JANUARY 24 - JANUARY 30, 2025 | THREE DOLL ARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Entrepreneurs | Battery manufacturer gets charged up for expansion project. 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
PAY DAY Scrappy self-made Naples billionaire — his parents filed for bankruptcy when he was in high school — is approaching $1 billion in lifetime donations to nonprofits. Business principles guide his giving. PAGE 10
inside INSURANCE
Splash Dash
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent notice that residents of the city of Fort Myers qualified for a 15% flood insurance discount. PAGE 3
DEVELOPMENT
Smooth Landing
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport had a big day earlier this month, when it opened its new terminal — a $100 million project. PAGE 8
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Heads in Beds
The Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor’s first year didn’t produce stellar results, but executives and tourism officials remain optimistic of a rebound. PAGE 12
REAL ESTATE Investor acquires pair of Sarasota buildings for $13 million. 14 Dallas auto auction firm buys 835 acres in Charlotte County for $13.3 million. 14
PAGE
DON’T MISS 15
Set New Year’s intentions — and stick to them.
TOM GOLISANO | Founder, Paychex
PHOTO BY REAGAN RULE
438643-1
BUDGETING EMPLOYEE PAY FOR 2025 See Page 3