Pet boarding business booms in South Florida
Pet boarding facilities in South Florida are growing, thanks to those who pamper their pets like some parents do their kids. Business is secure enough at the Pompano pet lodge to transport beforehand with growth plans, said owner John Glorieux, who plans to open a state-of-the-art facility in the former location of the Gold Coast […]
Turnaround towns: California metros surpass S. Fla. in housing recovery
While South Florida housing markets are improving, they’re losing ground as “turnaround towns.” California communities dominate Realtor.com’s top 10 metro areas with the most impressive recoveries from the housing collapse. Although Miami-Dade County ranks third, it’s the only Florida metro to crack the quarterly list, dropping from No. 2 in the first quarter. Broward County […]
Late-night menu options growing in South Florida
It’s midnight. You’re out on the town, and suddenly the hunger pangs hit you hard. You don’t want to hit a fast-food joint. You don’t want greasy. You want something better. From trendy eateries with late-night menus to gourmet food trucks, your choices are growing across South Florida, making that fourth meal option easier to […]
Investigation finds 741 tax returns filed from single Belle Glade home
A small South Florida city has attracted the attention of federal investigators looking into tax refund fraud and identity theft, according to an independent watchdog agency that oversees the Internal Revenue Service. In Belle Glade, nestled along Lake Okeechobee, 741 tax returns worth more than $1 million in refunds were filed from a single address […]
South Florida families in back-to-school mode for sales tax holiday
Summer thunderstorms did not deter shoppers, including Gov. Rick Scott, from hitting the stores in South Florida early Friday morning to take advantage of the start of Florida’s sales tax holiday weekend. The tax holiday lasts through midnight Sunday. Tax exempt items include clothes, footwear and accessories that cost $75 or less per each item. […]
BB&T completes purchase of BankAtlantic
BB&T completed its purchase of BankAtlantic on Tuesday after passing its final regulatory hurdle in a deal that elevates BB&T’s presence in South Florida and closes the final chapter on a 60-year-old homegrown financial institution. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. approved BB&T’s purchase early Tuesday, which gives the […]
South Florida’s 2C Media soars with promos, reality television shows
South Florida’s 2C Media, already the king of TV promos, reaches higher with a reality show about Miami International Airport. Chris Sloan knew, right from the beginning, that he was not destined for fame and glory. Other little kids who dream of growing up to be in television might cup their hands into pretend microphones […]
Miami’s international banking clients move money to protect financial privacy
Under new IRS disclosure regulations, details about U.S. bank accounts held by foreign nonresident depositors could be shared with their home governments. As a result, bankers say hundreds of millions of dollars have left Florida since April. Miami’s position as a hemispheric banking capital could be weakened as some foreign depositors close their accounts in […]
Florida-Brazil trade still growing
The Brazilian economy has slowed, but the Central Bank governor says growth is expected to pick up in the second half of the year — good news for Florida traders The Brazilian economic juggernaut has slowed this year, but Florida’s trade with Brazil still shows growth. During the first four months of the year, total […]
Swimwear sales rising, say exhibitors at Miami Beach swim show
The swimwear industry is doing swimmingly, according to exhibitors surveyed at the world’s largest industry show now taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Sales have taken off since the recession and are poised for further growth this year, even as the world economy slows, said executives from companies ranging from Miami’s giant Perry […]
Pitbull takes ownership in The New Miami Subs Grill
Latin hip-hop star Pitbull has always had an affinity for the chicken wings and the gyro platter at Miami Subs. As the child of first generation Cuban immigrants growing up in Miami during the 1980s, Armando Christian Perez considered a trip to Miami Subs a big treat. Years later, the Miami Subs on Washington Avenue […]
Genting downscales in Miami as it seeks to expand its global brand
Malaysian casino giant Genting says it will move forward with more modest plans for its downtown Miami site. Globally, the company is seeking to expand. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado hasn’t seen them. Neither has Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez. Nearly six months after the Genting Group failed to get legislative approval for a massive destination casino […]
South Florida among top areas for loan modifications
South Florida ranks among the top metro areas in the number of mortgage modifications, an indication that lenders are making progress in addressing the region’s housing debacle, industry observers say. Lenders have approved 46,032 trial or permanent modifications in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties since the Home Affordable Modification Program started in 2009. The […]
Out of a job, and into a new, dismal life
Veteran banker Emmanuel Charles uses the library now to check his email since he can’t afford Internet service himself. He drives a Mercedes, but one with 250,000 miles on it. He lost his job as a branch manager in 2009 amid a global banking meltdown and has burned through almost all of his cash since […]
South Florida salvage firms respond to emergencies at sea
For an example of how to base a business on disaster, look no further than Resolve Marine Group’s Joshua James Response Center in Fort Lauderdale. The 33,000-square-foot warehouse, named for a historic life saver, bursts with fire pumps, hydraulic power units, roller bags, dive helmets, pullers, boats, anchors and countless other pieces of equipment that […]
Creative businesses find their niche on Etsy
Painters, potters, designers and artists in South Florida have found another medium to display and sell their work. Etsy, an online community for creative entrepreneurs who sell homemade and vintage gifts, art and supplies, hosts shops in a setting similar to Amazon or eBay. But unlike other websites, Etsy has created a community specifically for […]
Small businesses in South Florida provide a destination for shopping
South Florida is home to a variety of small businesses, many that offer products and services you can’t find anywhere else. Some establishments attract shoppers from across the tri-county area and beyond for their unique offerings or a surge in demand for their products. South Florida residents have been flocking to Naples for day trips […]
Investors reselling condo units bought during housing collapse
Bulk buyers have resold more than 60 percent of the coastal condominiums snapped up during the housing bust, according to a recent report. The investment groups have unloaded roughly 3,200 of the 5,100 units that were in or near foreclosure, said CondoVultures.com, a Bal Harbour-based real estate consulting firm. Many of the bulk sales occurred […]
Decoding U.S.-Colombia FTA keeps Miami law firms busy
Trade isn’t the only thing that’s expected to increase with the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. It’s also a growth opportunity for lawyers. Since the agreement went into effect May 15, law firms have been holding roundtable discussions, offering seminars on how to take advantage of the new trading relationship and visiting Colombia to advise business […]
Made in South Florida: Home-grown firms thrive
South Florida’s known as a retirement haven and vacation destination to most, but it’s also a place where some entrepreneurs find inspiration for business startups. Several tri-county business owners are proud to call South Florida their headquarters. Many have roots in sunny South Florida that have weathered some rough years and are now continuing to […]