MIAMI-Competition heats up to build more data switching facilities here, with regional telecom powerhouse BellSouth trying to blunt efforts by other developers.

MIAMI-The bulk of first-quarter funding, $637 million, is going for new apartment ventures. Shopping center financing volume runs a close second.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL-Driftwood Ventures Inc. is buying the Bahamia Resort and Casino in Freeport from Lonmin PLC for $59 million. Lehman Brothers is funding the deal.

PALM BEACH GARDENS-VirtualBank, squeezed into 5,000 sf of office, is scouting for 20,000 sf to house staff of 50.

NAPLES, FL-A strategically-located 17-acre downtown tract carries a $25 million price tag.

MIAMI-This 41.57 million-sf market's vacancies are down to 9.03% from 10.65% six months earlier. But neighboring Fort Lauderdale's vacancies are rising while West Palm Beach is filling its empty spaces.

MIAMI-National Rehab Properties is acquiring a site in August for a 15-story venture.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL-American Capital Partners plans telecom hotel with $9-million purchase of the former Honeywell Corp. building at 2100 W. Cypress Creek Road.