Government

By Louis Llovio
April 23, 2024

Manatee awarded $5M federal grant for conservation land purchase

The grant money will offset the cost of 68 acres along the Manatee River that the county bought last year as part of a preservation effort.

Manatee-Sarasota

By Louis Llovio
April 9, 2024

Lee County gets 30-day reprieve on flood insurance downgrade

County officials say FEMA has granted the extension in an effort to allow the county to retain ranking that qualified it for a 25% discount.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Louis Llovio
April 2, 2024

Lee County given 'any and all tools' to fight FEMA decision

Several options are being discussed, including an appeal and hiring a consultant top go plead the county's case in Washington, D.C.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Louis Llovio
April 2, 2024

Bankers keep pushing for changes to legal aid funding rule

The Florida Bankers Association says it's hopeful a resolution can be reached over a new rule that affects certain accounts that generate money for legal aid programs.

Florida

By Louis Llovio
April 1, 2024

As Lee residents face 25% flood insurance increase, county tries to shift blame

Lee County officials, despite FEMA letters, say they were blindsided by rating downgrade.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

By Louis Llovio
March 30, 2024

Florida preserves 28,000 acres, including land slated for 1,900 homes

The purchase of tens of thousands of acres protects natural lands and links existing conservation areas, the state says.

Florida

By Jim Stinson
March 30, 2024

Florida builders sue Biden administration over labor union favoritism

Associated Builders and Contractors and a Florida chapter say President Joe Biden's labor agreements policy makes a mockery of competitive bidding.

Florida

By Jim Stinson
March 28, 2024

Tampa launches data-rich economic dashboard

Tampa unveiled a tool on Thursday that will help city and Hillsborough residents watch and monitor its financial numbers.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Louis Llovio
March 27, 2024

Broker reflects on the conservation conversation that changed Florida

Dean Saunders' work on conservation easements has preserved hundreds of thousands of acres across Florida by bringing businesses and environmentalists together.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
March 18, 2024

Sarasota mayor: Quit bashing would-be developers, projects

Liz Alpert says people considering investing in the city should be treated with courtesy, even if the project isn't in line with what people think it should be.