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Government

  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • March 7, 2014
Funds for the fight

The fundraising race for the two main Florida gubernatorial candidates has begun, with nearly a combined $20 million raised since October.The who-supports-who list has some surprises.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • March 7, 2014
Mr. Fixit

If your business needs help navigating the channels of state government, Dudley Goodlette will point you in the right direction.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • March 7, 2014
Regional advocate

Tina McCain Matte built her advocacy practice on bringing regional interests together on big issues like transportation.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • March 7, 2014
Protection patrol

A former elected official knows from personal experience the havoc state government can drop on small businesses. He's out to even things up.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • January 24, 2014
The M word

Bonita Springs enacted the nuclear option of growth management: a development moratorium. As the recession fades, the familiar development battles pitting anti-growth activists against developers reemerge.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • August 16, 2013
High Bar

The power of a strong social media presence can be persuasive — in any industry. After fighting opposition over a recent project, a local homebuilder takes that lesson personally.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • July 19, 2013
Reluctant warrior

Mike Evanoff didn't seek a fight with Sarasota County when he readied a new bar and restaurant. But he didn't back down from one, either.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • May 31, 2013
Light on the dark side

Drew Breakspear knows what it's like to sit across the table from regulators. The veteran banker now oversees the state's financial-services industry as its chief regulator.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • March 29, 2013
Courthouse buzz

Lee County Clerk of Courts Linda Doggett says she's seeing the economic recovery at the courthouse.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • March 1, 2013
Warm Up

The pitfalls of government owning a tourist destination are front and center in south Sarasota County. Now the future of a multimillion-dollar site is in jeopardy.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • March 1, 2013
Dissolving Government

As easy as it is to fund a new government agency, dissolving one takes years. Just ask Jack Tanner, who helped shut a wasteful one down and returned $100,000 to taxpayers.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Business Observer Staff
  • March 1, 2013
Building Wars

Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach commissioners have blocked most new residential construction while they develop rules to prevent new large rental buildings.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jean Gruss
  • March 1, 2013
Tax Cut

Lee County commissioners consider suspending taxes on new construction for two years. Business is watching closely.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Denise Kalette
  • March 1, 2013
Bring Them Home

Too many young people are leaving Tampa for cities that offer better jobs, says Mayor Bob Buckhorn. He intends to change that.

  • Florida
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Gordon
  • March 1, 2013
Different Strokes

Manatee and Sarasota counties have lots in common. But within a large swath of the business community there's a strong belief that one county is considerably more responsive than the other.

  • Florida
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