5A- Identifying Local Opportunities

Lawsuit: Oaks Mall Plaza owes $14M, could soon be sold; Gainesville Sun,  March 29, 2018 

Headline: This article was published on March 29, 2018 by the Gainesville Sun. The writer discusses local financial challenges The Oaks Mall Plaza has faced after Toys 'R' Us made the decision to close all U.S. retail stores.

Description of Article: The commercial property has struggled to stay open for several years and now facing a foreclosure lawsuit. In 2017 the retail plaza included stores like Toys' R' Us, Jason's Deli, Super Optical Express, Scrubs by Design a Comic Store, Nail Salon and additional unmentioned retailers. The independently owned shopping plaza was built in 1988 to accommodate over 105,000 square feet of retail space located relatively close to The Oaks Mall.

Problem: A variety of tenants have conducted business at this location, including Gator Cinemas another primary revenue source who closed doors in 2015. After years of financial challenges, The Oaks Mall Plaza is at mercy of over $13 million dollars on an unpaid loan owed to the U.S. National Bank Association. The article indicates that if court-ordered judgements are not paid, Alachua County Clerk of Courts will publically sell the property at highest bid scheduled for April 26, 2018.

Who has the problem: The property owners, tenants, employers, employees, families of the employees, the bank and the retail brands involved.

URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16AFDAE4FA824968?p=WORLDNEWS

After 50 years, Sears will close doors; Gainesville Sun, The (FL); April 20, 2018

Headline: This article was published on April 20,2018 by the Gainesville Sun. This article confirms  that Sears will close after 50 years of business in the Gainesville area with no current plans to develop a new location.

Description of Article: Several area retailers are decreasing in sales including Sears located at the Oaks Mall. The article talks about the increase of sales through online shopping and the e-commerce shift in retail that began in 2000. Sears announced their store closing to the public in July 2018 and the time frame of when their liquidation sale would begin with no mention of a new location. According to the article, Gainesville has seen a boom in retail development 7 miles to the south at Butler Plaza and Celebrate Pointe.

Problem: The in-store shopping market at Sears in no longer cost effective. The local retail store is not generating enough revenue to continue business at the store front location.

Who has the problem: Community, customers, employees, shopping center and brand

URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16AFDAE4FA824968?p=WORLDNEWS

Macy's at Oaks Mall is closing; Gainesville Sun, January 10, 2018

Headline: This article was published on January 10, 2018 by the Gainesville Sun.

Description of Article: Retail market changes are discussed in this article as eleven Macy's stores schedule to close in 2018. The Oaks Mall location will retire in 2018 after 30 years of local retail business providing severance packages for qualifying employees as they close the doors. The company expects to close 19 additional stores as leases expire on store front locations for transaction of sales ranging from Miami and California.

Problem: While retailers work with consulting companies get "right sized for the Internet" job loss is the leading problem for local store closings in the retail market.

Who has the problem: Customers, associates, community, shopping center and brand

URL: http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1696293B73579DA0?p=WORLDNEWS

May Rains Start Mosquito Season - The Independent Alligator May 24, 2018

Headline: This article was published on May 24, 2018 by the Independent Alligator.

Description of Article: County officials provide helpful tips for the community as the Mosquito population is on the rise. As of now, no Mosquito related illnesses have been reported to the county but residents don't follow recommended procedures that statistic could change. The Alachua County Health Department warns the public about Mosquito related illnesses through the Sentinel Chicken Surveillance Program, where chickens are tested for illnesses from another country.

Problem: It is possible that we will experience newly exposed illnesses due to the increase of stagnant water from rains, which increase the Mosquito population. This can be dangerous to a community if the proper steps are taken to repel Mosquito bites. The exchange of blood from humans and or animals through Mosquito' is the underlying health concern. Mosquito bites can increase the transmission of illness in the community.

Who has the problem: Community, adults, children, animals, health officials

URL: http://www.alligator.org/news/may-rains-start-mosquito-season/article_5ffb472c-5f10-11e8-b95d-d38e2eb9b85c.html

Gainesville, UF Anticipate Upcoming Hurricane Season- The Independent Alligator May 29, 2018 

Headline: This article was published on May 29, 2018 by The Independent Alligator.

Description of Article: We are reminded of certain areas in Florida, as we approach another hurricane season on June 1st. This is an informative article for students at UF to plan ahead for the possibility of food shortages, shelter and or evacuations encouraging them to think progressively when hurricane forecasts are predicted to hit Florida.

Problem: Every year Florida experiences a new hurricane season, all are different and the problem is we never will know what to expect until these storms hit land fall. The negative impacts from natural disasters that a communities go through will vary. This time of year can have emotional effects and increased levels of distress in certain circumstances.

Who has the problem: UF community, local businesses, family of students and faculty

URL: http://www.alligator.org/news/gainesville-uf-anticipate-upcoming-hurricane-season/article_ac483354-62fa-11e8-b46e-df025f57b2fd.html