Next Level Brands is reshaping its leadership team, doubling down on internal talent to fuel its next stage of growth. The hospitality group announced Chef Jacob Rios, the creative force behind Union New American, has been named Director of Culinary and will join the executive leadership team. Stepping into Rios’ former role, Chef Casey Alfonso … Read more
Tampa General Hospital has been named one of Florida’s best places to work by Forbes for the fifth consecutive year, cementing its reputation as both the region’s leading healthcare provider and a top employer. The recognition places the academic health system as the No. 1 health care employer in Tampa Bay and among the top five … Read more
A decades-long burden on Florida’s commercial tenants and landlords ends this month, and the Tampa Bay business community is ready to raise a glass. On Sept. 30, the state’s sales tax on commercial leases will officially expire, closing the chapter on Florida’s status as the only state in the nation to impose such a levy. … Read more
Tom Lee, who represented the Tampa Bay area in the Florida Senate for 18 years and served as Senate president from 2004 to 2006, has been inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame. The honor, presented by the Florida Home Builders Association, recognizes individuals whose leadership and advocacy have had a lasting impact on … Read more
The University of South Florida is staking a stronger claim as one of the nation’s top universities, climbing to its highest position ever in U.S News & World Report’s annual rankings. In results released Sept. 23, USF rose to No. 88 overall, among all public and private universities, up from No. 91 the previous year. … Read more
Tampa added 12,700 private-sector jobs in August from a year earlier, ranking third among Florida’s metropolitan areas for job growth, according to new data from FloridaCommerce. The 0.9% increase accounted for nearly 15% of the state’s total gains. The most substantial gains came from education and health services, which added 7,600 jobs, followed by manufacturing … Read more
Neptune Insurance Holdings, the parent company of Neptune Flood, has filed for an initial public offering with plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NP. The St. Petersburg–based insurance technology company announced Monday that certain selling securityholders will offer 18.4 million shares of Class A common stock, with underwriters … Read more
Few places in Tampa Bay can claim a legacy as rich—or as delicious—as La Segunda Bakery & Café. This summer, the family-owned institution celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking more than a century of hand-rolled Cuban bread, rich Cafecito’s, and a deep connection to the community that has grown up around it. Founded in Ybor City, … Read more
Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping families together and out of foster care, has promoted Kayla Palacios to chief operating officer. Palacios has been with the organization for three years, first as executive director of the North Central Florida region and later as vice president of operations. “Kayla brings a proven record of strengthening … Read more
A $350,000 donation from attorney, businessman and philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has spurred a record fundraising campaign for Florida Humanities. Culverhouse’s challenge grant generated $707,938 in contributions, which will be used to support museums, libraries and historical societies across the state. His giving to humanities councils nationwide now tops $1 million, according to a statement. … Read more
