Employee-owned businesses on the rise in Florida
Southwest Florida financial executive and entrepreneur George Cassiere is something of an evangelist for a specific kind of exit strategy for businesses — the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. ESOPs, he says, are “incredible for the employees,” given the slew of benefits, particularly the financial freedom of owning a piece of a company you work at. Florida has never been a national leader in ESOPs. But Cassiere and other ESOP advocates believe the Sunshine State is on the verge of having an ESOP moment. More from the Business Observer.
Jacksonville's 904 Day showcases local businesses and culture
Jacksonville is a city of many neighborhoods, histories and cultures — and 904 Day was created to knit them together. The annual celebration is designed to highlight the businesses, artists and civic groups that make up the fabric of Northeast Florida while encouraging residents to support them. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal and First Coast News.
Parent company of Venice-based PGT plans closure of two plants on Florida's east coast
A “strategic realignment” of Florida operations by the parent company of PGT Innovations means closure of window and door manufacturing plants in South Florida's Medley and Hialeah, with some of the work shifting to PGT facilities in Venice and Fort Myers. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based MITER Brands, announced the changes Sept. 2. The Medley plant is projected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the Hialeah plant in the first quarter of 2026. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Osceola Arts closes for a year while starting $16 million makeover
Osceola Arts will not present plays during the 2025-26 season as the Kissimmee nonprofit undergoes its first major renovation in nearly 60 years. Ultimately, about $16 million will be spent to refresh everything from the parking lot to the restrooms at the aging structure. “It’s a little daunting,” said Osceola Arts chief operating officer Jeremiah Krivinchuk. “This is definitely the biggest investment in a cultural facility in Osceola County so we’re happy about that.” More from the Orlando Sentinel.
AI firm wins $2 million grant for West Palm Beach office
West Palm Beach city commissioners have approved $2 million in incentives for a technology company that plans to open a regional office downtown employing more than 800 people. The California-based company, which city officials say provides cloud-computing services to businesses, would operate an “innovation hub” in an office tower being built in CityPlace. If the company expands to the projected level, it would become one of Palm Beach County’s largest employers and potentially the largest private employer downtown. More from the Palm Beach Post and WPTV.
Advancing pediatric surgery: A new chapter for South Florida
Nicklaus Children’s Health System, South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, has long been committed to inspiring hope and promoting lifelong health by providing the best care to every child. For 75 years, Nicklaus Children’s has served as a trusted leader dedicated exclusively to the medical and healthcare needs of children and adolescents, delivering advanced, family-centered care that supports both healing and hope. [Sponsored report]
Travel Trends
Celebrity launches first river cruises in 2027 with two new luxury ships
Celebrity Cruises is making its first foray into the world of river cruising with plans to sail two new luxury ships on seven-day European itineraries starting in 2027. Celebrity opened priority booking access with a $500 deposit on Wednesday only to close it minutes later due to “unprecedented demand.” Public booking will be available later this month.
» More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Business Profile
Naples 12-year-old grows hot dog stand into catering venture
What began so he could earn money for a new gaming computer has turned into a full-fledged family-run business for 12-year-old Derek Belz. With support from his parents, Derek launched “Derek’s Dog House,” a catering venture serving Chicago-style hot dogs. Derek started by catering for art shows in which his mother, Melissa, is involved; and at his dad’s Broker Compass real estate open houses. He participated in the Biz Kidz Expo at the Coastland Mall in May 2024, which promotes young business owners by giving them a place to display and market their goods and services.
» Read more from Gulfshore Business.