Monday's Afternoon Update

Jim Greer pleads guilty to grand theft, avoids trial

Former Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer pleaded guilty Monday morning to charges of money laundering and theft, avoiding trial in a case that could have potentially embarrassed former Gov. Charlie Crist and much of the state's Republican elite. As part of the deal, Greer faces a maximum of 42.6 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled March 27. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.

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Sales and Marketing Advice for Florida business
How to turn prospects into customers

Selling is just a word we use to describe a process of creating and maintaining customer relationships. Really, it’s not evil. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. It’s what you need to do to grow you business -- and what your prospects need to do to their business too. Read Ron Stein's full column.

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Economy tough on Marion Saddle Club

Business Profile Waller Construction Something about giving a new look to an outdated kitchen or bathroom brings a smile to Thomas Waller's face. For 50 years, Waller Construction Inc. has transformed commercial and residential buildings. » More from the Lakeland Ledger.

The last few years were tough on one of the oldest horse clubs in Marion County, but the organization vows to continue its nearly 55-year mission of providing a place where beginning riders can compete. The Marion Saddle Club started in 1958 and helped nurture a burgeoning horse culture in the area. More at the Ocala Star-Banner.

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Green cards for sale at a South Beach hotel

If David Hart gets his way, South Beach’s 42-room Astor Hotel will be on a hiring spree this year as it adds concierge service, a roof-top pool, an all-night diner, spa and private-car service available 24 hours a day. New hires will be crucial to Hart’s business plan, since foreign investors have agreed to pay about $50,000 for each job created by the Art Deco boutique. More at the Miami Herald.

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Mexican strawberries squeeze Florida farmers

The fields are thick this year with a bumper crop of Plant City’s most famous fruit. That’s good news for consumers but not necessarily for farmers. The warm winter has led to a glut of plump, flavorful strawberries, and the fruit is now so plentiful prices are down. More at the Tampa Tribune.

Out of the Box Entrepreneur's dream stands on solid ground Growing up in a beach town, it’s only natural for teenagers to run down to the ocean and create something out of the endless miles of sand. And so it was for Jill Harris one chilly day in her senior year at Satellite High. “Only I wasn’t about to build some sandcastle,” Harris recalled. “I was like, ‘Hey, let’s build a giant Converse tennis shoe.’ And so we built the thing, seven feet long with laces on it.” Now, Harris is celebrating her 17th year as the founder, owner and manager of the successful Melbourne-based Sandsational Sand Sculpting Co. » More from Florida Today

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