NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5, 2024 | THREE DOLL ARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Philanthropy | Naples billionaire surprises 40 nonprofits with $85M in donations. PG.7 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
PRIME TIME
inside DATA SNAPSHOT
Going is Good
Four cities in the region, and eight in Florida, have made a national top 25 list of best places to retire, including No. 1, Naples. PAGE 5
DEVELOPMENT
Road Block
The much-celebrated deal among the Tampa Bay Rays. St. Petersburg and Pinellas County for a new stadium, years in the making, is in danger of collapsing. PAGE 6
National restaurant company digs into Florida — with a $10 million project in Sarasota and more expansion on the way. PAGE 10
TOURISM
Bright Eyes
Multiple factors led to a decrease in several tourism metrics in Sarasota County in 2024 over 2023 — but other signs point to a strong 2025. PAGE 8
REAL ESTATE Amazon buys Lee County land for $66.5 million. 12 Naples developers obtain $113.6 million loan for 15-story downtown residential tower. 13
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DON’T MISS 3
Tampa ad agency co-founder leaves creative legacy.
CAMERON MITCHELL | Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
PHOTO BY CHRIS CASELLA
BIG HOT OFF THE PRESS 2024
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