TAMPA, FL-Jim Michalak of Cushman & Wakefield of Florida closes three shopping-center deals totaling 534,299 sf and valued at $38 million. Michalak closed a record year in 2003 with the disposition of nine retail properties at $90 million.

ATLANTA-The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta is dishing out $14.4 million in grants for 60 housing projects totaling 2,608 apartment units in the Southeast. Georgia's grant will cover the development of 650 units.

ATLANTA-Launched Dec. 2, 2003, privately held Wells REIT II is selling $10 and $9.95 shares at a steady pace, reports Leo F. Wells III, the company's founder and president. The initial public offering of a total 785 million shares ends March 15.

ORLANDO-Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc. of Dallas contracts to pay $25.3 million, or $120,238 per unit, for the 210-suite Marriott Residence Inn a quarter of a mile from the entrance to Walt Disney World. The deal is scheduled to close next month.

JACKSONVILLE, FL-Bandera Ventures has invested $36 million for 18 planned locations throughout the state. Whataburger Inc. itself plans a total 120 locations over the next seven years in the Jacksonville, Tampa/St. Pete and Orlando markets.

ORLANDO-New York-based Invesco Realty Advisors, through its local Gateway Cumberland Property Co., sells the 712,145-sf, four-building warehouse portfolio in south Orlando for $26.2 million, or about $36.72 per sf.

ATLANTA-Locally based Jamestown, a real estate investment firm representing investors in Germany, sells the North Miami Beach, FL-based REIT two Publix-anchored properties in Panama City, FL and Greenville, SC for a total $15.6 million or $113.59 per sf.

TALLAHASSEE, FL-In an unconventional move, Gov. Jeb Bush and his six-member Cabinet vote to spend $11 million in taxpayer money to reopen the shuttered, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, FL and make certain the 150-acre property is never developed for commercial use.