REGION

REGION
Little Tikes to closetoy plant in Sebring
SEBRING -- The Little Tikes Co. is closing its Sebring plant, which has 120 hourly and 12 salaried workers.
Production will be moved to its main plant in Hudson, Ohio, in March, the company said Wednesday. The 10-year-old Sebring plant makes toy parts that are used at the Hudson plant as well as finished products.
The company said some jobs are expected to be added in Hudson.
Clancy Lavins, Little Tikes president, said the move will reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
The company will offer severance packages, out-placement programs and on-site job fairs.
NATION
DeBartolo to team upwith pizza company
TAMPA, Fla. -- DeBartolo Property Group, which is owned by Eddie DeBartolo, is joining with a New York pizza company to create a new venture.
The new company is called Famiglia DeBartolo and is based in White Plains, N.Y. DeBartolo's partner in the venture is the Kolaj family, which operates Famiglia International of New York City. The new company intends to expand the Famous Famiglia pizza business, which has 25 locations in six states.
DeBartolo of Tampa said he is partnering with regional companies that have a strong business model but need assistance to grow nationally. DeBartolo also is involved in retail development.
Citrus ad campaign
LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Citrus is spending $1.8 million on a marketing campaign to convince consumers that orange juice can be compatible with the Atkins diet as well as a weight-loss plan pushed by television talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports