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5 Big Stories: The Week in Business

A look back at the week's top Business stories

By Jeff Harrington, Times Deputy Business Editor
Published November 4, 2007

1. BayWalk on the block

Sembler is seeking a buyer for the popular entertainment and retail complex in St. Petersburg that it developed in 2000.

What it means:BayWalk helped trigger a rebirth of St. Pete's downtown. Whoever takes over picks up a dose of civic oversight along with the real estate.

2. Selmon takes charge of Selmon's

NFL Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon is part of a group buying a majority stake in the barbecue restaurant chain bearing his name.

What it means: The owner of the Lee Roy Selmon's chain, Outback Steakhouse parent OSI, has had doubts the concept could travel outside Florida. Selmon's ownership team has broader expansion plans.

3. TECO ships off shipping

TECO Energy agrees to sell its transport unit to a private-equity firm for $405-million.

What it means:The sale, which involves 850 employees and ships, and a fleet of ocean-going vessels and barges, will help TECO pare down debt. But analysts had expected the business to fetch as much as $550-million.

4. Light rail vision takes shape

Tampa International Airport presents a video animation of a proposed 3.5-mile light rail trip through the airport.

What it means:This is the dreaming stage. It would take many years, hundreds of millions of dollars and likely the collective will of voters and political leaders to become reality.

5. Aquarium goes high-tech with $1.3-million venture

Florida Aquarium's new "Ocean of Commotion" exhibit will center on digital visual effects and plasma screen projections of vivid colored creatures from the sea.

What it means: Download podcasts and send in YouTube videos. The aquarium, long swimming in red ink, hopes the high-tech approach will reel in more young visitors.

[Last modified November 2, 2007, 21:29:05]