Dealing with tainted drywall

Relief for financially strapped condo and homeowners associations and Florida residents living with tainted Chinese drywall is on many people's wish list for this legislative session. http://bit.ly/a2QM0R

New Year, new misery for housing market

The South Florida housing market was hit with a New Year hangover in January as home sales posted double-digit declines versus December.<p/> The dip was not unexpected because sales in the first two months of the year have historically been sluggish, but it was a reminder that the road to economic recovery won't be a straight line. http://bit.ly/9kyCvT

Tesla offers $1,658-a-month leasing plan

Tesla Motors is trying a long-established practice in the auto industry to jump-start sales of its $111,000 electric Roadsters: leasing.

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Palmetto Bay homebuilder loses $4M foreclosure

The developer of a struggling home project in Palmetto Bay lost a $3.8 million foreclosure judgment.

http://bit.ly/aGpJYV

Florida home, condo sales rise, prices decline

Sales of existing homes and condos in South Florida rose in January, though prices continued to fall.

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Jackson Health, union put layoffs on hold

Jackson Health System has come to an agreement with its largest health care employees union to collaborate on solving its financial problems, and put layoffs and outsourcing on hold for 45 days, starting March 1.

http://bit.ly/bEpbM8

FAU narrows presidential finalists to three

Florida Atlantic University’s presidential search committee has narrowed down the candidates under consideration for the top job to three from five after in-person interviews on Thursday. They are:

http://bit.ly/bDFLiK

Dezer Properties takes Related's stake in Trump Towers in Sunny Isles Beach

As the Related Group unwinds projects, Dezer Properties has taken over the Miami mega-condo developer's ownership stake at Trump Towers in Sunny Isles Beach and is assuming the remaining debt on the property. http://bit.ly/bdQeDW

Jackson's Health loss worse than expected

Jackson Health System revealed that its losses in the past fiscal year were even wider than the previous report, which already had the state’s largest public hospital scrambling to slash expenses in order to survive.

http://bit.ly/9mQnQv

Lennar closes on Starwood deal

Lennar Corp. has closed a deal with Starwood Land Ventures to buy or option more than 2,700 home sites in 38 communities statewide, which Starwood bought from Hollywood-based TOUSA at auction. (LEN)

http://bit.ly/a5sCpr

Publix Super Markets delays annual filing

Publix Super Markets has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission for an automatic extension of time to file its annual report, citing the timing of its stock price announcement.

http://bit.ly/cimEkx

Builder facing Chinese drywall suits files bankruptcy

A South Florida developer that is the target of many Chinese drywall lawsuits has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.<p/> South Kendall Construction Co. built hundreds of homes in South Florida, but many in recent years were built with the imported wall board that many believe is the cause of bad smells, corrosion and breathing problems for homeowners. http://bit.ly/daGX0p

Cohen accused of abusing judicial power

Florida’s Judicial Qualifications Commission on Thursday notified Broward County Circuit Court Judge Dale C. Cohen that he faces charges he violated his position as a sitting judge and abused his judicial power.

http://bit.ly/9dg8ea

Pompano Beach commercial building in CMBS foreclosure

A commercial building in Pompano Beach has been hit with a foreclosure lawsuit from a commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) fund.

http://bit.ly/cEphjB

Hialeah Gardens retail project in default

U.S. Century Bank has targeted a stalled shopping center development in Hialeah Gardens for foreclosure.

http://bit.ly/9jfl0u

Simon continues fight to take over General Growth

Simon Property Group on Wednesday reiterated its interest in purchasing General Growth Properties, despite General Growth’s announcement that it has reached a $2.6 billion equity deal with Brookfield Asset Management. (SPG)

http://bit.ly/aJEkr0

Hundreds of desperate homeowners line up at mortgage help marathon

Desperate homeowners from across the country have made their way to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where they lined up hours early for a chance to reduce their mortgage payments. http://bit.ly/9nvuXH

Mednax acquires neonatal group

Mednax said on Thursday that it has acquired a neonatal physician group based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. (MD)

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