FYI Miami is a weekly feature of Miami Today, keeping readers ahead of the news. Here are highlights from the most current edition.

A MATTER OF TRUST: The Public Health Trust is expected to address the ongoing question of how Homestead Hospital is to be administered at an executive board meeting today (7/20). In a June 27 letter to Baptist Health Systems of South Florida, which has been operating the financially troubled hospital since 1995, trust Chairman Amadeo Lopez-Castro asked that Baptist put $5 million in escrow to fund capital improvements. The letter also said the trust would have sole discretion over which entity would be responsible for administrative services — representing a further potential $3 million burden for Baptist, according to President Brian Keeley. "We struck a deal and now they throw in these new conditions with no discussion," Mr. Keeley said, calling for open meetings to resolve the issue. "I'm flabbergasted. This isn't acceptable to us."

EQUITY LOAN: Equity One, a real estate investment trust specializing in shopping centers, secured a $16.35 million loan from Lutheran Brotherhood for the first two phases of Shoppes at Skylake, a 280,000-square-foot center in North Miami. The first two phases will have 150,702 square feet and include a 51,420-square-foot Publix.

DISTRIBUTIONS: TM Distribution Group leased 25,230 square feet at Beacon Centre. Ophelia de la Torre of WestVest & Associates represented the tenant in the transaction. Jose Juncadella, David Spillers and George I. Pino, Codina Realty Services brokers, represented the landlord, Duke-Weeks Realty Corp.

UNION PLANTERS SITE: The law firm of Nemser & Wolis bought a 60,000-square-foot Union Planters Bank, 1666 Kennedy Cswy., for $2.6 million. Jack Lowell and Tere Blanco de Ulloa of Codina Realty Services represented the seller in the transaction.

WACO LEASE: Waco Associates leased 21,800 square feet of industrial space at 11701 NW 100th Road, Medley, from Gran Central Corp. Michael Silver of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant in the transaction.

MC DEAL: Allplus Holding Corp. bought three-quarters of an acre at Northwest 58th Street and 100th Avenue for $285,000. Mark Aleman of MC Realty Services represented the buyer in the deal. He said MC Construction will build a 17,000-square-foot office at the site.

COMMODORE SALE: Joe El-Masry, owner of Barracuda Bar, bought a one-story, 6,600-square-foot building at 3131 Commodore Plaza, former site of Sloppy Joes, for $950,000. The seller is Commodore Partners, whose principal is Manny Alonso Poch. Berk Boge and Robert Wallace of Coconut Grove Realty co-listed the property and Keppy Smith of Wood Fay Realty was selling agent.

PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO: Little River Studios, whose principals are Mallory Kauderer of Miami Beach and Robert Gothard of Martha's Vineyard, MA, paid $335,000 for two buildings of 4,430 and 11,635 square feet on 1.09 acres at 300 NE 71st St. to convert to a photography studio. The James M. Perry Co. arranged a 10-year first mortgage of $235,000.

CONSTRUCTION COST: In our July 13 coverage of BOV Construction's South Beach projects, the amount of the Commerce Bank loan for construction of the Bentley Beach Condominium Hotel should have been $30 million.

HIRING STATUS: Members of the Governor's Financial Oversight Board said Tuesday they were pleased that the City of Miami filled four top executive posts and is reviewing candidates for an assistant city manager for real estate & development and a director of finance. In May the board had complained of nine vacancies in the city's executive ranks. "You're building a great team," said Gabriel Bustamante, an oversight board member. Three other positions — directors for building, general services administration and information technology — are on hold pending a city reorganization.

BUDGET DIRECTOR: Linda Haskins, an adjunct professor in the University of Miami's finance department who worked as a senior executive for American Savings of Florida from 1984-95, was hired Monday as the City of Miami's new director of management and budget. Ms. Haskins, a registered CPA, also worked nine years with KPMG Peat Marwick.

E-LUNCH: The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visitor & Convention Authority and Greater Miami Convention Bureau are co-sponsoring a luncheon panel, "E-commerce Travel: Its effects on the industry & our community," at noon July 27 in the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort. Scheduled panelists include Hotel Reservation Network's Robert Diener, Darryl Bowie with SCA Telecard Services and local e-firm executives. Details: (305) 672-1270, ext. 27.

STEINBAUER MOVE: The commercial and industrial real estate brokerage firm Steinbauer Associates has relocated to Suite 111 in Building I at the Doral Executive Office Park, 3785 NW 82nd Ave. Details: (305) 629-9740.

COMPLIANT SESSION: The Builders Association of South Florida is holding a seminar, "Workers Compensation Compliance," from 3-5 p.m. July 25 in the Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road, Dania. Cost is $15; free to members. Details: (305) 556-6300.