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Talk of the bay: Universal skid may cost boss spot on board

By Times Staff
Published April 24, 2007

Dr. A.K. Desai's star has fallen, politically speaking. A state Senate elections committee on Monday did not confirm the head of St. Petersburg's troubled Universal Health Care Insurance to the state Board of Education. Gov. Charlie Crist had nominated Desai, but Sen. J.D. Alexander asked that his name be pulled for now. Universal is fighting two state agencies trying to put the company in receivership. Alexander, a Winter Haven Republican, said he pulled Desai's name from consideration over concerns about the doctor after reading newspaper reports. He said he wanted to learn more about the issue before giving his approval.

Failure to file keeps Jabil off list

Jabil Circuit's failure to file financial statements cost the St. Petersburg company its spot in the Fortune 500. Jabil ranked 303rd on last year's list after reporting $7.5-billion in revenue for 2005. But the magazine's new list, published in the April 30 issue, is based on 2006 revenue, which Jabil hasn't reported. The electronics manufacturer stopped issuing financial reports last year while investigating how it accounts for stock options. It plans to revise 2002-2005 statements to record an additional $54.3-million in charges, but it hasn't said when. "We don't have a date," Jabil spokeswoman Beth Walters said. "It's pretty frustrating for all of us." She said Fortune called the company and "they understand the circumstances. I think they felt worse than we did." Tech Data Corp. remains the top Tampa Bay company on the list.

Unwind for free, deserving teachers

TradeWinds Island Resorts' Sandpiper is offering up to 50 suites a night free to teachers and other education employees. It's part of the St. Pete Beach resort's teacher appreciation week promotion. Suites, which typically fetch about $166 a night that time of year, can be booked for selected dates in May and the first half of June. To participate, a school worker must show proof of employment with an education ID at check-in.

Entrepreneur gives cash to give back

Russ Hobbs, founder of Blue Ocean Software in Tampa, is hoping to spur some fellow entrepreneurs. Hobbs has donated $1-million to Wake Forest University for the Office for Entrepreneurship and the Liberal Arts (OELA). This is the first major endowment gift for the entrepreneurship office.

[Last modified April 23, 2007, 23:07:49]