SEPTEMBER 13 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 | TH R E E D O LL A R S
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Development | Builder overcomes series of obstacles on Longboat Key project. PG.12 PASCO • H ILL SBOROUG H • PIN ELL AS • P OLK • M A N ATEE • SA R ASOTA • C H A R LOT TE • LEE • COLLIER
‘Butts in Seats’ Entrepreneur turns afterthought into a 20-day-long economic driver for one of Southwest Florida’s most essential industries. PAGE 14
GUY CLARKE | Sizzle Dining
LORI SAX
REAL ESTATE
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
NEWS
ENTREPRENEURS
Sure Thing
Final Four
Carpet Ride
A pair of Sarasota business partners has acquired three design and decor companies in six years. PAGE 10
Publix buys seven grocery stores in Florida for $223.85 million. 17
REAL ESTATE
DEVELOPMENT
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Hard Times
Simple System
Fuel Up
Sarasota County buys 656 acres for $2.89 million. 17
DON’T MISS:
PAGE
The condo resale market in Tampa, according to a report from Redfin, has posted a decline in pending sales. PAGE 5
The search for a new CEO at Tampa International Airport, to replace the retiring Joe Lopano, is in its final stages. PAGE 6
The City of Tampa, from City Hall down to any resident who wants to help, is updating its land development code. PAGE 8
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The 50-acre Gasworx mixed-use project in Tampa’s Ybor City is progressing on several fronts. PAGE 16
Polk land brokerage opens Arkansas office. 17
Tervis files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Receive the top Business Observer news of the day in your inbox.
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A Sarasota bayfront home hits the market with a $28.35 million list price — highest in Sarasota County. PAGE 3