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LAURA LAYDEN

Title: Multimedia Journalist
Department: Newsroom
Contact: 239-263-4818 | Send LAURA an email

Recent Work

Fiddler's Creek development suit moved from federal back to Collier court Published 05/19/2013 at 5 p.m.
Construction in the Fiddler's Creek community east of Naples is ready to rebound, but a lawsuit over how bond money is spent is pending, now moved from federal court to Collier court. New parties have been added to the suit.
FGCU foundation declines developer's offer of 600-acre land donation Updated 05/14/2013 at 7:58 p.m.
FGCU President Wilson Bradshaw says the FGCU foundation won't vote on a 600-acre land donation and that he is canceling a non-binding letter of intent to accept the donation, which was endorsed by the university trustees.
Hertz move talk of economic symposium in Estero Updated 05/09/2013 at 5:44 p.m.
A Fortune 500 company's relocation was a hot topic at an Estero business symposium Thursday.
Estero businesses, residents excited for Hertz relocation Published 05/09/2013 at 4:54 a.m.
Hertz's move to Estero will place hundreds of Hertz employees and their families closer to Estero businesses owners who have been waiting for the local economy to stabilize.
Hertz also looked at Collier for relocation, but there was a big difference Published 05/07/2013 at 9:01 p.m. 1 Comment
Collier County was also on Hertz's radar for a new location for its corporate headquarters. But Lee had something to offer that Collier didn't.
Hertz move should boost housing market, local economy Updated 05/07/2013 at 8:02 p.m.
Hertz's corporate relocation is expected to boost segments of the economy in Southwest Florida, but to what degree?
Trophy life: Naples high-end rentals fetch up to $35,000 a month Published 05/05/2013 at 6 a.m.
They’ve been described as trophy rentals — and there’s a growing demand for them in the Naples area among the ultra-rich, who can easily afford them and are willing to pay big money for all the comforts they’re used to ...
HMA calls SEC investigation into finances a simple 'fact-finding inquiry' Published 05/03/2013 at 5:36 p.m.
The top executive of Health Management Associates Inc. describes a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into its accounting practices as a “fact-finding inquiry.”
SEC launches probe into Naples-based HMA Updated 05/02/2013 at 8:28 p.m.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has launched an investigation into a Naples-based hospital operator. Health Management Associates Inc. on Thursday disclosed it had recently received a subpoena from the SEC, requesting information about its accounting practices.
Lee biofuel producer says Legislature may force him to expand out of state Published 05/02/2013 at 6 a.m.
A push to repeal Florida’s Renewable Fuel Standard this legislative session has a south Lee businessman reconsidering whether he will locate his multimillion-dollar farm in Florida or go out of state. The Legislature’s vote eliminates the state requirement for ethanol ...
East Naples mobile home park owners, like many, feel pinch from Citizens insurance Published 04/26/2013 at 5:25 a.m. 6 Comments
Citizens, created as the insurer of last resort, has been looking for ways to reduce its risks. One way has been to depreciate older manufactured and mobile homes. In January 2006, Citizens began requiring that all policies like the Englands ...
Lawsuit seeks to reopen Florida senior arcades, but not Internet cafes Published 04/20/2013 at 7 a.m.
Karen Kopp is playing the waiting game, waiting to see what will happen with a lawsuit challenging the new ban on casino-style machines in Florida.
King Richard's amusement center closes, makes way for car dealership Published 04/18/2013 at 5:40 a.m.
The ride is over for King Richard’s Family Fun Park and its owners. The property was purchased for a new Hyundai dealership.
Developer extends 640-acre donation offer to FGCU for expansion Published 04/16/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
A real estate investment and development company wants to donate 640 acres to Florida Gulf Coast University, giving it room to grow. An “information-only” presentation on the potential donation is scheduled for today’s meeting of FGCU’s board of trustees. No ...
Naples gun range opens but not loaded with ammunition as shortage lingers Published 04/15/2013 at 6 a.m.
It’s a scene that has played out at gun counters everywhere because of a nationwide shortage of ammo, prompted in part by the fear of new gun control laws and horrific massacres over the past few years. Recent reports of ...
HMA stock tumbles one day after announcement Published 04/10/2013 at 7 p.m.
Naples-based hospital operator Health Management Associates Inc. saw its stock tumble Wednesday, a day after announcing it expects to fall far short of Wall Street’s expectations for the first quarter.
Some local gaming centers close before luck runs out with new Florida law Published 04/10/2013 at 5:15 a.m.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott, R-Naples, said Tuesday the governor is expected to sign the bill this week before Friday’s deadline. The law would take effect immediately, which has operators of so-called Internet cafes and adult gaming arcades across ...
Businesses lament possibly losing nearby gaming parlors Published 04/04/2013 at 6 p.m.
When a neighboring Internet cafe with slot-like computer games suddenly went dark in Bonita Springs, Jerry Paul felt a bit like a losing gambler.
Real estate partners to form separate companies Published 04/04/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
One real estate company will become two in May, as the two partners in Levitan-McQuaid Real Estate Services part ways.
Naples-based HMA completes deal to acquire Bayfront hospital in St. Petersburg Published 04/01/2013 at 6:59 p.m.
Naples-based hospital operator Health Management Associates Inc. has finalized its purchase of the Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
Collier clerk's audit finds no wrongdoing in EDC's use of taxpayer money Published 03/26/2013 at 6:30 p.m.
An audit of Collier County’s now-defunct Economic Development Council uncovered no major red flags with how it spent taxpayer money.
Commercial foreclosures in multimillions part of the landscape in Collier, Lee Published 03/25/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
Though residential owners and investors felt the brunt of the foreclosure crisis first, it didn't take long to reach the commercial market, which is still feeling the pain years later from a boom gone bust.
New Ave Maria community looks to attract families Published 03/22/2013 at 5 a.m.
A new home builder is coming to Ave Maria, with plans to construct at least 1,500 single-family homes.
High-end Naples neighborhoods bringing higher prices, longer waits to sell Updated 03/19/2013 at 11:57 a.m.
For sale signs dot the streets of well-to-do neighborhoods such as Port Royal, Aqualane Shores and Old Naples.
NABOR: Naples area may shift to sellers' market with real estate recovery Updated 03/15/2013 at 9:01 p.m.
For years, home buyers have been in the driver’s seat in the Naples market.
Home sales dip in February, NABOR reports Published 03/15/2013 at 4:08 p.m.
Home resales in the Naples area dipped in February - a trend that could continue because of shrinking choices.
Southwest Florida financial advisers say market's climb isn't over Published 03/05/2013 at 6:30 p.m.
The stock market’s climb isn’t over, Southwest Florida brokers say.
Tourism season, 2012 strong for Collier tourism despite rising gas prices Updated 03/04/2013 at 11:19 a.m. 1 Comment
Higher gas prices haven’t taken the drive out of tourism in Collier County.
Collier deputies trying to learn identity, motive in East Naples shooting Updated 03/02/2013 at 7:10 p.m.
Collier County sheriff’s deputies continued Saturday to try to identify a man who they believe walked to an East Naples Home Depot with a gunshot wound.
Clearing, brush burning raise concerns as East Naples developments take shape Updated 03/02/2013 at 11:55 a.m. 3 Comments
Nick Singer is fired up about the burning near his home off Bayshore Drive in East Naples.
Compromise will keep Naples Bay Resort open, obtain loan and pay debt Published 02/27/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
With some last-minute haggling, attorneys reached a compromise Tuesday on a plan that will keep Naples Bay Resort open and pay back its creditors.
East Naples movie theater looking sharp Published 02/26/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
A new look is now showing at the Towne Centre 6 theater in East Naples.
TDC backs offering $350,000 for Hideaway Beach work on Marco Island Published 02/26/2013 at 5:15 a.m. 1 Comment
In a near unanimous decision, the Collier County Tourist Development Council voted Monday to recommend the county kick in $350,000 to help pay for erosion control on a final stretch of Hideaway Beach.
Former Orion Bank employees may share $175,000 to settle retirement losses Published 02/25/2013 at 5:20 a.m.
Former Orion Bank employees who lost millions in a company retirement plan after the bank failed will get less than $175,000 in a proposed class-action settlement.
New report shows GDP decline in metro Naples, Fort Myers in 2011 Published 02/23/2013 at 7:30 a.m.
A new report released Friday by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the real gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking by 0.4 percent in both metros year-over-year from 2010 to 2011, putting them in the negative for growth. Naples-Marco Island ...
Troubled Marco Marine Construction denied license Published 02/21/2013 at 6 a.m. 1 Comment
Marco Marine Construction appears to be sunk.
Collier tourist tax proposal directs more money to marketing, beaches Published 02/18/2013 at 5:15 a.m.
Collier County doesn't have year-round marketing to lure tourists.
Another sign of a building economy: Spec homes back on Collier, Lee market Published 02/17/2013 at 7:30 a.m.
Builders in the Naples market are investing millions in houses with no buyers. With the housing market on the rebound, the speculative, or so called "spec" market has made a comeback, especially in areas near the water such as Port ...
HMA executive says "60 Minutes" report may have affected admissions Published 02/16/2013 at 7:30 a.m.
A critical "60 Minutes" news story may have contributed to a jump in observation-only stays at hospitals owned by Health Management Associates Inc.
Speakers at Bonita-Estero market pulse event at FGCU tout economic recovery Published 02/16/2013 at 7 a.m.
Amid the clouds outside, speakers at the Bonita Estero Market Pulse at Florida Gulf Coast University had a mission Friday — to create sunshine inside.
Fort Myers-based genetic testing company has first profitable year Published 02/15/2013 at 6:20 a.m.
In 2012, NeoGenomics Inc. had its first profitable year in its more than 10-year history.
Bankruptcy judge awards Naples Bay Resort mortgage to Antaramian Published 02/12/2013 at 5:20 a.m.
A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled that Naples developer Jack Antaramian can collect on the $36 million mortgage he took over for the Naples Bay Resort project.
Lee judge rules for homeowners in suit over destroyed citrus trees Published 02/08/2013 at 10 p.m.
Lee County homeowners who lost their citrus trees to the state's failed canker-fighting program will get their day in court — again.
Judge to rule in Naples Bay Resort bankruptcy case Published 02/07/2013 at 5:30 a.m.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Caryl Delano, who had hoped to rule on the case after hearing the final arguments, decided she needs a few more days to weigh all the evidence and all the testimony she heard.
Beasley Broadcasting announces pact with record label Published 02/06/2013 at 5 a.m.
Naples-based radio operator Beasley Broadcast Group continues to focus on growing its digital broadcast opportunities.
Lee pet spirit medium says he offers owners healing over loss of 'their best friend' Published 02/02/2013 at 8 a.m.
When Robert Fahey had an office in Fort Myers, he wondered why he kept it. In his business, customers often don't want to be seen, just heard. That's one of the reasons the psychic recently launched a new website, VIPPetLife.com, ...
Naples Bay Resort partner disputes claim he owes millions to Antaramian Published 02/02/2013 at 7:55 a.m.
Iraj Zand said in May 2010 the four partners were in agreement on what he described as a "global offer" to Regions Bank that would have taken care of the debt they owed on the project and three other loans, ...
Naples Bay Resort bankruptcy trial pits testimony of Antaramian, Pezeshkan Published 01/31/2013 at 8 p.m.
TAMPA — Jack Antaramian continues his fight for control over the 20-acre Naples Bay Resort project, near Tin City in downtown Naples, at a bankruptcy trial that's expected to wrap up next week.
FDIC sues former Orion Bank directors, seeks $53M Published 01/31/2013 at 5 a.m.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has sued four former directors of Orion Bank in Naples, saying they should pay it millions for allowing the former CEO to "drive the bank into failure."
Study: Florida tourism growing, but promoting it more could make it stronger Published 01/30/2013 at 5 a.m. 1 Comment
A new Florida TaxWatch study encourages state leaders to invest more money in tourism promotion.
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