Wayne T. Price

FLORIDA TODAY

Figured it was time to re-visit some recent business stories, also visit a couple new ones...

Orlando Melbourne International Airport

First, some people continue to have trouble with the name “Orlando” as part of the title. Guess they better get used to it, particularly if it drives more traffic and business to the airport.

Second, those colorful Transaero Boeing 747s jets that have been part of the airport landscape for more than a year are slowing being pruned. If you remember the Russain-based Transaero was absorbed by Aeroflot, Russian's top commercial carrier a while back. A company called MidAir USA had a contract with Transero for rehabbing the aircraft.

With Aeroflot’s action and MidAiar filing for bankruptcy last year after the death of its owner, no one knew quite sure what to do with the aircraft. Enter, Aeromod International LLC which in January took over MidAir’s operation.

As for the Transaero, here is what we know, from Gary Girard, president of AeroMod International.

When AeroMod International leased the facility, there were four 747-400s on the apron which were owned by four different entities. One aircraft has been sold and is being sold for parts. Two others are for sale and will probably be scrapped. The remaining one is expected to be returned to the skies later this month.

The difference in value between the aircraft is around $1 million (parted out/scrapped) and approximately $10 million–$12 million if it’s returned to flight, he said.

I allowed AeroMod to plug itself.

“AeroMod International has made a name for itself worldwide for providing modification services on all Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft,” Girard said. “Our business model is to modify aircraft with the latest technology and connectivity to the benefit of airline passengers,” Girard said. “This includes such conveniences as power chargers at each seat and LED mood lighting in the cabins. Being able to power up and communicate digitally meets passenger demand. We help airlines stay ahead of the connectivity curve and ensure that they meet or exceed passengers’ expectations.”

Walmart and Cocoa

In May, an advisory board recommended that the Brevard County Commission approve $2.95 million in property tax breaks, spread over eight years, for Wal-Mart Stores East, which proposes building a distribution center at a site owned by Port Canaveral (Port Canaveral Logistics Park) near Interstate 95 and State Road 524 in Cocoa.

The city of Cocoa also gave its blessing.

Wal-Mart proposes employing 239 people at the site by the end of 2020, making an average annual wage of $42,421. The project would lead to 123 spinoff jobs. Wal-Mart proposes making a $96.2 million capital investment, including $84.2 million for construction costs and $12 million for equipment.

Word started circulating around a few weeks ago that Port Canaveral might sell the logistics park to Wal-Mart, which some say might not be a bad idea.

Here’s what John Murray, Port Canaveral’s chief executive officer, said to the talk.

“We remain engaged in confidential negotiations with Wal-Mart and are unable to comment on details,” Murray said. “There is no agreement in place at this time. If and when any deal is concluded, it will be presented to the Port Canaveral board at a regularly scheduled commission meeting. The details will be made publicly available in advance of the meeting as per our usual practice.”

Sports Authority

Officially, the once-popular chain is no more and that means three sizable retail vacancies in Brevard – Melbourne, at Merritt Square Mall and The Avenue Viera.

Reminded me it was time to check in on the Merritt Square Mall, which was taken over in a foreclosure action in May by its lien holder, the Miami Beach-based real estate investment company, LNR Property.

What’s the future of the mall’s ownership? Currently, LNR isn’t saying.

“LNR respectfully declines to comment,” Jason Chudoba, a spokesman for the company, told me recently.

Gas wars

Gas is below $2 a gallon. Not sure, ultimately, if that’s a good or bad omen for the economy but from the view of my wallet I enjoy $1.98 a gallon much more than $3.25 a gallon.

And if you believe that competition keeps prices in check then you’ll probably be happy to know that large RaceTrac gas and convenience store operation will open later this year in North Melbourne, near its border with Palm Shores and just a few miles away from the recently opened Wawa.

RaceTrac isn’t known for it’s hoagies like Wawa but it could be known for selling gas cheaper than Wawa if there is a price war in the offing.

Walgreen closing

Walgreen, based in Deerfield, Illinois, is closing its store near the intersection on U.S. 1 and Eau Gallie Boulevard in old Eau Gallie.

A couple things with that.

A.) It’s hard to imagine a Walgreen store closing. You kind of just take for granted they’ll be around forever unless they build a bigger store. And you especially think, in an area with a population growing older and who need medications and prescriptions filled, that drug stores would be a growth industry.

B.) It wasn’t easy getting that particular Walgreen past city officials.

Back in March 1999, Melbourne’s Planning and Zoning Board nixed the idea of Walgreen store at that location, fearful that would it detract from the character of Old Eau Gallie, an area of shade trees, older homes and independent retail ventures that tend toward the funkier side.

At the time part of the property was zoned residential while the rest was zoned commercial.

Walgreen eventually won out but not before adopting a “Florida vernacular facade” for the store to appease critics. You can drive by and judge for yourself how much “Florida vernacular” there actually was at the store.

Today, I doubt most people care. People that use that Walgreen likely only care about the sign that reads: “Location Permanently Closing Aug. 24, 2016. Questions? Talk to your pharmacist today.”

If you’re looking for an update on a Brevard County business project or activity, please contact me and I’ll do the best to find you an answer.

Price is Business Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. He can be reached at 321-242-3658 or wprice@floridatoday.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Fla2dayBiz.