SPOTLIGHT
Backers expect by December to have completed construction of recreation destination The Fort, which will house 43 pickleball courts, a lakeside restaurant, golf simulators, volleyball and the “world’s first pickleball stadium.” Created by a partnership of the city of Fort Lauderdale and cofounders Brad Tuckman and Rich Campillo, the facility will be at Snyder Park near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and expects to employ 100.
SPORTS
- Deon Graham recently announced his role as co-founder and CEO of Fort Lauderdale United FC, a Division 2 United Soccer League professional women’s franchise. The team will kick off its inaugural season in August. Graham is a South Florida native and marketer who has served as chief brand officer for Combs Enterprises, the portfolio of businesses headed by embattled rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
- Soccer team Inter Miami CF changed the name of its stadium to Chase Stadium, reflecting a new sponsorship deal with JPMorgan Chase. The stadium previously had been called DRV PNK Stadium under a deal with Fort Lauderdale-based vehicle retailer AutoNation.
LAYOFFS
- New Vision Pharmaceuticals closed its Tamarac plant and laid off 88. Satellite lessor Anuvu, formerly Global Eagle, warned of closing its maritime, energy and government business unit in Miramar and laying off 135.
- Fort Lauderdale-based riverboat cruise company American Queen Steamboat Operating Co. closed, affecting 508 employees, 64 of them in Florida. Parent company Hornblower Group filed for bankruptcy.
LOGISTICS
- Martin County approved plans to expand Sands Commerce Center by 456,600 square feet from the existing 1.4 million square feet.
REAL ESTATE
- GL Homes is planning a 322-unit luxury townhouse project near its Lotus Edge in West Boca.
AVIATION
- Next Level Aviation, a spare parts provider for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, moved to a 16,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Dania Beach to accommodate growth. Customers are airlines, leasing companies and MRO companies.
HOSPITALITY
- Boynton Beach-based Green Park Management opened its 138-room Aloft Hotels by Marriott approximately three miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
WORKFORCE
- Global Technology and Business Solutions signed a three-year deal with Indian River State College to launch Global’s rail industry job training program on the Fort Pierce campus offering tracts in rail management, information technology and field services. Global will build simulation facilities on the campus. Separately, the state job growth grant fund awarded $4 million to the college to expand advanced manufacturing workforce training, particularly in precision fabrication and mechatronics, and build a Center of Ballistics and Emerging Technology where industry, law enforcement and the college collaborate.
PHILANTHROPY
- Admirals Cove Foundation donated $5 million to Jupiter Medical Center’s Center for Imaging, which performs MRIs, CTs and other radiology services. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Club at Admirals Cove, a private residential development in Jupiter.