Florida Trend articles from February 2008

Florida Trend archives from February 2008

John Walsh on life.(FloridaTrend.com/Extra)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Watch FLORIDA TREND reporter Art Levy's interview with crime fighter and television host John Walsh.

Florida's workers.(FloridaTrend.com/Extra)
February 1, 2008... Check out a report on state workers, their pay--and how Florida stacks up against other states.

Ads from the archives.(FloridaTrend.com/Extra)
February 1, 2008... Sometimes a publication's ads can tell as much about past times as the articles themselves. As part of our 50th anniversary, we've posted some FLORIDA TREND ads from years gone by.

A great partnership.(Corner Office)(strengthening Florida and Brazil's business partnership)
February 1, 2008... I recently had the opportunity to go to Silo Paulo, Brazil, as part of a Team Florida trade mission coordinated by Enterprise Florida. With more than 200 Florida business, government and economic development leaders, it was the largest-ever...

School diets.(Readers)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... When will nanny/politicians like Rep. Juan Zapata start to understand that not all citizens want government resources spent on becoming our mommy ["Sweet Nothings," December, FloridaTrend. com]? The poor use of his position, time and effort in...

Education in Florida.(Readers)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... Reading Mark Howard's "Someday, Soon?" and Lynda Keever's "Preparing for the Future" [December, FloridaTrend.com] reminded me of the story about giving a man a fish vs. teaching him to fish. Keever quotes studies that say "about half of...

No mercy?(Readers)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I want to share my thoughts with you about "No Mercy?" [December, Florida. Trend.com] about the Grove Bay Residences project in Coconut Grove. To allow the building of this monstrosity next to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens--the only truly...

Mental health.(Readers)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... Regarding your well-researched cover story, "A New Mindset" [December, FloridaTrend.com], I have found that conglomerates can be prickly. Growing soybeans is a far cry from constructing a rocket ship to land astronauts on Mars. Gregg Kanon...

Correction.(Readers)(Correction notice)
February 1, 2008... Investment bank Farlie Turner is based in Fort Lauderdale. It works with businesses that have enterprise values from $25 million to $300 million.

Best-dressed: Florida fashion--from handbags to how-to's to favorite shoes, ties and suits.(Executive Lifestyles: Workplace Fashion)
February 1, 2008... Stuart Z. Grossman Trial attorney, co-founder/Grossman Roth Coral Gables Stuart Grossman is one of the state's leading trial attorneys. He's won some of the largest awards in Florida, and his name tops many lists from "Trial...

Avoid the slippery slope.(Executive Lifestyles: Workplace Fashion)(Yasko-Mangum igves consulting on dressing at business occasions)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You'd be surprised how many people at the executive level are not sure how to dress for certain business occasions, says Jamie Yasko-Mangum, whoowns an image-consulting company near Orlando. [ILLUSTRATION...

In the bag.(Executive Lifestyles: Workplace Fashion)(Theresa Kathryn information about laptop bags)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] She was dumped from "The Apprentice," but that hasn't stopped Tammy Trenta. She recently launched a company called Theresa Kathryn. It sells a line of women's luxury career and laptop bags that are quickly becoming...

Fast times.(Executive Lifestyles: Health: Diet & Weight Management)
February 1, 2008... Dr. Quentin Green, an Orlando gynecologist, has counseled his patients on healthy eating for nearly half a century. Still practicing at 85, Green continues to promote a basic, balanced, common sense diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean...

Juiced up.(Executive Lifestyles: Health: Diet & Weight Management)
February 1, 2008... Increasingly, juice makers are adding vitamins and supplements to their offerings. Tropicana, for example, produces a series of specialty orange juices that contain added calcium, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin D and selenium. It recently introduced...

Adolescent girls.(RESEARCH)
February 1, 2008... Adolescent girls who diet to lose weight double the odds that they'll also start smoking, according to University of Florida researchers. The UF study focused on the dieting and smoking habits of 7,795 teens in grades 7, 8 and 9. The study...

Postmenopausal women.(RESEARCH)
February 1, 2008... A Florida State clinical study is under way to determine if eating up to 10 prunes each day will help reverse bone loss among postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. You can reach Art Levy at alevy@floridatrend.com

Ma's, pa's and spas.(Executive Lifestyles: Getaways: Spa Trends)(services provided by health clubs)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spa visits are becoming more mainstream than luxury as people incorporate spa services into their daily lives. According to the International Spa Association, one in four adults has visited a spa. The trends: ...

Fountain of youth?(Executive Lifestyles: Getaways: Spa Trends)(hot springs in Venice, Florida)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In North Port, south of Venice on Florida's west coast, the 87-degree water of Warm Mineral Springs boasts the world's third-highest level of minerals long sought for their restorative powers for skin conditions,...

LiveSpa.(SPA NEWS)
February 1, 2008... The International Spa Association plans to launch a new publication this year called LiveSpa. It aims to educate consumers on spa etiquette, aging, skin-care products and healthy eating, among other topics. You can reach Diane Sears at...

Code of conduct for spa-goers.(SPA NEWS)
February 1, 2008... ISPA and the Resort Hotel Association have created a code of conduct for spa-goers that includes responsibilities, such as communicating preferences and concerns, and rights, including a clean, safe, comfortable environment. You can reach...

Sweet dreams: gourmet chocolate is hot all around Florida.(Executive Lifestyles: Dining and Spirits)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are chocolate lovers, chocoholics and lovers of great chocolate. Count me among the last group. We prefer dark to milk, pop $2 for a mere truffle and like our chocolate plain and pure so we can taste the...

Wine & spirits.(Executive Lifestyles: Dining and Spirits)
February 1, 2008... It's time to buy Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the best French wine you're not drinking. The husky Rhone red from the summer home of the Avignon popes is grand in a Florida winter with a pot of seafood gumbo or lamb on the barbie. Skip 2002, and you...

Food Network stars.(Tasting Menu)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Food Network stars shower South Beach in the annual food and wine orgy Feb. 21-24, where guests can play poker with Paula Deen, mix sparkle and smoke at the BubbleQ or sniff out the best in Pomerol, sake and grappa. Most tempting to me is...

Napa Valley vintners tour.(Tasting Menu)
February 1, 2008... More than 80 Napa Valley vintners tour Florida Feb. 5-8, with stops in Coral Gables, Palm Beach, Tampa and Orlando. You can reach Chris Sherman at feedback@floridatrend.com

2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival.(Tasting Menu)
February 1, 2008... Millions of dollars raised at the world-class 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival are on the way to children's charities. If you missed bidding on that case of 100-point Chateau Ausone 2003 and dining with Tom Colicchio and Michel Chapoutier this...

Michael Blum.(DINNER CONVERSATION)
February 1, 2008... Michael Blum and his outrageous reinventions of comfort food from Hollywood are cooking again on Sunny Isles. Fans can find Blum wonders like corned beef Reuben spring rolls, short rib tacos and deep dish Rice Krispie treats at Michael's...

Jeannie Pierola.(DINNER CONVERSATION)
February 1, 2008... Chef Jeannie Pierola, who led the modernization of Bern's Steak House and sibling SideBern's for 10 years has left the Tampa landmark. A quartet of bright chefs she trained takes over the two kitchens. You can reach Chris Sherman at...

Melting Pot.(DINNER CONVERSATION)
February 1, 2008... Menu changes will put more in the Melting Pot than fondue: The Tampa chain is experimenting with finger foods of a different accent. Lobster quesadillas and other small-plate tapas that debuted in Oldsmar may show up in the 100 other Pots. ...

John Walsh: crime fighter, television host, 62.(Icon)(Viewpoint essay)
February 1, 2008... * It's the strangest thing that a guy who was very successful at a young age in the hotel business has a son who is murdered, who just tries to change a few laws out of anger, becomes the host of the first reality television program. *...

Building a safety net.(Trendsetters: Construction)(Moss and Associates manages safety of employees at work site)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As he combed through accident and loss data for the construction industry, Scott Trethewey found something interesting. Trethewey, 42, a senior vice president at construction firm Moss & Associates, says that while...

Scouting opportunities.(Trendsetters: Construction)(Ricardo Morales Jr. founder of Jacksonville)(Occupation overview)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ricardo Morales Jr. The Morales Group Chairman, Jacksonville Bio: A Havana native, Morales, 70, went to high school and college (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) in the U.S. and officially emigrated to...

The good side of real estate.(Trendsetters: Construction)
February 1, 2008... Not everyone in real estate is sucking wind. Steve Davis says Maitland-based Welbro Building entered 2008 with the largest backlog in its 29-year history. Revenue will come in between $325 million and $350 million, he anticipates, which...

Parking deal MIA.(MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At gear-end, the county celebrated the grand opening of Miami International Airport's south terminal, part of a long-term plan to upgrade and enhance the airport's international market position. The terminal includes...

Dolphins shake-up.(SPORTS BUSINESS)(appointment of Bill Parcells)(resignation of Randy Mueller)(Rick Thompson left the team)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The dismal 1-15 season for the Miami Dolphins ended with major changes in the team's front office. Team owner Wayne Huizenga hired legendary coach Bill Parcells as executive vice president of football operations....

Tenet Healthcare.(Players)
February 1, 2008... Tenet Healthcare named Ralph A. Aleman CEO of Hialeah Hospital, a 378-bed acute-care hospital. Aleman had been vice president and market leader of Tenet's hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You can...

Carlisle Development Group.(Players)
February 1, 2008... Matthew S. Greer has been named CEO of Carlisle Development Group. Greer was COO. He replaces Lloyd J. Boggio, who will remain a principal at the company. You can reach Sharon Harvey Rosenberg at rosenbergtrend@yahoo.com

City Park Aventura.(AVENTURA)
February 1, 2008... Aventura-based Sky Development announced that it has leased roughly 50,000 square feet of office and retail space at City Park Aventura to seven tenants. The development will consist of townhouses, condominiums, retailers, a hotel and a Class A...

Great Florida Bank.(CORAL GABLES)
February 1, 2008... Great Florida Bank (Nasdaq-GFLB) began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market in December. The bank previously traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. Launched in 2004, Great Florida Bank is one of the youngest banks to trade on Nasdaq. It was started...

Weintraub Construction.(HIALEAH)
February 1, 2008... Inc. magazine ranked Hialeah-based Weintraub Construction 315 on its list of "America's Fastest Growing Private Companies." With 38 employees and annual revenue of $35.5 million in 2006, Weintraub Construction has grown 841.9% since 2003. ...

Russell Post Properties.(KEY LARGO)(Russell Post Properties partnered with Sotheby's International Realty Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Russell Post Properties has joined the luxury real estate network of Sotheby's International Realty. The firm, which will be known as Russell Post Sotheby's International Realty, brokered more than half of the real estate sales in Ocean Reef, a...

American Airlines.(MIAMI)
February 1, 2008... American Airlines has added routes and new service to several U.S. and Latin American destinations from Miami. The carrier increased the number of daily flights to Medellin and Bogota in Colombia and also added daily service to Barranquilla....

The Frost Group, a private investment group controlled by Phillip Frost, chairman and CEO of Miami-based Opko Health (AMEX-OPK), has invested $20 million in Opko.(MIAMI)
February 1, 2008... The Frost Group, a private investment group controlled by Phillip Frost, chairman and CEO of Miami-based Opko Health (AMEX-OPK), has invested $20 million in Opko, a specialty healthcare company. You can reach Sharon Harvey Rosenberg at...

Mary Brickell Village.(MIAMI)
February 1, 2008... Publix Super Markets will anchor the Mary Brickell Village, an upscale shopping center in the Brickell Avenue financial district near downtown. You can reach Sharon Harvey Rosenberg at rosenbergtrend@yahoo.com

Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson.(MIAMI)(Stearns, Weaver, Miller, Weisler, Alhadeff and Sitterson P.A. launched)(summer fellows program for University of Miami School of Law)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, a Miami law firm, has started a summer fellows program, which will provide three summer internships at Legal Services of Greater Miami for students from the University of Miami School of Law,...

Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts.(MIAMI BEACH)
February 1, 2008... The Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts has undergone a $3.5-million renovation. The makeover included transformation of the music hall, new VIP lounges and new concession areas. You can reach Sharon Harvey Rosenberg at...

Existing-home sales.(MIAMI-DADE)(trends in prices of residential real estate)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Falling prices and sluggish sales continue to rock the housing market. The county experienced a 59% decline in existing-home sales, the largest decline in the state for November on a year-over-year basis. The median home price fell 4% to...

Boca Developers.(NORTH MIAMI)
February 1, 2008... Boca Developers, a Deerfield Beach-based luxury real estate developer, has started a Latin American sales division, which will operate out of the Biscayne Landing office in North Miami. Fernando Valdivieso will lead the division, focusing on...

Backstage.(ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT)
February 1, 2008... Carnival Center for the Performing Arts now offers free behind-the-scenes tours to the general public. The 60-minute tours are offered every Monday and Saturday at noon. No reservations are needed. For information, call the box office at...

Welcome mat.(BIOTECH)(Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science received fund to construct biotechnology park)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Sometimes, it's best to come second--even in cutting-edge fields like biotech. Tumult and strife greeted the Scripps Research Institute's planned entrance into Palm Beach, as the county commission spent more...

Levitt Corp.(Players)
February 1, 2008... George Scanlon, CFO of Fort Lauderdale-based Levitt Corp., has resigned. Patrick Worsham, a partner in executive services firm Tatum LLC, will become acting CFO. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Biotest Pharmaceutical.(Players)
February 1, 2008... CEO Ranier Pabst will lead Biotest Pharmaceutical 's new management team in Boca Raton. The German-based company recently completed the purchase of the Boca facility from Nabi Biopharmaceuticals. You can reach Ellen Forman at...

Gilda's Club South Florida.(Players)
February 1, 2008... Gilda's Club South Florida, a cancer support organization, appointed Shelley Goren president and CEO. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

ChildNet.(Players)
February 1, 2008... ChildNet, a non-profit group that manages the child protection system in Broward County, named Emilio Benitez CEO. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

St. Mary's Medical Center.(Players)
February 1, 2008... St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach named W. Jeffrey Davis chief medical officer. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Designer focus.(ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT)(Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art celebrate its 50th anniversary and held an exhibition)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of special exhibitions and events. Starting Feb. 3, the museum will present "In the Pink: Dorothy Draper, America's Most Fabulous Decorator," a retrospective...

Water treatment facility and well field.(BOCA RATON)
February 1, 2008... The town of Highland Beach is selling its abandoned water treatment facility and well field in Boca Raton. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Various Inc.(BOCA RATON)
February 1, 2008... Penthouse Media Group has acquired Various Inc., a social networking firm that owns adultfriendfinder.com and other sites, for $500 million in cash and securities. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Alan Levine.(BROWARD COUNTY)
February 1, 2008... Less than two years into reforming Broward County's hospital system as its CEO, Alan Levine has left for Louisiana, where he will be secretary of health and hospitals under Gov. Bobby Jindal ["Healthcare Challenge," January, FloridaTrend.com]....

Air and Sea Show.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... The Air and Sea Show, a 13-year-old event held in conjunction with Fleet Week, was canceled after its title sponsor pulled out. Producer MDM Limited said rising fuel costs and downward economic trends hurt the show. You can reach Ellen...

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi has been sold to Water Transportation Alternatives of Quincy, Mass., for an undisclosed sum. The new owners plan to add staff and a new route to South Beach and increase frequency of service. You can reach Ellen...

Antillean Marine Shipping Co.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... Antillean Marine Shipping Co., a Miami-based cargo firm, will expand its operations to Port Everglades, with regular liner service to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Panama. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Holy Cross Hospital.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... Holy Cross Hospital will get an epilepsy monitoring unit, run by Dr. Eduardo Locatelli, who was previously at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been acquired by Apollo Management, a New York private-equity firm run by Leon Black, for about $1 billion. The company was previously owned by Carlson, the Minneapolis-based travel services company. You can...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2007 Homeless Continuum of Care.(FORT LAUDERDALE)
February 1, 2008... Broward County received 14 project grants totaling more than $7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2007 Homeless Continuum of Care awards. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

Atlas Pen & Pencil.(HOLLYWOOD)
February 1, 2008... Atlas Pen & Pencil will close its facility here and move production to Shelbyville, Tenn., and Tijuana, Mexico, in April, reversing an earlier decision to keep the facility open. The company was bought by San Diego-based National Pen last...

A Michigan court ordered Millenium Trading Group and Cedric Stanton, as well as Worldwide Clearing of Fort Lauderdale, to pay more than $6 million in restitution and penalties.(MIRAMAR)
February 1, 2008... A Michigan court ordered Millenium Trading Group and Cedric Stanton, as well as Worldwide Clearing of Fort Lauderdale, to pay more than $6 million in restitution and penalties for committing foreign currency futures and options fraud. You...

Florida's Blood Centers and the Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida will offer lab incubator space.(PALM BEACH GARDENS)
February 1, 2008... Florida's Blood Centers and the Enterprise Development Corp. of South Florida will offer lab incubator space for life science companies at FBC's Northlake Boulevard facility in Lake Park. You can reach Ellen Forman at...

Point Blank Solutions.(POMPANO BEACH)
February 1, 2008... Point Blank Solutions has sued its former CEO, David H. Brooks, for the return of millions in cash and company assets, including a Bentley Continental Flying Spur and three flat-screen televisions. Brooks was charged with financial wrongdoing...

Core Communities says that BBL Development Group and Equinox Cos., based in Albany, N.Y., will co-develop and co-own a 111-room Homewood Suites by Hilton at the Tradition development.(PORT ST. LUCIE)
February 1, 2008... Core Communities says that BBL Development Group and Equinox Cos., based in Albany, N.Y., will co-develop and co-own a 111-room Homewood Suites by Hilton at the Tradition development, near the future Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies...

Pediatrix Medical Group.(SUNRISE)
February 1, 2008... Pediatrix Medical Group (NYSE-PDX) plans to buy back up to $100 million of its shares on the open market, using cash on hand and proceeds from the expected sale of its newborn metabolic screening laboratory to PerkinElmer. You can reach...

Citrus trees.(WEST PALM BEACH)
February 1, 2008... A jury trial in March will determine compensation for Palm Beach County homeowners whose citrus trees were destroyed by the state between 2002 and 2006. You can reach Ellen Forman at formanfltrend@gmail.com

No devil, but plenty of details.(SPORTS BUSINESS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As they remake their baseball team, the owners of the Tampa Bay Rays say they want to transform St. Petersburg's downtown as well. In November, the 12-year-old team's ownership group, led by principal owner Smart...

Looking ahead.(EMPLOYMENT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... According to a Manpower employment outlook survey: * 3% of companies in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area plan to hire employees during the first quarter of 2008 * 17% expect to reduce their payrolls * 53% expect to maintain their...

Recycle certain types of waste.(BONITA SPRINGS)
February 1, 2008... A new city ordinance requires businesses and apartments to recycle certain types of waste, including newspaper, wood, paper, aluminum, steel, tin cans, glass bottles and jars. You can reach Amy Keller at akeller@floridatrend.com

Coast Financial Holdings.(BRADENTON)(First Banks America Inc. acquires Coast Financial Holdings )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... First Banks of St. Louis bought out Coast Financial Holdings for $12.1 million, or $1.86 a share, in December. The Bradenton bank had struggled after customers defaulted on construction loans valued at more than $50 million--most of them tied...

Ajax Building Corp.(CHARLOTTE COUNTY)
February 1, 2008... Ajax Building Corp. was awarded a $6.5-million contract to build a fleet maintenance building and fuel depot for the Charlotte County Public Works Department. It is the first phase in a $19-million project that will include an administrative...

Southeastern University.(LAKELAND)
February 1, 2008... Southeastern University has launched its own Christian music record label, Fire Fall Records, to promote student talent. You can reach Amy Keller at akeller@floridatrend.com

GeoPharma.(LARGO)
February 1, 2008... GeoPharma, a Largo-based company that manufactures and distributes over-the-counter nutritional and general drug products, is partnering with the University of South Florida Division of Patents and Licensing and the USF Research Foundation to...

Neighborhood America.(NAPLES)
February 1, 2008... Neighborhood America, which builds and manages interactive virtual social networks for businesses and government, is hiring 40 employees, including account executives, technical programmers, project managers and supporting executives. You...

SafeBoot.(NAPLES)
February 1, 2008... IT security giant McAfee is acquiring SafeBoot, a Naples company that provides mobile data protection and access control technology, for $350 million. You can reach Amy Keller at akeller@floridatrend.com

Christine Jennings.(SARASOTA)
February 1, 2008... Christine Jennings withdrew her lawsuit over her 369-vote loss to Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan in 2006. Jennings plans to run for Congress again this year. You can reach Amy Keller at akeller@floridatrend.com

Tampa Bay Lightning.(TAMPA)
February 1, 2008... Palace Sports & Entertainment pulled the plug on its deal to sell the Tampa Bay Lightning to Absolute Hockey Enterprises for $200 million after Absolute missed a scheduled $5-million payment for the team and infighting broke out among several...

Metro Development Group.(TAMPA)
February 1, 2008... Metro Development Group in Tampa has purchased 8,300 home sites in Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Sarasota, Lee, De Soto and Brevard counties from Lennar Homes, which preferred to have the cash instead. You can reach Amy Keller at...

OSI Restaurant Partners.(TAMPA)
February 1, 2008... OSI Restaurant Partners, which owns Outback Steakhouse, is planning to sell some of its smaller chains, including the Hawaiian-themed eatery Roy's. You can reach Amy Keller at akeller@floridatrend.com