D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 2 4 - J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 2 5 | T H R E E D O L L A R S
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Take flight | Sarasota-Bradenton airport chief looks forward to retirement. PG.14 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
2024NEWSMAKERS
Big Swing Sarasota sports facility — padel, anyone? — joins list of people, places and things across the region striving for a strong 2025. PAGES 4-18
Ellie Berdusco| THE PAD, SARASOTA LORI SAX
TOP DEALS
inside A review of some of the biggest stories in the region in 2024 reveals a key element of modern business success: resilience. Stories include:
Gasworx, Tampa ..................12
IRS Criminal Investigations Unit, Tampa .............................. 8
Rick Piccolo, SRQ airport....14
The Pad, Sarasota.................... 9
Medical complexes, Pasco County ......................................15
Miter Brands, Sarasota............6 FEMA, Fort Myers Beach........8
Office park, resort highlight 2024 deals in Tampa Bay. 18
BIG HOT OFF THE PRESS 2024
BOOK OF BUSINESS
438026-1
Most-read stories of 2024........4
Foot Locker, St. Pete.............12
Lee County land acquisitions surpass $700 million in fall. 18
THE DATA THE LISTS THE CHANGE MAKERS
DON’T WAIT, ORDER TODAY!
Go to BusinessObserverFL.com/big-book-of-business www.BusinessObserverFL.com