APRIL 23 - APRIL 29, 2021 | THREE DOLL ARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Strategies | Water quality company looks to make a big splash in new markets. 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
Behind the Mask The nobility of launching a mask manufacturing business from scratch amid the pandemic has given way to a new challenge: sustaining profits after the crisis. SEE PAGE 10 MADE ON THE GULF COAST: PAGES 7-11
Kalu Watanabe | CO-FOUNDER, AMERICAN SURGICAL MASK CO.
MARK WEMPLE
INSURANCE
MANUFACTURING
MANUFACTURING
Last Resort
Play That Tune
Speed Racer
Top official with state-run Citizens Property Insurance calls for litigation reform — or face big consequences. PAGE 3
Wit h schools closed, instrument accessories business struggles to regain pre-pandemic sales volume. PAGE 8
Marine components maker seeks to capitalize on growth opportunities, as a boat sales boom motors on. PAGE 9
TRENDS
MANUFACTURING
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Crowd Pleaser
Wheels Up
Big Picture
More than 100,000 people are taking a virtual USF course about diversity, equity and inclusion in workplace. PAGE 3
By putting client over commission, Plaza Advisor’s Jim Michalak has found a winning formula. PAGE 12
Industrial firm acquires center in Lakeland for $108.7 million. 12 Firm buys St. Pete complex for $6 million. 13 Several metro areas ranked in national ‘unaffordable’ list. 14
PAGE
9 Want a glistening factory? First kill the snakes.
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DON’T MISS
Industrial manufacturer uses a big investment to boost productivity, efficiency and capacity. PAGE 8
REAL ESTATE
DUE DILIGENCE AND SUCCESSFULLY SELLING YOUR BUSINESS Plan Ahead or Plan to Fail See Page 3