Chuck Merlis

USF just hit $750M in research funding; here’s why it matters Bar chart showing growth in the University of South Florida’s research funding from fiscal year 2022 to 2025, highlighting gains from federal, private and state sources.

Bar chart showing growth in the University of South Florida’s research funding from fiscal year 2022 to 2025, highlighting gains from federal, private and state sources.

USF just hit $750M in research funding; here’s why it matters

Chuck Merlis November 4, 2025

USF’s record $750 million in research funding marks a major milestone for Tampa Bay’s innovation economy.

Tampa real estate expert warns agents: Protect your brand now Downtown Tampa skyline with office towers and residential buildings along the Hillsborough River under a bright blue sky.

Downtown Tampa skyline with office towers and residential buildings along the Hillsborough River under a bright blue sky.

Tampa real estate expert warns agents: Protect your brand now

Chuck Merlis November 3, 2025

Tampa broker Derek Carlson shares how agents can protect their brand and stay competitive amid major real...

Florida SNAP crisis grows as Tampa’s Metro Ministries ‘doubles down’ Sign on a grocery store door reading “SNAP welcomed here,” showing that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted for food purchases.

Sign on a grocery store door reading “SNAP welcomed here,” showing that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted for food purchases.

Florida SNAP crisis grows as Tampa’s Metro Ministries ‘doubles down’

Chuck Merlis November 3, 2025

Florida food banks face record demand as SNAP benefits resume at half strength and families across Tampa...

Florida grants millions to Johns Hopkins All Children’s for pediatric cancer research State officials present a $7.5 million grant check to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg to support pediatric cancer research.

State officials present a $7.5 million grant check to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg to support pediatric cancer research.

Florida grants millions to Johns Hopkins All Children’s for pediatric cancer research

Chuck Merlis November 3, 2025

A $7.5 million state grant will help Johns Hopkins All Children’s lead new advances in pediatric cancer...

Hooters Clearwater-based founders regain full ownership of brand Exterior view of the Original Hooters restaurant in Clearwater, Florida, showing its multi-level building with palm trees and bikes parked outside.

Exterior view of the Original Hooters restaurant in Clearwater, Florida, showing its multi-level building with palm trees and bikes parked outside.

Hooters Clearwater-based founders regain full ownership of brand

Chuck Merlis November 3, 2025

Clearwater’s Original Hooters founders reclaim the global brand and revive the local spirit that started it all.

Benchmark International on why they took center ice in downtown Tampa Exterior of Benchmark International Arena with the downtown Tampa skyline in the background

Exterior of Benchmark International Arena with the downtown Tampa skyline in the background

Benchmark International on why they took center ice in downtown Tampa

Chuck Merlis November 1, 2025

TBBW sat down with the Tampa M&A firm to learn more about its biggest move yet.

How Tampa’s Ashley Butler turned struggle into success Ashley Butler, owner of Ice Cold Air, standing beside a red Ford Mustang at her Tampa home.

How Tampa’s Ashley Butler turned struggle into success

Chuck Merlis October 31, 2025

From struggle to success Ashley Butler built a $12M Tampa business rooted in grit grace and giving...

Inside Mayor Jane Castor’s plan to fix Tampa traffic Tampa Mayor Jane Castor smiles in a professional headshot, wearing a navy blazer, white blouse and glasses.

Inside Mayor Jane Castor’s plan to fix Tampa traffic

Chuck Merlis October 30, 2025

Mayor Jane Castor maps out how Tampa will manage growth through new transit, funding partnerships and smart...

Tampa Bay legend Derrick Brooks named COO of USF Athletics Rob Higgins and Derrick Brooks pose together, both wearing suits and making the USF Bulls hand sign to celebrate Brooks’ new role as chief operating officer of USF Athletics.

Rob Higgins and Derrick Brooks pose together, both wearing suits and making the USF Bulls hand sign to celebrate Brooks’ new role as chief operating officer of USF Athletics.

Tampa Bay legend Derrick Brooks named COO of USF Athletics

Chuck Merlis October 30, 2025

Tampa icon Derrick Brooks joins USF Athletics as COO, uniting Tampa Bay’s sports and business leadership.

How Microsoft’s outage could impact Tampa Bay businesses Microsoft 365 apps displayed on a smartphone screen, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive