 in a Manatee County community designed to be walkable with shops, a grocer and restaurants.

Manatee-Sarasota

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By Liz Ramos
May 21, 2024

Manatee County dairy farm sold to relatives who plan to grow the business

The new owners of Dakin Dairy Farm in east Manatee County plan several changes amid the hunt for new revenue streams. But on aspect — the farm itself — will remain the same.