Strategies

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Beth Luberecki
March 25, 2026

SWFL fire service training academy surpasses milestone

Ricky Rescue Training Academy, founded as a free service 15 years ago, is now a growing company that helps firefighters worldwide get career-advancing education.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Elizabeth King
March 20, 2026

Sarasota angel investor group doubles in size, seeks local startups

Bridge Angel Investors is actively seeking startups in the Sarasota and Manatee areas to invest in and reports that many pitches in the past year have come from the Tampa Bay region.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Louis Llovio
March 19, 2026

Tampa court case could change how government tackles zoning

A dispute over the denial of a zoning request for a downtown hotel is likely heading to the Florida Supreme Court as questions raised about Tampa City Council’s authority.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Elizabeth King
March 13, 2026

$5 million Sarasota-Manatee pet retail business starts franchising

The franchise market for retail dog food and toys is lucrative. Entrepreneurs — and passionate dog parents — Rob and Linda Emery enter it with a litter full of in-the-field experience.

Manatee-Sarasota

For Subscribers Only

Louis Llovio
March 12, 2026

Tampa Theatre working on $30M in enhancements ahead of turning 100

As it approaches its centenary, the old movie palace in downtown Tampa is working to better modernize and accentuate its history.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Anastasia Dawson
March 11, 2026

Mental health text service lands contract with UnitedHealthcare, Optum

The partnership will spread Cope Notes to thousands of Medicaid recipients in major Florida markets.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Louis Llovio
March 6, 2026

Despite store closures, there's hope for retail in 2026

Tariff-driven economic turmoil that's partially led to a heavy stream of store closings has an entrepreneurial flip side: opportunity.

Florida

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Elizabeth King
February 27, 2026

Sarasota County charter flight firm aims to quadruple volume in 2026

Amid a surge in clients, opportunistic air charter business AvSky Charters refuses to relent on white-glove service.

Manatee-Sarasota

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Anastasia Dawson
February 20, 2026

Florida State Fair's urgency grows as ag industry battles obstacles

Susanne Clemons has served as chairwoman of the Florida State Fair Authority for five years, using her role to champion the state’s agricultural industry.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Louis Llovio
February 13, 2026

After devastating damage, Naples condo looks for flood protection

The building owners and manager of the Allegro condominium in Naples have turned to rapidly growing global firm AquaFence to protect the tower during future hurricanes.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

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Anastasia Dawson
February 6, 2026

Melting Pot celebrates milestone with brand makeover, merchandising

Tampa-based fondue chain Melting Pot is balancing a tight line: It aims to grow a new customer base while keeping the company’s more traditional diners satisfied.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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Mark Gordon
January 12, 2026

SWFL community bank completes $4M new branch project

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank's new McGregor Boulevard branch is open for business.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

For Subscribers Only

Louis Llovio
January 9, 2026

Challenges await as Hoffmann prepares to take over Iowa newspaper chain

The founder of the Hoffmann Family of Cos. will become chairman of Lee Enterprises after $51 million stock purchase.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

For Subscribers Only

Anastasia Dawson, Beth Luberecki, Elizabeth King, Louis Llovio, Mark Gordon
January 2, 2026

26 ways organizations use AI to be better at business

Some call it cool. Some call it creepy. AI can be a bit of both, but a certainty lies amid the confusion: The technology has a future-is-know ability to redefine how nearly any business does business.

Florida

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Mark Gordon
December 27, 2025

Sarasota water bottle company wins over social media influencer

WellHouse will work with RossCreations in 2026. The startup also now has a distribution deal with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

Manatee-Sarasota

« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »

SWFL fire service training academy surpasses milestone

Sarasota angel investor group doubles in size, seeks local startups

Tampa court case could change how government tackles zoning

$5 million Sarasota-Manatee pet retail business starts franchising

Tampa Theatre working on $30M in enhancements ahead of turning 100

Mental health text service lands contract with UnitedHealthcare, Optum

Despite store closures, there's hope for retail in 2026

Sarasota County charter flight firm aims to quadruple volume in 2026

Florida State Fair's urgency grows as ag industry battles obstacles

After devastating damage, Naples condo looks for flood protection

Melting Pot celebrates milestone with brand makeover, merchandising

SWFL community bank completes $4M new branch project

Challenges await as Hoffmann prepares to take over Iowa newspaper chain

26 ways organizations use AI to be better at business

Sarasota water bottle company wins over social media influencer

Will Amendment 3 help or hurt Florida? Depends on whom you ask

Relive the Business Observer's 40 Under 40 issue — in photos, videos

Tampa International wins best large airport award for third straight year

Airline adds new nonstop out of SRQ

In $80M deal, Houston developer buys St. Petersburg apartments at a discount

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