Chuck Merlis

Serial entrepreneur builds AI platform for marketing decisions MADTECH.AI branding graphic highlighting faster marketing decisions through AI

MADTECH.AI branding graphic highlighting faster marketing decisions through AI

Serial entrepreneur builds AI platform for marketing decisions

Chuck Merlis January 12, 2026

Bill Lederer builds an AI platform designed to help marketers make faster, smarter decisions in real time.

National firms back $6.8B Gas Plant District proposal Rendering of a proposed redevelopment concept for St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District, showing a large public venue, green space and surrounding development.

Rendering of a proposed redevelopment concept for St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District, showing a large public venue, green space and surrounding development.

National firms back $6.8B Gas Plant District proposal

Chuck Merlis January 12, 2026

National firms and local organizations line up behind a $6.8B Gas Plant District redevelopment proposal.

Yo Mama’s Foods Instacart growth earns national recognition Yo Mama’s Foods pasta sauce jars displayed in branded packaging highlighting national recognition

Yo Mama’s Foods pasta sauce jars displayed in branded packaging highlighting national recognition

Yo Mama’s Foods Instacart growth earns national recognition

Chuck Merlis January 9, 2026

Yo Mama’s Foods was named one of Instacart’s fastest-growing brands as national demand continues to rise.

Tampa industrial real estate included in multi-state acquisition Aerial view of downtown Tampa showing the skyline, Hillsborough River, and surrounding development.

Aerial view of downtown Tampa showing the skyline, Hillsborough River, and surrounding development.

Tampa industrial real estate included in multi-state acquisition

Chuck Merlis January 8, 2026

A multi-state industrial portfolio deal includes Tampa properties signaling continued interest in Florida infill industrial real estate.

Tampa-based firm breaks ground on Richmond industrial site Aerial view of West Creek Business Park in Richmond, Virginia, where a Tampa-based firm is developing a new industrial project.

Aerial view of West Creek Business Park in Richmond, Virginia, where a Tampa-based firm is developing a new industrial project.

Tampa-based firm breaks ground on Richmond industrial site

Chuck Merlis January 8, 2026

A Tampa-based firm has started work on a 221,000 SF industrial project in Richmond.

New History Center CEO frames Tampa’s past as power Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.

Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.

New History Center CEO frames Tampa’s past as power

Chuck Merlis January 8, 2026

As Tampa grows faster than its memory, the History Center’s new leader sees the past as civic...

spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.

Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.

spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech

Chuck Merlis January 7, 2026

spARK Labs is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s tech ecosystem through patience, execution and long-term founder support.

Midtown Tampa retail enters next phase Aerial view of Midtown Tampa showing the retail core anchored by Whole Foods Market, surrounded by offices, apartments and major roadways in Tampa.

Aerial view of Midtown Tampa showing the retail core anchored by Whole Foods Market, surrounded by offices, apartments and major roadways in Tampa.

Midtown Tampa retail enters next phase

Chuck Merlis January 7, 2026

Midtown Tampa’s retail component moves from development to long-term stewardship.

BayCare plans $650M+ children’s hospital in Tampa Rendering of Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s in Tampa with modern glass design and bold exterior colors

Rendering of Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s in Tampa with modern glass design and bold exterior colors

BayCare plans $650M+ children’s hospital in Tampa

Chuck Merlis January 6, 2026

BayCare plans a $650M+ children’s hospital in Tampa Bay, backed by a $50M gift and opening in...

Tampa-based Campus Course rethinks Florida college apparel Campus Course apparel featuring a University of South Florida polo and matching hat with understated collegiate branding.