Chuck Merlis

Next Level Brands elevates culinary leadership with two key promotions

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Chef Jacob Rios, newly appointed Director of Culinary at Next Level Brands, stands in his chef’s coat outside Union New American in Tampa.

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

Why Tampa General’s workplace culture stands out 

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“Exterior view of Tampa General Hospital, recognized by Forbes as one of Florida’s best places to work in 2025.”

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

Florida ends lease tax, Tampa businesses celebrate

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A close-up of a financial statement showing monthly payment details, symbolizing the end of Florida’s commercial lease tax and the financial relief now available to Tampa businesses.

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

USF climbs top 50 public universities, cementing its place among Florida’s best colleges

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Entrance sign for the University of South Florida in Tampa, featuring the green bull logo on a brick and white monument surrounded by landscaping

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 ranks third in Florida for job growth, fueled by education, health care and manufacturing

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Group of leaders, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, cutting a red ribbon during the grand opening ceremony at XTEND’s U.S. headquarters, with the XTEND logo and balloon columns in the background.

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