Reflections from the EDC of Sarasota Annual Meeting I recently attended the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota’s Annual Meeting, where Michael Simas, President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100, shared highlights from the organization’s Beyond Sunshine report. The Council represents more than 150 companies with over 1.3 million employees and provides guidance on … Continue reading Beyond Sunshine: Seeing Florida’s Bright Futures in a New Light
A Front Row Seat to Policy in Action: Reflections on Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Trip to Washington, D.C.

Inside the Legislative Process: The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s visit to Washington, D.C., gave me a rare chance to see how national policy really works. We watched a bill being voted on from the gallery–a scene of organized chaos as lawmakers swiped their ID cards to cast votes while conversing across the chamber. At times, … Continue reading A Front Row Seat to Policy in Action: Reflections on Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s Trip to Washington, D.C.
The Wait is Over–Fed Unveils Long-Expected Interest Rate Reduction

Yesterday, September 17, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. EST, following its latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced a reduction of its benchmark interest rate (the federal funds target range) by 0.25 percentage points.1 When Was the Last Rate Cut?: The last time the Fed cut rates was in December 2024. That was the … Continue reading The Wait is Over–Fed Unveils Long-Expected Interest Rate Reduction
Florida Businesses Are About to Save $2.5 Billion Annually

Florida has enacted a historic repeal of the sales tax on commercial leases, known as the Business Rent Tax (BRT), with the change taking effect October 1, 2025. This repeal was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2025, through House Bill 7031, and eliminates both the statewide 2% sales tax and … Continue reading Florida Businesses Are About to Save $2.5 Billion Annually
Properties that Qualify for 1031 Exchanges

Are you curious if you have a property that can be used for a 1031 exchange? David Bone is back for part three of our series to discuss which properties will qualify. Click here to watch the video.
Maximizing Returns – Understanding 1031 Exchange Fees & Interest Earnings

David Bone is back for Part 2 of our series on 1031 Exchanges to discuss the fees associated with 1031 Exchanges and potential interest earnings. Click here to watch the video.
An Introduction to 1031 Exchanges

Welcome to the first installment of our series on 1031 Exchanges with David Bone. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to explore real estate, understanding how to defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange can be a game changer. In this series, David Bone, a professional with many decades of experience, will … Continue reading An Introduction to 1031 Exchanges
A Step Taken Last Week to Reduce the Business Lease Tax

The week of April 7th , The Florida House passed a bill to reduce the Business Lease Tax by .75%, from 2% to 1.25% for the State’s portion of the tax. The next step will be in the Senate. The Senate sent the issue to the Appropriations Committee. The Governor’s budget contained a 1% decrease … Continue reading A Step Taken Last Week to Reduce the Business Lease Tax
Our Legislative Team is Addressing Whether to Cut Your Rent Cost by 3% the First Week of April, Your Voice is Needed NOW!!!!

Since 1969, Florida has been the only state in the country to impose a commercial lease tax—a tax that puts local businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to every other state. But now, major change is inreach. Governor Ron DeSantis’ newly released “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget for 2025-26 outlines a plan to fully eliminate … Continue reading Our Legislative Team is Addressing Whether to Cut Your Rent Cost by 3% the First Week of April, Your Voice is Needed NOW!!!!
Sarasota’s Future: Creating World-Class Institutions for Generations to Come

At the Tiger Bay luncheon on March 6th, the discussion centered on the exciting development of world-class institutions right here in Sarasota. Jennifer Rominiecki, A. G. Lafley, and Kevin Cooper each shared their vision for how institutions like Selby Gardens, The Bay, and Mote Marine will not only enhance our community but also become global … Continue reading Sarasota’s Future: Creating World-Class Institutions for Generations to Come