The CEO Council of Tampa Bay held its latest Pinnacle Speaker event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The speaker this year was Jesse Cole, creator of Banana Ball and founder of Fans First Entertainment, who owns and operates the Savannah Bananas, Party Animals and Firefighters.
Vik and Sneha Patel, owners of Tampa-based Purple Square Management Co., have donated $3 million to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation to support a future Healing Garden at the hospital’s new pediatric facility. The Healing Garden will provide a space for children and families visiting the hospital. It will be part of the forthcoming Pagidipati … Read more
As Tampa Bay’s population grows, so does the demand on regional law enforcement agencies. Over the last decade, counties in the Tampa Bay region have experienced substantial population increases, placing significant strain on law enforcement resources, staffing and facilities. While law enforcement may not immediately come to mind when considering an area’s infrastructure, it is … Read more
⊲ The Hessel Family Foundation hosted a celebration at the Hero’s Hangout Hospitality Tent during the Shriners Children’s Women’s Softball Clearwater Invitational, where Keys to Kindness awarded its third-ever “Key to Kindness” to Autism Inspired Academy staff and co-founders Cher Harris and Liz Russell for their work supporting children with autism. ⊲ USF’s Florida Institute … Read more
This home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac on Longboat Key, offering scenic views of Sarasota Bay and the city skyline. The property has been carefully maintained blending comfort, elegance and practical design, making it suitable for both relaxation and entertaining. Upon entry, the open living spaces are bright and welcoming, featuring 12-foot ceilings and … Read more
In the rarefied world of fine dining, few journeys exemplify culinary perseverance quite like that of Chef Jeannie Pierola. Her latest venture, Counter Culture, isn’t merely another upscale establishment — it’s the culmination of a storied career shaped by Cuban heritage, self-taught determination and a revolutionary approach to the dining scene. Born in Tampa’s historic … Read more
⊲ LEGOLAND Florida Resort unveiled 20 newly themed hotel rooms, including the first-ever LEGO DUPLO rooms, along with revamped LEGO Friends and LEGO NINJAGO suites, designed to immerse families in interactive play and adventure. (Photo above) ⊲ The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has approved $9.2 million in funding for 75 additional Fire Rescue … Read more
Selling a business is a significant milestone for business owners, and it can be an emotional and complex process. Whether the owner is looking to retire, pursuing a new opportunity, or simply a desire for liquidity, there are several key factors to consider in advance of entertaining a sale. The goal is to ensure that … Read more
The second-largest planetarium in the United States is now open, at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Daily space and science shows are now included in general admission. MOSI’s new Digital Dome Theatre—an 82-foot-wide, 330-seat venue—replaces the museum’s previous 46-seat planetarium, featuring a 10,000-square-foot NanoSeam screen and a projection system. The first student field trip … Read more
Kolter Urban has unveiled renderings for a 162-unit luxury condominium development on Corey Avenue, in St. Pete Beach, featuring restaurants, retail and public green space. Kolter purchased the waterfront parcel, in late 2024, for $9.85 million, acquiring the site initially slated for Corey Landing, a 243-unit apartment project that was approved in 2022, but later … Read more
