Business Observer

Founded in 1997 as the Gulf Coast Business Review, this newspaper stands out as the top source for business and economic news in the Gulf Coast area, stretching from Tampa Bay to Naples. It focuses on covering industry developments and economic trends in the region, highlighting new companies, corporate strategies, and profiling emerging entrepreneurs and influential business leaders. Additionally, it keeps its audience informed about government actions at the state, regional, and local levels that impact the business landscape and economy.

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Manatee County commissioner writes memo proposing hiring freeze

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

A Manatee County commissioner may propose a hiring freeze, citing the current economic downturn. Commissioner Bob McCann plans to raise the hiring freeze for discussion during the board’s June 3 meeting. “A hiring freeze in Manatee County government can improve efficiency and fiscal responsibility by optimizing current staff and preventing unnecessary expenditures,” McCann writes in a memo accompanying the June 3 meeting agenda. Manatee County has more than 2,400 employees.
Sarasota financial firm acquired by national wealth advisory company

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

A Sarasota financial firm has been acquired by a Nebraska-based company. SRQ Wealth is now owned by Carson Group, a wealth advisory firm out of Omaha. Carson Group is a subsidiary of Carson Group Holdings LLC, which has $42 billion in assets under management. SRQ Wealth will continue to be led by Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Steve Martin along with his partners Karin Grablin and Justin Salemy.
More than 400 downtown Sarasota apartments advance toward approval

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Andrew Warfield

Three multifamily developments in Sarasota that include affordable and attainable housing units have received partial sign-off from the city’s Development Review Committee. As projects within the downtown zone districts, none require approval by the City Commission — although two seek adjustments from the director of development services, with one also requiring a Planning Board adjustment.
$15.5 million estate listed for sale on Siesta Key

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

A Gulf-front estate in the Sandy Hook neighborhood of Siesta Key has hit the market for $15.5 million. The five-bedroom house spans more than 5,100 square feet, and the property sits on an acre with private beach access. Among the highlights, according to a statement, are the connections between interior and exterior, with balconies accompanying each bedroom, outdoor terraces, a poolside theater, dual fireplaces, outdoor kitchen and fire pit.
Just-acquired Sarasota golf course under new management

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

A golf course management company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will enter the Florida market with its latest contract, to oversee operations of Serenoa Golf Club in Sarasota, following a recent change in ownership. On May 23, Serenoa Golf Club was acquired by Steven Schorr, principal of Walden Golf Group, according to a statement. “Serenoa Golf Club is a special place, and I’m incredibly excited to bring it under the Walden Golf Group umbrella,” Schorr says in a statement.
Longtime Goodwill CEO, prominent pastor dies at 82

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Mark Gordon

Rev. Don Roberts and Bob Rosinsky spent a chunk of the early 1980s on the road in a camper — with the occasional flight when their destination was really far — visiting Goodwill stores across the U.S. and Canada. Rosinsky dubbed the trips, thousands of miles in total, the Magic Mystery Tour. The pair, both at the early stages of their Goodwill careers, sought to see what worked and what didn’t in the fragmented, nonprofit retail-for-jobs model.
Tariffs provide timely opportunity for Palmetto tool manufacturer

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

Tools and injection molding manufacturing CEO Mike Guidoboni had a problem in January 2023.The building near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, where he leased 5,000 square feet for his company, Spectrum Custom Molds & Manufacturing, was abruptly acquired. Spectrum had been in the space for five years.
Ashley Furniture buys Lakeland industrial building for $70.54M

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Louis Llovio

Wisconsin-based Ashley Furniture Industries has bought a 705,000-square-foot industrial facility in Lakeland as the building’s previous owner plans to expand the park its located in. The cross-dock facility — known as LCP 200 — is part of Lakeland Central Park which is being developed by the Orlando real estate investment firm Parkway. Parkway announced the sale in statement Wednesday afternoon, but a spokesperson declined to name the buyer or the sale price.
Florida dragging national condo market down as investors back off

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Louis Llovio

A new report has found investors are backing away from putting money into condominiums nationally, with Florida’s well documented trouble dragging the entire market down. Research firm Redfin found that investments in condos declined 3% year-over-year in the first quarter to the lowest levels since the onset of the pandemic. Redfin says the slowdown is due to buyer concern that condos will lose value.
IMG Academy acquires sports recruiting company

1 week ago | businessobserverfl.com | Elizabeth King

IMG Academy, the sports education brand with a school in Bradenton, has acquired SportsRecruits. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. SportsRecruits focuses on using technology to help student-athletes get recruited to compete at the collegiate level. The company operates an online network that it says is used by 400,000 athletes and 2,000 club and high school organizations daily. Its platform enables students to create profiles for themselves, including videos.