Florida Trend articles from September 2003

Florida Trend archives from September 2003

The state of technology.(corner office)
September 1, 2003... For the first time ever, Florida's technology, economic development, university and government leaders met at the ITFlorida Awards Gala and Tech Forum. The assembly in late July of ITFlorida, the Florida Research Consortium and Enterprise...

River of grass.(readers)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Thanks for the great feature story on Dexter Lehtinen ["In the Tranches," July, FloridaTrend.com]. The Everglades will be saved by people like Dexter who love the trenches, have principles and hold the goal above their self-interest. And thanks...

The beach issue.(readers)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Thank you for Cynthia Barnett's excellent article on the state of Florida's beach and marine environment ["Distress Syndrome," June, FloridaTrend.com] and the need for a coordinated, integrated approach for solving our state's coastal problems....

Trendsetter.(readers)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... I would like to commend FLORIDA TREND for recognizing attorney Jacqueline Valdespino [Trendsetters, July, FloridaTrend.com] for her pro bono efforts for children and other persons needing legal help. TOD ARONOVITZ Immediate part...

Home sick.(readers)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2003... Cynthia Barnett is to be congratulated for her "Home Sick" article in the July edition. The article's content is most relevant, to the point and doesn't pull any punches. All real estate professionals should read it. PHIL MITCHELL Las...

Correction.(readers)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2003... David H. Hughes, chairman of Hughes Supply, is pictured at left. An incorrect photo ran in Florida's Top 250 Public Companies list in July.

Yacht partnerships.(Automotive And Boating)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Last year, Loren Simkowitz's yacht management company introduced a program targeted at boaters who'd rather not deal with the hassles of ownership: Fractional ownership. Simkowitz's company, Monocle Management, has a dozen megayachts that it...

Coming this fall.(Automotive And Boating)(Island Packet Yachts to unveil its latest cruising yacht)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Island Packet Yachts plans to unveil its latest cruising yacht at boat shows this fall. The Largo boat manufacturer is best known for its comfortable cruising sailboats. The newest, the Island Packet 370, is 13 feet wide and almost 38 feet...

Dual purpose.(Automotive And Boating)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... IK Yacht Design in Dania manufactures yacht furnishings that double as storage. Owner Zak Kadosh designs the company's pieces. Revamped models of his barrel chair with minibar, sofa with fishing rod storage, and pouf/wine goblet holder are due...

By the numbers.(Automotive And Boating)(statistics on boating in Florida)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Florida has the third-highest number of boat owners, behind No. 1 Michigan and California. * Recreational boating in Florida has twice the economic impact of the citrus industry. * The annual Miami International Boat Show is the...

What's in store for 2004.(Automotive And Boating)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Aston Martin DB7 Speedster: A new model targeted to U.S. buyers. Chrysler Sebring: The exterior will get a facelift. Ford Mustang: The muscle car celebrates its 40th birthday with 5,700 special edition convertibles and GT coupes.

Caddy's ragtop.(Automotive And Boating)(Cadillac to introduce new XLR convertible)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Cadillac's new XLR convertible will he hitting the showrooms this fall. Designed more for Baby Boomers than blue bloods, the XLR is Cadillac's answer to the popular Mercedes and Lexus convertibles. St. Petersburg's Dew Cadillac has already...

Oldies but goodies.(Automotive And Boating)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Golden Classics in Clearwater sells about $4 million in classic cars every year. The most popular models: Muscle cars like Chevrolet's Chevelle and Camaro, and, of course, the Ford Mustang. "The '57 Chevy is probably the best known car in...

A healthy approach: Okaloosa County Schools.(Education)(profile of superintendent Don Gaetz)
September 1, 2003... A quotation from Okaloosa Superintendent Don Gaetz is plastered on his school system's website: "I will not be satisfied and neither should you until our schools are the best in Florida and a model for America." By one measure, Gaetz has...

Hitting her stride: Hillsborough Community College.(Education)(brief profile of Gwendolyn W. Stephenson)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Gwendolyn W. Stephenson cites the story of the incoming student at Hillsborough Community College who needed remedial math. By the time he earned his degree last year, he had done so well he won the outstanding student award in math in the...

Valuable addition: Florida International University.(Education)(profile of Irma Becerra-Fernandez, Associate professor director, Knowledge Management Lab)
September 1, 2003... In high school, Irma Becerra-Fernandez, a native of Cuba growing up in Puerto Rico, showed a facility for math. She was tested, and a guidance counselor gave her the results: She would do well in mechanical engineering in college. Problem was,...

The conscience of the legal profession: Chesterfield H. Smith.(Obituary)(Obituary)
September 1, 2003... At Chesterfield H. Smith's memorial service in July, former Holland & Knight managing partner Bill McBride remembered his mentor as "always the smartest man in the room. He was the equal of every strong personality I've ever seen or met." ...

Florida Trust Co.(Banking)(Julie Husler promoted to president)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BANKING -- Julie Husler has been promoted to president of Florida Trust Co., the Naples based wealth management subsidiary of Banc-shares of Florida, a holding company also based in Naples. Husler was most recently executive vice president of...

Tew Cardenas.(Law)(named Emilio Gonzalez senior managing director of the firm's governmental affairs practice group)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... LAW -- Miami-based law firm Tew Cardeeas has named Emilio Gonzalez, former White House national security council director for the Western Hemisphere under President George W. Bush, senior managing director of the firm's governmental affairs...

Cenuco.(Technology)(appointed Jordan D. Serlin as COO)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TECHNOLOGY -- Boca Raton-based Cenuco, a maker of wireless remote video monitoring systems, has tapped Jordan D. Serlin as COO, a new position. Serlin was most recently CEO of the Americas for United Kingdom-based Tenestra, a hardware and...

The home front: both St. Joe Co. and WCI present intriguing options for investors.(Home Building)(WCI Communities)
September 1, 2003... For investors looking to profit from Florida's flourishing residential real estate market, there are two interesting options: St. Joe Co. and WCI Communities. The two companies share a few similarities and many differences. Both companies...

Coast is clear: the Navy steps up operations in Key West, ending debate about its role there.(Military)
September 1, 2003... A decade ago, the Navy base in Key West, once a key player in the Cold War, was in shrink mode. Bits and pieces of the sprawling base were deemed obsolete, and many were transferred to city or county control. In 1995, the Defense Department...

United Airlines.(In The News ...)(announced that its Latin American division headquarters will remain in Coral Gables)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CORAL GABLES -- After considering other locations, United Airlines has announced that its Latin American division headquarters will remain in Coral Gables. The office employs 19 managers and administrative workers.

Miami--Rio de Janeiro-based Blah!, which produces instant messaging and other products for wireless carriers, will open a U.S. headquarters in Miami.(In The News ...)(multiple briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MIAMI -- Rio de Janeiro-based Blah!, which produces instant messaging and other products for wireless carriers, will open a U.S. headquarters in Miami. The move is expected to create at least 50 jobs by the end of next year. Miami-based...

All American Cities.(In The News ...)(Miami Beach on National Civic League list)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MIAMI BEACH -- The National Civic League has named Miami Beach to its annual "All America Cities" list, one of only 10 nationwide. The designation recognizes cities that promote cooperative interaction among government, business and citizenry....

Miami Dade--recognizing the enormous growth and increasingly seamless borders of southeast Florida, the Census Bureau has added Palm Beach County to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) encompassing Miami-Dade and Broward.(In The News ...)(multiple briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MIAMI DADE -- Recognizing the enormous growth and increasingly seamless borders of southeast Florida, the Census Bureau has added Palm Beach County to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) encompassing Miami-Dade and Broward, creating a...

Safire Aircraft.(In The News ...)(will set up its headquarters and manufacturing facility at Opa-locka Airport)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... OPA-LOCKA -- Fledgling aircraft manufacturer Safire Aircraft founded five years ago in Palm Beach County--will set up its headquarters and manufacturing facility at Opa-locka Airport. Although production is still years away, executives say they...

A victory for property owners. (Property Rights).(Florida appellate court rules that property owners can sue city of Miami Beach)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MIAMI BEACH -- In a ruling that could have statewide implications, a state appellate court said that property owners can sue the city if officials place such burdensome restrictions on their land that they have stripped it of its development...

Unfinished business: one year into the job, Broward Alliance's chief still has plenty of challenges.(Economic Development)(James "J.T." Tarlton )
September 1, 2003... James "J.T." Tarlton marks his first anniversary as chief executive of Broward Alliance, the county's economic development agency. But his work may be just beginning. Tarlton faces two major tasks in the year ahead: Marshalling the county's...

Wackenhut Corrections.(In The News ...)(announced a buyback of 12 million shares of its stock from Group 4 Falck)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BOCA RATON -- Wackenhut Corrections (NYSE-WHC) has announced a buyback of 12 million shares of its stock from Group 4 Falck of Denmark, which had been the company's major shareholder. The entire contents of the American Media building in...

Citrus trees.(In The News ...)(Broward Circuit Court judge grants temporary injunction barring the state of Florida from cutting any more citrus trees in south Florida)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BROWARD COUNTY -- A Broward Circuit Court judge has granted a temporary injunction barring the state from cutting any more citrus trees in south Florida until more precise laboratory testing can be done to determine whether suspected canker...

Health Communications.(In The News ...)(has purchased a billion-dollar binding machine)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... DEERFIELD BEACH -- Chicken Soup series publisher Health Communications will soon have the ability to create its own hardcover titles with the purchase of a billion-dollar binding machine. Owner Peter Vegso told the Miami Herald that the...

Young Circle area.(In The News ...)(plans for condos, retail and theater put on hold in Hollywood, Florida )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... HOLLYWOOD -- Plans for condominiums, retail shops and a theater in the city's downtown Young Circle area have been put on hold to give the city time to catch up with an overall plan for the area. The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa has lost a...

Point Blank.(In The News ...)(administrative law judge rules that bulletproof vest maker Point Blank violated labor laws)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... OAKLAND PARK -- An administrative law judge has ruled that bulletproof vest maker Point Blank violated labor laws when it fired three employees and took other action against striking employees. The ruling is not final until the National Labor...

Palm Beach Gardens Mall.(In The News ...)(is contemplating renovation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PALM BEACH GARDENS -- The 15-year-old Palm Beach Gardens Mall is contemplating a major makeover, the Palm Beach Post reports. Leasing manager Bob Ferris says plans may include a luxury section for high-end tenants like Gucci, Louis Vuitton or...

Pompano Beach--the Florida Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in the case of a 30-year-old dispute between city officials and two property owners who claimed the city cost them millions of dollars.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... POMPANO BEACH -- The Florida Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in the case of a 30-year-old dispute between city officials and two property owners who claimed the city cost them millions of dollars by stonewalling their hotel...

West Palm Beach--a U.S. magistrate has granted class-action status to a group of vision-impaired voters who have sued Supervisor of Elections Theresa LePore, alleging a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.(In The News ...)(court briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... WEST PALM BEACH -- A U.S. magistrate has granted class-action status to a group of vision-impaired voters who have sued Supervisor of Elections Theresa LePore, alleging a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act for failing to make...

Weston--a recent U.S. Census Bureau estimate shows Weston and Miramar, along Broward County's western boundary, among the country's fastest-growing cities with populations over 50,000.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... WESTON -- A recent U.S. Census Bureau estimate shows Weston and Miramar, along Broward County's western boundary, among the country's fastest-growing cities with populations over 50,000. The two ranked sixth and seventh respectively for...

Dot-com survivor: FindWhat.com has bucked the dot-com trend.(High-Tech)
September 1, 2003... FindWhat.com, a $42-million marketing company, is a rare bird--a publicly traded internet company that survived the dot-com bust and is both profitable and growing. The firm is the brainchild of Craig Pisaris-Henderson, a 32-year-old Fort...

Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Walter Brewer.(In The News)(killed in car accident)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ARCADIA -- Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Walter Brewer was killed in a car accident July 31 in Arcadia. Brewer, 43, was trapped inside his burning SUV after being hit by a driver trying to outrun deputies. His two sons, ages 13 and 10,...

Gevity HR.(In The News)(human resources firm hiring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BRADENTON -- Human resources firm Gevity HR (Nasdaq GVHR) is hiring 100 sales managers to run offices throughout the country. The additions, which will bring its management staff to 230, should be completed by next month.

Tuscany Village.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CAPE CORAL -- Developer Tuscany Village has bought 20.6 acres in Cape Coral from RKR Development for $2.28 million. Tuscany plans to build a multifamily, gated community in southwest Cape Coral.

Morton Plant Hospital.(In The News)(has begun an $84 million expansion project)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CLEARWATER -- Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater has begun an $84 million expansion project that will include a new 148,000-sq.-ft. heart hospital, more than 100 new private rooms, a consolidation of women's services and an expansion of...

Incentive programs.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... COLLIER COUNTY -- The County Commission has agreed to set aside $2 million for new incentive programs proposed by the county's economic development council. Through a revolving loan program, high-tech, manufacturing and biomedical companies...

Fort Myers--Delta Air Lines' new low-fare service, Song, began flying out of Fort Myers-based Southwest Florida International Airport in July with two daily round-trip flights to Boston.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FORT MYERS -- Delta Air Lines' new low-fare service, Song, began flying out of Fort Myers-based Southwest Florida International Airport in July with two daily round-trip flights to Boston. A third daily flight will be added next month.

St. Petersburg--City officials have committed to raising $18 million for roads to support more than 1.2 million square feet of office and industrial space in the Gateway area where the Home Shopping Network plans to expand.(In The News)(St. Petersburg, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ST. PETERSBURG -- City officials have committed to raising $18 million for roads to support more than 1.2 million square feet of office and industrial space in the Gateway area where the Home Shopping Network plans to expand. Several other...

Tampa--Tampa-based Tribridge, a provider of business consulting services, has acquired Clearwater-based Integration Specialists in a stock swap deal, the total value of which was undisclosed.(In The News)(Tampa, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TAMPA -- Tampa-based Tribridge, a provider of business consulting services, has acquired Clearwater-based Integration Specialists in a stock swap deal, the total value of which was undisclosed. Integration Specialists provides network...

FNB splits.(Banking)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... NAPLES -- FNB Corp. (Nasdaq-FBAN) is splitting into two separate public companies in a move to raise shareholder value. A new and yet-to-be-named holding company will be established to run First National Bank of Florida and will apply to be...

All business: a new court in Orlando will handle strictly business disputes.(Courts)
September 1, 2003... Every field has its specialties, and beginning early next year, Circuit Court will start hearing cases in Florida's only business court. The court's creation is based on the notion that a judge familiar with business issues can do a better job...

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.(In The News)(named public favorite by TripAdvisor.com)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CAPE CANAVERAL -- The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex topped the list of family-friendly tourist attractions compiled by TripAdvisor.com, a travel research website. The complex beat out such perennial favorites as Disney World, the Statue...

Deland--Florida Gourmet Foods has bought the 35,000-sq.-ft. Holiday House building at DeLand Airport Industrial Park.(In The News)(Deland, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... DELAND -- Florida Gourmet Foods has bought the 35,000-sq.-ft. Holiday House building at DeLand Airport Industrial Park. The company plans to renovate the building before deciding which of its operations to relocate there from the company's...

Tupperware.(In The News)(will not sell products in Target stores anymore)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... KISSIMMEE -- Tupperware (NYSE-TUP) abandoned its retail experiment after selling in Target stores for about eight months. The company says the venture took the wind out of the party sales that have been the company's mainstay.

EBC Office Centers.(In The News)(discontinues mini-suite operation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... LAKE MARY -- EBC Office Centers closed its mini-suite operation after occupancy fell below 45%. The company's Maitland and Celebration operations remain open.

Elberta Crate & Box.(In The News)(closes plant in Leesburg, Florida)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... LEESBURG -- Elberta Crate & Box closed its Lake County plant, laying off 75 to 80 people. The company blamed slower sales to produce growers, which led to a large backlog of inventory. About 20 employees were kept on temporarily while inventory...

LiveTV.(In The News)(Melbourne, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MELBOURNE -- LiveTV, a subsidiary of JetBlue Airways, will add 42 positions in Melbourne and Orlando. The company, which installs television screens in the seats of airplanes and surveillance monitors in cabins, is benefiting from JetBlue's...

AppliCote Associates.(In The News)(Orlando, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ORLANDO -- AppliCote Associates was awarded a NASA contract to develop a process that will implant single atoms in semiconductor material. The technology could be a key to developing manufacturing technologies in space because the resulting...

Disney Cruise Line.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PORT CANAVERAL -- Disney Cruise Line will revamp its itineraries next year, making seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Magic to new destinations and adding a 10-night holiday cruise during the Christmas season.

415,000-sq.-ft. retail center.(In The News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... VIERA -- Matthew Development and Atlanta-based Cousins Properties are planning a 415,000-sq.-ft. retail center anchored by a 16 screen theater. The Avenue Viera will be an open-air shopping and entertainment venue.

Expansion on hold.(Aviation)(Greater Orlando Aviation Authority )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ORLANDO -- The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will renovate the two oldest parts of the passenger terminal while it waits for traffic to rebound enough to warrant resuming construction of the $800-million south terminal, once scheduled to...

High hopes: leaders of a four-county area of 'critical concern' remain optimistic despite challenges.(Economic Development)
September 1, 2003... Though they live in a region Gov. Jeb Bush recently designated a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern, the five people sitting around a Lake City conference table don't seem too worried. In fact, these advocates for economic and workforce...

Ixion Biotechnology.(In The News ...)(Alachua County, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ALACHUA COUNTY -- Ixion Biotechnology won a $763,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to research ways to relieve problems associated with urinary tract catheters and stents. Ixion has received 13 such grants over the past three...

Gainesville--PPI Construction Management announced it is overseeing two University of Florida-related projects.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... GAINESVILLE -- PPI construction management announced it is overseeing two University of Florida-related projects: Expansion of the Legal Information Center and a law school building and construction of Oak Hammock, a $123 million...

City Commissioner DeLoris Roberts-Cheatham .(In The News ...)(newly elected in Hawthorne, Florida)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... HAWTHORNE -- City Commissioner DeLoris Roberts-Cheatham was elected by fellow commissioners to replace four-year incumbent John Martin as mayor of the Alachua County city, which is the subject of a state audit looking for several thousand...

Embraer.(In The News ...)(Jacksonville, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... JACKSONVILLE -- Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will receive an $11.3-million incentive package to operate an assembly plant at the Cecil Commerce Center on the city's Westside. The deal includes construction of a 71,000sq.-ft. hangar...

The WaterMark.(In The News ...)(LandMar Group building condominiums)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... JACKSONVILLE BEACH -- LandMar Group has broken ground on its second oceanfront condominium, an 11-story building at First Street South and Third Avenue South called The WaterMark.

90-room, suite-style hotel.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MAYPORT -- Officials say a developer is looking to build a 90-room, suite-style hotel along the St. Johns River on Ocean Street. The hotel, which should be ready in time for the 2005 Super Bowl, will cater to tourists and personnel from the...

Rodman Reservoir.(In The News ...)(Florida governor vetoes bill designed to make demolition of dam more difficult)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PUTNAM COUNTY--Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed a bill that would have made it more difficult to tear down a controversial dam at the Rodman Reservoir. The Legislature has tried for several years to preserve the reservoir, which is a popular fishing...

St. Johns County--Texas-based D.R. Horton, the nation's largest home builder, announced plans for a 1,160-lot subdivision on 690 acres near World Golf Village.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ST. JOHNS COUNTY -- Texas-based D.R. Horton, the nation's largest home builder, announced plans for a 1,160-lot subdivision on 690 acres near World Golf Village. Entertainment Group Fund Inc. of Jupiter says it will build a $12-million,...

Ceramica Alberdi.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... YULEE -- Ceramica Alberdi, an Argentina-based manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles, plans to renovate a 330,000sq.-ft. abandoned factory in Yulee, creating 170 jobs.

City Hall clash.(Politics)(Jacksonville, Florida city CEO resigns)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... JACKSONVILLE -- The city's chief operating officer, Sam Mousa, resigned after reportedly clashing with Mayor John Peyton's top budget official over spending priorities. Mousa, a 16-year City Hall veteran who managed the $2.2-billion Better...

Water fallout: some residents feel Madison County gave away the farm to lure Nestle's bottled-water plant.(Incentives)
September 1, 2003... Blue Springs in Madison County is one of Florida's few first-magnitude springs, discharging up to 150 million gallons a day from the Floridan aquifer. It's been on Nestle Waters North America's radar for years. Last year, the company decided to...

Chipola Junior College.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CHIPLEY -- A critical state and local shortage of teachers has helped Chipola Junior College, renamed Chipola College to reflect its new four-year status, receive permission to begin offering four-year bachelor's of science degrees for...

Two land parcels.(In The News ...)(Escambia County, Florida news briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ESCAMBIA COUNTY--County commissioners have approved the $1.6-million sale of the second of two land parcels involved in last year's commission corruption scandals, bringing the county's net loss to $1.7 million. The school board voted in...

"Virtual technical institutes.".(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... OKALOOSA COUNTY--The school district is investing $10.2 million in a series of "virtual technical institutes," where high school and middle school students can take college-level and industry certification courses offered by partner...

Underwater crime scene investigation training program.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PANAMA CITY -- The FSU-Panama City campus has established the nation's first underwater crime scene investigation training program.

Pier Park.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PANAMA CITY BEACH -- The public portion of Pier Park, a 287-acre recreation, commercial and entertainment complex, has opened.

Drownings.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PANHANDLE -- The Florida Department of Health, with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is leading an investigation of nine drownings that occurred within 48 hours in seven coastal counties this June.

Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.(In The News ...)(briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PENSACOLA -- New legislation signed by Gov. Job Bush upgraded the status of the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition to a "state-level institute," giving the University of West Florida associated research institution more autonomy in...

Cascades Park.(In The News ...)(briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TALLAHASSEE -- The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the estimated $6-million cleanup of coal-tar contaminated soil at Cascades Park, but project design and wrangling between the city and state over who will foot the bill mean the...

Somerset Beach.(In The News ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... WALTON COUNTY -- EBSCO Gulf Coast Development has proposed the 599-home Somerset Beach project on 160 Gulf-front acres.

Something to build on: the forces driving up Florida home prices remain strong--and are leading many developers to rethink traditional strategies.(Florida homes)
September 1, 2003... Like other home builders across the state, Steve O'Dowd is looking forward to a strong year. As president of Park Square Homes, a production builder in Orlando, O'Dowd expects to almost double his sales volume this year. "Last year we closed...

What will $200,000 buy?(Florida homes)
September 1, 2003... You may have to settle for a tiny condo in some of Florida's most popular neighborhoods. If you're willing to live in the suburbs, that's a different story. Either way, $200,000 won't get you what it could five years ago. Median home prices...

Murder on Miami road: SunCruz Casinos founder Gus Boulis was shot to death more than two years ago. The killing remains unsolved, and Boulis' estate is still tied in knots.(Profile)
September 1, 2003... Thousands of drivers each day stew at the intersection of 17th Street and Federal Highway south of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Nineteen lanes of pavement meet there carrying commuters to downtown and tourists to the nearby airport, convention...

Sand trap: a number of firms are marketing technology aimed at controlling beach erosion, but coastal engineers question whether the various systems can be effective.(Environment)
September 1, 2003... In the waning days of the Legislative session three years ago, state Sen. Charlie Clary, a Republican from Destin, had an appropriation added to the state's budget. The addendum instructed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's...