Need to catch up on Southwest Florida business news? No problem. Here are the top stories of the week pulled from our daily newsletter, Gulfshore Business Daily.
Friday, May 17
SPRING TRAINING VISITORS GENERATE $13.8 MILLION FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Out-of-county visitors generated an estimated $13.8 million in economic impact in Charlotte County, according to the 2019 Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Visitor and Economic Impact study, released by the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. This figure includes direct and indirect spending by day-trippers and overnight visitors. Spending by Charlotte County residents and seasonal visitors, the Charlotte Sports Park, the Tampa Bay Rays organization, visiting teams, or media, are not included. The estimated figure is based on research the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners commissioned Research Data Services Inc. of Tampa to conduct during the 2019 spring training season. Sixteen Tampa Bay Rays spring training home games were played at the Charlotte Sports Park between Feb. 22 – March 22, attracting 67,001 fans. For the full report, click here.
Thursday, May 16
INVESTORS’ SECURITY TRUST, FIRST BUSEY CORP. TO MERGE
Investors’ Security Trust has signed an agreement to merge with First Busey Corp., and the merger will be closed in 2019. Investors’ Security Trust is moving forward with this strategic partnership as the combined organization, Busey Wealth Management, which will allow the company to provide a broad range of banking services to complement its wealth management services. With access to additional tools and resources and the backing of a $9.25 billion organization, the combined company is better positioned to serve existing and new clients, and to retain and attract top talent. Charles Idelson, president and CEO of Investors’ Security Trust, has been named Florida market chairman.
Wednesday, May 15
NAPLES PROPERTY SELLS FOR $33 MILLION
A private European investment group, Tamiami Newgate LLC, purchased Newgate Center and Park North from Creekside West Inc., GC Partnership, Ltd, and FoxRock Newgate 5150 Realty, LLC, for $33 million. The property is at 5200 Tamiami Trail N. and Park North, 5125 Castello Drive, Naples. David J. Stevens, CCIM, of Investment Properties Corp. negotiated this transaction for the seller. Rainer N. Filthaut of IRC International Realty Corp. negotiated this transaction for the buyer.
