MAY 24 - MAY 30, 2024 | THREE DOLL ARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Closing time | Landmark Sarasota restaurant has flipped its last burger. PG.7 PASCO • H ILL SBOROUG H • PIN ELL AS • P OLK • M A N ATEE • SA R ASOTA • C H A R LOT TE • LEE • COLLIER
Brotherly Love
inside: DATA SNAPSHOT
On the Rise
After several months of decline, bed tax collections in Pinellas County were up nearly 8% in March — an increase officials hope to build on. PAGE 5
IN MEMORIAM
A. Gerald Divers
The sibling of a oncecelebrated entrepreneur sought to help save his brother’s private air service company from a stunning collapse. Now he says his life and finances are in tatters. PAGE 10
Bank of Tampa founder Gerry Divers, who died May 17 at 88, made community-first both a mantra and lived value, inspiring others to follow his lead. PAGE 6
AGRICULTURE
Make Hay
East Manatee County dairy farmer Jerry Dakin has sold his farm and business to four nephews who plan to keep, and grow, the dairy business. PAGE 8
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Home Front
Data from the Florida Housing Summit held earlier in May puts a spotlight on the state’s lack of housing available in a variety of price points. PAGE 12
REAL ESTATE Tampa extended stay hotel acquired for $9.35 million. 13 Celebrity investor buys Fort Myers apartment complex for $60 million. 13
DON’T MISS
College president’s key lessons. PAGE 3
MARK WEMPLE
BIG HOT OFF THE PRESS 2023
BOOK OF BUSINESS
423425-1
FILE PHOTO
TODD BRITTON-HARR, above, attempts to clear his name from the lawsuits and trouble of the past year in a company, AeroVanti, founded by his brother, PATRICK BRITTON-HARR, inset.
THE DATA THE LISTS THE CHANGE MAKERS
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