Florida farmers go to extremes to melt frost
Florida's farmers aren't accustomed to killer freezes, or any freezes at all in the southern reaches of the state where a bounty of vegetables flourish in winter months when it's too cold for leafy harvests in other parts of the country. But that doesn't mean that Sunshine State growers are unprepared for icy weather. Instead, they have multiple techniques they use to protect plants from the cold. More from the Tallahasse Democrat.
Do recent megamillion Miami real estate buys signal a coming billionaire wave?
Several of the world’s wealthiest people have been shopping for and buying South Florida real estate in recent weeks, fueling speculation that a billionaire wave may be hitting the region. A few tech billionaires, reportedly enticed by Florida’s business-friendly policies and spooked by a possible new tax in California, have been house hunting, and even making some big purchases. They’re checking out multimillion-dollar properties in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and other desirable locales. More from the Miami Herald.
Bankrupt Eddie Bauer joins growing list of retailers closing Florida stores
Another retailer is shutting down stores in Florida. This time it’s the operator of Eddie Bauer stores, which is closing its three remaining locations in the state after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday. With the announced closings, Eddie Bauer, the outdoor apparel retailer, joins Saks Global and American City Furniture in announcing it was shutting stores across the state in the first 45 days of the year. More from the Business Observer.
MarineMax hits back at activist investor's demands to remove CEO
A fight is heating up between MarineMax and an activist investor ahead of an annual shareholder meeting next month. Los Angeles-based Donerail Group took its campaign to oust MarineMax CEO Brett McGill public on Monday with a letter to shareholders that contained criticism ranging from nepotism to mismanagement. In a response issued on Tuesday, the Oldsmar marina and yacht retail giant hit back, saying board directors are unanimous in their support of McGill as CEO. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Shaking off scathing audit, Visit Orlando nabs $100 million annual deal
Despite an unflattering audit that had exposed questionable spending, Visit Orlando won a renewed contract Tuesday from Orange County that likely ensures the tourism-promotion agency will continue receiving big piles of public money to spend on luring visitors. Under the new pact, Visit Orlando accepted new rules governing the expenditure of about $11 million it had previously marked as private funds to spend as its leaders wished. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
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Sports Business
Baltimore Orioles unveil $23 million player development complex in Sarasota
The Baltimore Orioles unveiled a new $23 million player development complex at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Completed in under a year, the 47,700-square-foot facility will be used for year-round training. After spring training, Baltimore’s Florida Complex League operations will move into the space, followed by its offseason winter training program.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Fair play
The Florida State Fair has graced the Sunshine State since 1904, when it was first held in downtown Tampa at railroad magnate Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel. The event attracts around 500,000 attendees each year with 90-plus amusement rides, entertainment, classic fair foods and baking, crafting and agriculture competitions.
» Read more from Florida Trend.