Gerald Stevens files Chapter 11. Gerald Stevens Inc., the largest U.S. specialist retailer and marketer of floral products, filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 in Miami on April 23. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, the company operates 300 retail stores, an Internet business, national floral marketing company National Flora, an import and sourcing operation and national wire service Florafax. Subsidiaries related to Florafax were not included in the filing. It does not expect staff or salary reductions as a result of its filing and the current management team will remain in place.
Drought threatens Fla. growers, retailers.
The Florida drought continues to cause woes for the state's green industry. Kevin Kraft of Kraft Nursery has watched the drought affect his plant sales, and made the decision last week to close his retail operation. With the state discussing further water restrictions, more businesses may soon be facing the same decision. Florida water managers will meet next Monday to discuss Phase 3 water restrictions. Mistakenly labeled Aconitum recalled.