20 Questions with Aakash Patel

Entrepreneur Aakash Patel founded Elevate, a Tampa-based strategic business consulting firm providing public relations, community relations, targeted networking and social media, in 2012. Elevate has served over 150 companies to date. A Florida State University graduate, before Elevate’s launch, Patel was an editorial assistant in the Tampa Bay Times’ Tallahassee bureau, the public relations coordinator … Read more

Mansions on the Market: Tranquility & privacy in St. Pete

Specs:5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms | 5,258 square feet Price: $1.685 million Details: Tranquility and privacy are the hallmarks of this stunning, custom-designed, Spanish Mediterranean waterfront estate located in the premier gated community of Caya Costa. Situated on a cul-de-sac, with almost a half-acre of lush tropical landscaping, this distinctive, timelessly designed home features 5,258 square … Read more

The Good Life: Annie Handbags and Tiffany T1 line

Annie Diamantidis’ Handbags Annie Handbags are handcrafted in Chicago from the finest quality skins and are produced in limited runs to ensure exclusivity and superior detailing. The collection is carried in luxury boutiques, galleries and museums nationwide, and in the Tampa Bay area, at Shoes By Beverly in Belleair Bluffs. Annie Handbags have become celebrities’ … Read more

Ashford Castle’s Irish eyes create special family escape

When Ireland’s westernmost shores of the Wild Atlantic Way call with their siren song, extraordinary family vacations are explicit in their promise. Adventure greets families head on here, especially when hosted by County Mayo’s majestic Ashford Castle, a splendid estate catering to lords, ladies, lads and lassies for centuries. The Castle captures the fancy of … Read more

Keeping it real: ACS sustains its vibrant passion on virtual platforms

Zoom confined their images to rectangles, but the virtual meeting room could not contain their passion. The American Cancer Society’s Southwest Florida team recently gathered a dedicated group of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer leaders, from Naples to New Port Richey, to swap tips, gain inspiration and emotionally connect for the cause. The Zoom meeting … Read more

Shumaker Advisors talks about leading in a crisis

Navigating the coronavirus’ challenges underscores the importance of quality information, guidance and direction in making responsible and effective business decisions. A strong ethos of community service enables Shumaker Advisors Florida to deliver on all these elements, demonstrating how strong government and business relationships facilitate solving complex problems. “In every crisis or emergency, there’s opportunity,” says … Read more

Geoff Dyer is ‘Crunch’-ing business goals

By mid-April, top Crunch Fitness franchisee Geoff Dyer was, like millions of other people nationwide, pining for gym life. He could picture it: The walk through the Crunch Fitness doorway, into a room with the latest updated equipment, Tampa Bay members working out alongside each other. A community of sweat and support with no coronavirus … Read more

Silver linings found during the COVID-19 pandemic

Settling into the long Florida summer, industries and individuals are still grappling with the new normal in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as our community, and business leaders, move forward with safety protocols for the re-emerging economy, families and companies are moving forward with positive lessons learned throughout the crisis. As John F. … Read more