HOLLYWOOD, FL-A week ago, Broward County took back five of the 97 acres at Port Everglades here that it had originally leased to developer Michael Swerdlow on grounds that he had failed to build on the land in a timely fashion. The two sides have since been negotiating for a county buyout of Swerdlow's contract.

CORAL GABLES, FL-The Rouse Co., known for its innovative retail ventures, is becoming more of a player in South Florida mixed-use development. One such project is breaking ground by year end in this Miami suburb. Another, planned for nearby Kendall, FL, is in the initial approval stages.

EAST NAPLES, FL-Last week it was General Cinema closing all 11 Florida locations. Now Regal Cinemas has begun to shut down movie houses, with a six-screen multiplex in this South Florida Gulf Coast location getting the axe.

MIAMI BEACH, FL-After lengthy debate, the city has finally approved a plan by Miami developer R. Donahue Peebles to transform the former Bath Club into a $115-million resort condominium hotel. Construction is set to start next summer.

HOLLYWOOD, FL-JPI Apartment Development and this Broward County city are sharing the cost and use of a $6.5 million parking garage planned for a $17.5 million, 232-unit Downtown rental housing complex.

BOCA RATON, FL-Today's real estate investment activity in South Florida is substantially different than it was as recently as nine months ago, says one area broker. Marketing a property is now often like running an on-line auction.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL-The new two-floor, 110,000-sf department store is the first to open at the $550 million Downtown mixed-use complex that won't officially kick off until Oct. 27.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL-Small, vintage motels on a sandy stretch here along the Atlantic Ocean between Aventura and Bal Harbour in northeast Miami-Dade are being replaced by one residential condominium or hotel/resort high-rise after another.