SHARE:
Northeast Fla., Jacksonville Business Briefs - Nov. 2009
ALACHUA — Gov. Charlie Crist gave RTI Biologics Inc. (Nasdaq-RTIX), which makes biologic implants, the 2009 Governor’s Business Expansion Award for helping the state diversify its economy and job base. RTI employs 765, a 24% increase from before its April 2008 merger with Tutogen Medical.
» A conspiracy and fraud trial for Michael “Mickey” Singer and six other executives of the former Medical Manager company in Alachua is set for January in federal district court in Charleston, S.C. A grand jury indicted the former executives in 2005 and charged them with fraudulently inflating earnings. The company has since been bought by WebMD.
GAINESVILLE — The University of Florida invested about $150,000 in software and equipment to record classes in 10 of its largest lecture halls so that students can keep up from home in case there’s a spike in swine flu cases this winter.
JACKSONVILLE — The city is considering diverting bed-tax revenue to its Sports Complex, especially Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, as fear grows that Jacksonville could lose the NFL’s Jaguars. The Jags’ viability in one of the NFL’s smallest markets has been questioned amid poor attendance.
» In the latest of a string of restaurant closures related to the economic decline, the owners of Jacksonville’s Alhambra Dinner Theatre lowered the curtain on the 42-year-old institution. Local businessman Craig Smith is trying
to buy the theater and save it.
» The University of North Florida launched an Institute for Values, Community and Leadership, emphasizing civic and community leadership skills.
OCALA — In a case watched closely by developers and environmentalists, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet agreed with the Department of Community Affairs and rejected an 800-home subdivision proposed by one of Marion County’s most prominent families, the Castros, in horse-farm country. County commissioners had approved the project, but a judge later declared the county had not demonstrated, in accordance with state law and the comp plan, the need for so many new homes.
