New Businesses in Florida
Amid one of the nation's worst recessions, some entrepreneurs forged ahead. Florida Trend profiles these people and businesses and asks: "What were they thinking?"
 Ray Hicks (with wife Irene) sells his CO2Meters to manufacturers and consumers. Revenue is just under $2 million. [Photo: Martin Christopher] |
Florida's early primary gambit pays off
An early GOP presidential primary that drew scathing retribution upon the Sunshine State is panning out to be a political “Super Bowl,” reaping cash, national attention and clout for Florida. “It’s a risk we took, but it’s paying off,” said state Senate President Mike Haridopolos. “This has turned into a jackpot. The eyes of the nation and the world, really, are on Florida. [Source: Florida Today]
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Florida small biz owners eye primary
Florida voters want to decide future of casinos
Florida voters aren't sure if they want Las Vegas-style casinos in the state, but they are certain they don't want Tallahassee to make the decision, according to a new poll. A staggering 81 percent of likely Florida voters surveyed last week said they believe that any proposed changes to state gambling laws should be decided in a statewide referendum. Only 8 percent were against it. [Source: Times/Herald]
So-called "zombie" subdivisions all over the Tampa Bay area, which have lain dormant and unbuilt since the housing industry collapsed in 2007, are now being snapped up with plans to finally build those houses, as the number of unsold new homes starts to dwindle and builders start to get excited about a housing industry revival. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Would casino mega resort hurt existing restaurants and shops?
The debate over whether Genting’s Resorts World Miami or a destination resort project by Las Vegas Sands would be good business for existing retailers and restaurants has divided the Miami community. Some see it as the death knell for small mom-and-pops, while others envision a windfall of new customers and revenues.
[Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› From tech jobs to nuke plants, what's hot and what's not in Tampa Bay
Plunge that economic thermometer into the heart of the Tampa Bay business community and look at what's hot and what's not at the start of 2012.
› USF patent would make cellphones an interactive crime-fighting tool
It can be handy to have a global-positioning tracker in your cellphone. It knows where you are so it can guide you straight to a restaurant or help you check traffic on the road ahead.
A group of engineers at the University of South Florida has designed a new location-based system that enables you to do more important things with your phone. Like helping save a child from an abductor.
› Real estate agents say buyers are pouring in
Real estate agents, normally an upbeat group, are simply gushing at the market conditions right now.
"We are in a whole new market," Kim Ogilvie, a top-selling Michael Saunders agent said. "Un-buh-lievable. People are here and I am showing my top listings. The Canadians are crazy. Really big money is coming ... smart money is starting to pull the trigger."
» CEO Sounding Board: Michael Saunders
› Space Coast economy moves on from shuttle's end
Brevard, it seems, has absorbed the economic blow from the end of the shuttle program, and residents can expect the economy to improve, gradually. That means a net gain of jobs, more spending and more positive impact from economic development.
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› COLUMN: SunRail needs Central Florida on board
The long political slog to get SunRail rolling is over, and at the groundbreaking for the Altamonte Springs station last week, there were congratulations all around for a job well done.
Allow me to add mine. Bravo, Central Florida. We have joined the ranks of urbane regions that offer real mass transit. Those of us who commute on Interstate 4 are saved from idle hours in traffic. Hooray. Giddyap. Now, it's time to get back to work.
› Armour Group builds bullet-proof business
Armor is a big business worldwide and Armour Group is trying to make a dent in this multi-billion dollar market at its manufacturing facility, where vehicles are hardened and shipped to clients in the United States and international conflict zones.
› Business Spotlight: Marketing firm looks to diversify
Tina Lange, owner of TNT Creative Group, a strategic marketing and public relations agency, looks to take her firm to the next level by developing clients in a diverse mix of industries
› Jewel thieves operate in South Florida's underworld
Jewel heists are a staple of cinema — intricately planned crimes performed with panache by debonair types like Cary Grant and George Clooney. That glamorized world of gentlemen thieves doesn’t exist, but organized jewel-theft rings in South Florida are a reality.
› Dolphins might want Broward out of Super Bowl bid
Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee cites Broward’s opposition to a tax-funded stadium redo in raising the idea of Miami-Dade going solo in pursuing the 2016 Super Bowl.