Tampa’s Lauren Mayhew talks about her Hulu show, new music and how she stayed busy during the lockdown of 2020

Tampa-born, and raised, Lauren Mayhew has been in the entertainment industry since she was a child. She’s appeared on PBS, a soap opera and most recently voiced a character on a new Hulu show. In 2020, the entertainment industry took a major hit. Shows were postponed, projects were shut down and live entertainment was all … Read more

A premiere bourbon experience at Ocean Prime

The perfect way to celebrate your team going to the big game is with the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition experience at Ocean Prime. For everyone who appreciates fine quality bourbon, this is an exceptional opportunity to taste some of the world’s finest. The Baccarat Edition is crafted using the most complex and nuanced Kentucky Bourbon, … Read more

On the Scene: The St. Petersburg Power And Sailboat Show’s Big Success (PHOTOS)

The 43rd annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show took place on January 14-17 at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park. Our Downtown was jammed with visitors strolling around the waterfront with big grins of anticipation. Young couples with toddlers, and older retirees, all dreaming of … Read more

Rhonda Shear lists St. Petersburg home for more than $9 million

Rhonda Shear, owner of Shear Enterprises, in St. Petersburg and former television personality, has listed her home at 2020 Brightwaters Blvd. N.E., for $9,030,000. The 9,722 square foot home has five bedrooms, nine bathrooms and sits on a lot of more than 19,000 square feet. The home features custom painted walls, signed by artist Jeff … Read more

Don’t Buy It, Tampa Bay anti-human trafficking campaign launches ahead of Super Bowl

The Hillsborough County Commission is launching an anti-human trafficking campaign, created by FKQ Advertising + Marketing in Clearwater, called Don’t Buy It, Tampa Bay.

The campaign is in partnership with the Super Bowl but is also a sustaining program that includes awareness efforts that will continue after the big game is over.

The timing is well planned, as January is also Trafficking Awareness Month. The campaign’s objective is to educate Tampa Bay residents, and visitors alike, on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and report suspected activity.

FKQ worked in partnership with a Hillsborough County survivor advisory board to learn the stories behind human trafficking, understand the common myths surrounding the crime and dispute misconceptions about how it occurs, as well as who is at risk.

The County invested $150,000 in the campaign and expects it to yield more than 62.5 million impressions with advertising placements on TV, radio, billboards, print publications and digital, and social, engagement.

Hillsborough County offers free training for businesses to share with their employees. The Hillsborough Heroes Against Human Trafficking Program can be found on DontBuyItTampaBay.org.

WWE superstar Titus O’Neil also participates in the campaign. You can view his video message below.

Exclusive: Palazzo Pizza readies for grand opening in Tampa’s Hyde Park

Close-up of a fresh pizza topped with sausage and cheese next to stacked takeout boxes on a colorful tiled table.

Palazzo Pizza, a new concept, is preparing to open its doors on January 28 at 1818 W. Platt St., Tampa. The concept was developed by Volpe Hospitality Group after being inspired by the travels, and network, of Jason Fox over the last 20 years. Fox’s hospitality career started in Tampa under the guidance of nightlife … Read more

Amber Duncan shares stories from fashion and the farm

Amber and Ryan Duncan own a debt settlement company, Reduce My Debts, valued at $50 million. Ryan Duncan, Amber’s husband, established a regenerative agriculture farm on their 12-acre property in Bradenton, called Jubilee Organics, Amber owns two cupcake franchises and has launched Jackie, a clothing subscription and personal shopping service. In the fall of 2015, … Read more

On the Scene: 17th Annual Fashion Funds the Cure

The 17th annual Fashion Funds the Cure, presented by Suncoast Mercedes-Benz Dealers, was held to honor children battling cancer. The charity fashion show, hosted by Gayle Guyardo, was held at Raymond James Stadium. The event featured three main viewing areas, and several private suites, for guests to experience the show based on their personal preference … Read more

One Liners Pinellas: Stoneweg US, Mutts and Martinis and more

►Mutts and Martinis, St. Peterburg’s first dog waterpark and full-liquor bar, is planned for 2900 Central Ave. (Pictured above) ► Bonnie Smith was named chief information officer at Tech Data, based in Clearwater, succeeding John Tonnison, who is retiring after nearly two decades with the tech distributor. ► Cabot Properties bought property at 12210 62nd … Read more