How farming families preserve slices of old Florida agriculture in times of transition
As subdivisions spread like ink stains on maps of rural Florida and a growing number of farmers and ranchers reach retirement age, some agricultural families lock in their land by selling its development rights. These taxpayer-funded purchases, known as “conservation easements,” keep the crops growing but the earthmovers away. There’s a long list to sign up. More from WUFT.
Tampa Bay area bankruptcy surge continues
The volume of business bankruptcies in the greater Tampa Bay region has officially surpassed pandemic-era levels after a surge in filings over the last 18 months. The latest data as of the end of June shows Chapter 11 bankruptcies have hit a decade high at 337 filings, a nearly 50% year-over-year increase. The last high point for Chapter 11 was 2013, with 367 filings, according to data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
CSX replaces CEO Joe Hinrichs as railroad consolidation looms
CSX named Steve Angel as its chief executive, succeeding Joe Hinrichs. The appointment comes after activist investor Ancora Holdings last month told the railroad operator that it should pursue a deal with a rival in light of Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion buy of Norfolk Southern, or replace its top executive. More from the Wall Street Journal and the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Miami Seaquarium set to close under development deal for marina, restaurants
Under a proposed deal revealed Friday, the Miami Seaquarium would be largely demolished by Miami developer David Martin, who wants to build a marina, restaurants, event space and a saltwater aquarium on the county-owned land that’s been home to the marine-mammal theme park since the 1950s. Instead of dolphin shows and a sea-lion theater, the land would become home to dry-dock boat storage and marina slips; a “Fisherman’s Village” of restaurants and shops; and a conservation center and public baywalk. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Southwest Florida company rebrands as it reaches its 25th year in business
A Southwest Florida wealth management company has rebranded as it reaches its 25th year in business. The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, along with its divisions — The Naples Trust Company and Tampa Bay Trust Company — has consolidated its seven offices to operate under the new name, Florida Trust Wealth Management. The change marks a new chapter for the company as it continues to grow and expand its operations across the state. More from the Fort Myers News-Press.
Tech Trends
If you start to drown while swimming in Sarasota County, a drone could save your life
Venice Fire Rescue showcased a new tool for the department’s drone that will allow them to take an inflatable floatation device to a swimmer in distress sooner than rescue personnel can arrive. This technology is part of a growing trend among Florida first responders to use drones for emergency situations. The Skydio X10 drone is also used for observing fires, searching for missing persons, and hazardous material testing.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Profile
Deli owner brings thousands of bagels to Polk County school teachers
Thousands of Polk County teachers and school staff members are getting free bagels courtesy of Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli Bagels and Catering. Co-owner Sam DeBellis is making that happen to show teachers they are appreciated. The business also provided thousands of bagels to hospital workers during the pandemic.
» Read more from Spectrum News.