Brandon bypass dumped: Activists trying to reform Hillsborough County's growth management policies recently succeeded, as officials voted unanimously to take the route that would sweep through southeastern Hillsborough off the Metropolitan Planning Organization's list of needed transportation improvements.PODS buyout in the works: The Clearwater-based PODS could be bought soon by a Bahrain-based investment company, according to PODS officials.Home Depot lays off 750: Home Depot Inc. is laying off 750 people in the Tampa Bay area and will close its Brandon call center Jan. 28.The judges scorecard: Sarasota and Manatee county attorneys recently had a chance to judge judges, and the results are inLee County toll study: Lee County commissioners approved a study that will help the Southwest Florida Expressway Authority determine how much to charge on any new toll lanes on Interstate 75.Airport hotel proposed: An Albany, N.Y.-based developer is proposing to build a hotel on the road leading to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.Hispanic Institute formed: Hodges University has enlisted the help of the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to create the Hispanic Institute.
