Government

December 12, 2025

Manatee County to break ground on $40M veterans complex

Called Valor Commons, the project will include a business incubator for veteran entrepreneurs as well as memorial areas, walking trails and event spaces.

December 10, 2025

Officials deny east Manatee grocery store, storage facility proposal

Two Manatee commissioners cite flooding concerns. “It floods out there if you spit in the street,” commissioner Bob McCann said.

December 9, 2025

City of Tampa seeks to sell downtown police HQ for at least $36M

The 10-story building and adjacent parking garage near Lykes Gaslight Square Park is on the market.

December 8, 2025

Sarasota opens $210M improved wastewater plant to big accolades

Sarasota County cuts the ribbon on its $210 million Bee Ridge project, east of Interstate 75.

December 3, 2025

Energy company to convert Manatee landfill waste gas into fuel in $50M project

Nopetro Energy of Miami says it's moving ahead a project at the Lena Road site.

December 3, 2025

Sarasota County OKs plan for new court records storage facility

The Sarasota County Commission approves a lease-to-purchase plan for a new, legal documents storage building closer to the downtown court complex.

November 24, 2025

Tampa men charged with smuggling AI technology to China

Two Chinese nationals and two U.S. citizens were arrested after illegally sending sophisticated computer equipment to China under the guise of a Tampa-based real estate company.

November 21, 2025

Sarasota man indicted for running $36M Ponzi scheme in Naples

Brent Adam Seaman is accused of using investor money to pay off losses, falsifying records and buying a $165,000 Ferrari with the proceeds.

November 20, 2025

Naples construction firm leader behind $4.2M payroll scam sent to prison

The scheme involved 'impeding or impairing' the IRS' ability to calculate and collect taxes.

November 18, 2025

Sarasota city leaders approve tiny property sale — for less than $20K

The Sarasota City Commission approved the sale of a 650-square-foot pieced of unused city property that presented an obstacle to Plymouth Harbor's expansion plans on Coon Key.

November 17, 2025

Florida workers' comp rates to fall nearly 7% next year

The state's Office of Insurance Regulation has approved rate decreases nine consecutive years.

November 14, 2025

Tampa pharmacy pays $17M for false Medicare claims

VRA Enterprises LLC, doing business as a Tampa pharmacy called Precision RX, settled allegations it fraudulently billed Medicare for COVID-19 tests that were never distributed.

November 14, 2025

SWFL media exec pursues long-shelved dream: Running for Congress

The president of Fort Myers-based radio and television station company Sun Broadcasting is vying for Florida's 19th district seat to serve the community and fulfill a lifetime goal.

November 13, 2025

St. Petersburg mayor, bowing to pressure, extends Gas Plant deadline

In a memo to the St. Petersburg City Council, Welch says proposals for the 86-acre Tropicana Field redevelopment will be due in early February rather than December.

November 11, 2025

Naples farm operation sues former exec, alleges he stole $12.5M

Oakes Farms contends Steven A. Veneziano Jr. went to bought a Lamborghini, among other purchases, off ill-gotten gains. Veneziano also faces prison for his role in a $5 million Covid fraud case.

November 10, 2025

Southwest Florida housing permits down 13%

Collier County was the only one among the three Southwest Florida counties to post a year-over-year increase.

November 6, 2025

Miami, local investors plan medical project on 14-acre Sarasota brownfield site

Investors who want to transform the 14-acre Marian Anderson site into a medical and industrial development win unanimous Sarasota City Commission approval. They have cleared one big regulatory hurdle.

November 6, 2025

Sarasota County approves $2.5M for park on Phillippi Creek

With a 2.4-acre acquisition, the project will create a park with water access on Ashton Road.

November 5, 2025

Colorado defense contractor moving HQ, investing $20M in Hillsborough County

Orion Edge Group, which develops tactical electronic warfare systems, has relocated to Tampa and is looking to hire 20 new employees.

November 3, 2025

Florida GDP, economy passes a European stalwart, targets Australia

The Florida Chamber Foundation isn’t complacent with its latest ranking of 15. It aims to get into the top 10.

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