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Miami-Dade Business Briefs - Sept. 2006
KEY BISCAYNE -- It's uncertain what shape redevelopment of Sonesta Beach Resort Key Biscayne will take after Sonesta International Hotels and Fortune International Realty withdrew plans to build a six-tower condo/hotel project in the face of stiff community opposition. Architects are working on new plans that "conform to the island's zoning," say hotel executives, who aim to open a new development in late 2009. More than 380 employees will be laid off.
MIAMI -- Deputy City Manager Linda Haskins will fill the seat vacated by Commissioner Johnny Winton, who was suspended from office by Gov. Jeb Bush following Winton's arrest on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and disorderly intoxication related to an altercation at Miami International Airport. Winton's trial is set for October. If he is not exonerated, a special election will be held in November for a replacement to serve out the remaining year of his term.
? Miami-based law firm Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson has been awarded $249 million in legal fees for its representation of gas station owners in their class-action case against ExxonMobil. The case was settled earlier this year for $1.1 billion. Co-counsel Pertnoy, Solowsky and Allen, also from Miami, collected another $53 million in fees.
MIAMI-DADE -- The cruise industry's two leading trade groups -- International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- will merge under the CLIA name and move its combined headquarters to the Miami area. The move should be complete by early 2007. The merger will combine ICCL's legislative and regulatory expertise with CLIA's marketing efforts and travel agent training programs.
? France's Science & Nature Cosmetics has selected Miami-Dade for its first U.S. office and distribution center. The company specializes in lotions, creams,Two top officials at the Miami-Dade Housing Agency have been fired and two others placed on administrative leave amid allegations of widespread abuse within the county department charged with overseeing development of affordable housing. The allegations, exposed by a lengthy Miami Herald investigation, detail insider deals, mismanaged funds and possible fraud. Miami-Dade's affordable housing crunch is among the nation's worst.
? France's Science & Nature Cosmetics has selected Miami-Dade for its first U.S. office and distribution center. The company specializes in lotions, creams, serums and other skin-care products.
MONROE COUNTY -- Delta Air Lines will launch daily service in November between Marathon and Atlanta, the first scheduled flights from the airport to a city outside Florida.
