Keiser University price tag for Northwood University campus revealed

Keiser University paid $25 million to acquire Northwood University’s West Palm Beach campus, according to county records. The deed that recently changed hands reflects the consideration for the 100-acre site with 263,968 square feet of buildings at 2600 Military Trail, although it’s possible that additional money was paid for other assets as part of the deal. Nonprofit Keiser University announced on May 18 that it would purchase the only Florida campus of Northwood University, which has its…

Recreation pot now a misdemeanor in Miami ... AMEN ... by gimleteye

The Herald reports:

Miami-Dade commissioners voted Tuesday to let police treat marijuana possession the same way they do littering and loitering — by issuing a civil citation with a $100 fine that keeps the offense out of the criminal system. “We have better things to do with our police resources,” said Commissioner Sally Heyman, sponsor of the ordinance. “For goodness’ sakes, we don't have to destroy the lives of so many.” The change in county code passed 10-3, marking a milestone in how Florida's largest local government treats marijuana offenses. The new ordinance gives police officers the option of either charging pot possession as a criminal misdemeanor or as a civil offense — which brings a fine but no criminal record — for possession of 20 grams or less, enough for about three dozen joints. Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article25858318.html#storylink=cpy

One could go on, discussing ad nauseam the failure of government's war on drugs, but for just one moment let's celebrate the small window opening on reason and rationality in Miami-Dade.

Comras sells Miami Design District building for $24M

A company controlled by Miami Beach broker/developer Michael Comras sold a retail building in the Miami Design District for $24 million. MAD DD LLC, managed by Comras, sold the 8,310-square-foot building at 21 N.E. 39th Street to RS JZ NE 39th LLC, an affiliate of Brooklyn-based RedSky Capital. That equates to an eye-popping $2,888 per square foot. The $33 million loan that Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance provided to the buyer indicates there could be a significant redevelopment plan in the…

County Commissioners: Let Them Watch You Work: Fill the Chamber. By Geniusofdespair

During the County Commission meeting yesterday at County Hall I was disheartened. Some people, there for the first time, were forced to stay downstairs hanging around the escalator until their number was called. WRONG.

That is not democracy in action. There were empty seats. People were saving them and many were never filled. When Martinez was chair every seat was filled. Lobbyists couldn't save seats for their pals. And, once they got up and left for more than 10 minutes, the seat was gone. There should have been an officer going around accessing empty seats and filling them with the people waiting downstairs. Only bathroom breaks were permitted or your lost your seat.

The people came, let them see government working (or not working) but not from the bottom of an escalator.

Lobbyists at work in the lobby of the Commission Chambers

AutoNation reports best June sales since 2005

The largest car retailer in the U.S. just reported its best June car sales in a decade. Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation (NYSE: AN) said it sold 27,862 vehicles in June 2015 — up 9 percent compared to the same time last year. The record performance follows its $20 million marketing campaign highlighting its 10 millionth car sold. The sales breakdown: Premium luxury vehicle sales were up 14 percent year-over-year to 6,470 units sold, mostly driven by Mercedes. Domestic vehicle sales were up 9…

WI Legislature aims to destroy public access to drafting docs. IT TAKES EFFECT JULY 1st.

I’m going to go ALL CAPS. WISCONSIN IS RULED BY ARROGANT SLIMEBALLS. I mean, it’s not enough for Wisconsin’s Republican legislators and the dairyland dictator to have one-party-rule. They demand secrecy! A motion proposed by the Joint Finance Committee today takes away our access to drafting documents. Yes, it IS part of the Wisconsin budget more »

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Autonation sells Fort Lauderdale site to developer of furniture store

An affiliate of AutoNation sold a former dealership site in Fort Lauderdale to a developer who plans to build a Rooms To Go furniture store. Maroone Ford, an affiliate of Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation (NYSE: AN), sold the 3.6-acre site for $6 million to SC 1413/RTG Ft Lauderdale. It’s located at 1413 N. Federal Highway. The buyer is a partnership between Stiles Corp. and RTG Furniture, the owner of Rooms To Go. It obtained a $6.15 million mortgage from Kettle Construction. The loan document…