Business Observer

07/20/2025

A pair of adjacent office buildings recently sold in Cape Coral for $1.4 million.

The pair of buildings on Del Prado Boulevard total nearly 4,500 square feet.

07/20/2025

The owner of Tampa Bay Solar believes the federal legislation dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law July 4, will upend both the industry and his own business — costing jobs and slowing progress. https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2025/jul/17/insider-elimination-solar-tax-credits-job-losses/

07/19/2025

The Horizon Foundation Lee County, a nonprofit that supports economic development, has picked up its first $50,000-level investor in the organization's 30-year history.

The Lee County Industrial Development Authority is now an Innovator Investor with the Horizon Foundation.

07/19/2025

Saunders Real Estate, which just closed two land deals totaling $38 million, now has operations in five states across the Southeast.

Saunders Real Estate, which just closed two land deals totaling $38 million, now has operations in five states across the Southeast.

07/19/2025

Take a look at how construction is progressing at three east Manatee County schools. The trio of projects is valued at more than $185 million, with managers including Bradenton's NDC Construction Company, Sarasota's Halfacre Construction Company and Clearwater's Creative Contractors Inc.

Along with the new Lake Manatee K-8, the other two projects will increase capacity for students and help with overcrowding.

07/18/2025

A new canine-friendly establishment has tails wagging in Sarasota. Dog Bar Sarasota is hosting a grand opening event on Saturday, July 19, complete with a doggy foam party.

The new venue for dogs and their people is in the former Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar location.

07/18/2025

Fort Myers law firm Goldstein Buckley Cechman Rice Purtz Smith & Smith has named a new co-managing partner. https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2025/jul/18/swfl-personal-injury-law-firm-names-co-managing-partner/

07/18/2025

A Pinellas couple aims to open five to 10 car detailing shops in the next five years through a franchise model. Their first franchised CoaterZ location opened last year in Lutz, and they will soon open their second in Sarasota.

Starting, and now growing, a niche auto industry business has been a lifesaving enterprise for the Eberhardts.

07/18/2025

A startup fiber open-access internet service provider that launched its Florida market presence in St. Petersburg and Lakeland is expanding into south Sarasota County.

Tillman FIber has ambitious plans to grow across Florida.

07/18/2025

A consumer advocacy group tied to the Florida Chamber says property insurance reforms have stabilized the market, leading to steadying and declining premiums, as well as a drop in the number of policies held by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

The organization credits legislative reforms for helping bring down property insurance costs and lessening the burden on state-run Citizens.

07/18/2025

Chris Cunningham began his career in lending and financial services then pivoted to entrepreneurship, where he’s spent the last 15 years acquiring and scaling complementary businesses across hardware retail and commercial real estate.

In this episode of From the Corner Office, Chris shares with host Mark Gordon how mentorship, strategic thinking and a relentless focus on people helped him build a multi-business portfolio and stay ahead in competitive markets.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/vabZj2SufLA

07/17/2025

A new fast-casual dining option is now open at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Its specialty: chicken tenders.

A new fast-casual dining option is now open at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.