JUNE 26, 2026 - JULY 2, 2026 | THREE DOLLARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Sweet dreams | Chocolatier with rich global history expands in the region. PG.5 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
DATA PLAN The region and state are on the cusp of a boom in developer-led, AI-infused data centers, including some multibilliondollar proposals. Resistance, however, is on the rise. PAGE 10
JON BROWN | CEO, DCIP Group
MARK WEMPLE
DATA SNAPSHOT
DEVELOPMENT
Off the Grid
Almost Done
Participation in the food stamp program is on the decline in the region, according to a new report. PAGE 6
Midtown at Bonita in Lee County (left) announces new tenants and prepares to open to the public. PAGE 8
RETAIL
DEVELOPMENT
Slap shot
No Sure Thing
Experienced ice hockey rink developer moves ahead on an $80 million Manatee County project. PAGE 7
Former Clearwater hotel site sold for $2.1M. 14 Detroit investor buys Venice grocery property for $15 million. 14 SWFL broker sells team, switches firms. 14
PAGE
15 DeSantis vs. DeSantis and the power of incentives.
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DON’T MISS:
Developer seeks to bring Shore restaurant back to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. PAGE 12
REAL ESTATE
ARE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE VALUES GOING UP OR DOWN?
SEE PAGE 3