JANUARY 16, 2026 - JANUARY 22, 2026 | THREE DOLLARS
FLOR IDA’S NE WSPAPER FOR T HE C - SUI T E
Media | Billionaire Naples businessman backs up confidence in newspaper industry. 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
Reign Maker A never-content mindset motivates a Clearwater Beach hotel broker and dealmaker — with a royal nickname — to keep on chasing the next sale. PAGE 10
GEORGETTE GILLIS | Viewpoint Realty International
MARK WEMPLE
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
Growth 2.0
Double Time
A Naples country club, in an effort to keep up with competitors, has completed a $15 million expansion and renovation. PAGE 3
REAL ESTATE
From a sheriff’s office substation to a renewable natural gas facility, projects are aplenty in east Manatee in 2026. PAGE 8
DATA SNAPSHOT
BANKING
Open Door
Customer Centric
The Sunshine State remains a hot place to move to, according to a new report from mov ing giant U-Haul. PAGE 6
Developer adds investor to $1 billion Tampa mixed-use project. 14 National homebuilder plans $160 million investment in SWFL. 14
PAGE
5 Observer Media Group Chairman dies at 95. BUDGETING EMPLOYEE PAY FOR 2026 456281-1
DON’T MISS:
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, going against industry trends, is making a big investment in its branch network. PAGE 12
Work begins on $25M car dealership in Naples. 14
SEE PAGE 3