Tampa’s Liberty Group exits hotel business after 45 years, shifts focus to family office investments

After more than four decades in the hospitality industry, Liberty Group has sold its last remaining hotels. The Tampa-based investment firm, led by chief executive officer Punit Shah, announced the sale this week, which included Marriott and Hilton properties in Tampa, Fort Pierce, Cape Coral, Ormond Beach and The Villages. “This is a deeply personal

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Meals on Wheels of Tampa’s mission is food and community 

Years ago, it partnered with a church in Seminole Heights and provided meals to 11 people per day. Now, the Meals on Wheels of Tampa delivers about 1,000 meals a day and serves homebound, disabled and elderly community members.  For Steve King, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Tampa, it’s an honor. “They’re the

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One Liners Pasco: Sprouts, Bank of Tampa and more

 Sprouts Farmers Market opened a store in Lutz, at 23046 State Road 54.  New Port Richey unveiled Tides of Time, a permanent art installation of bronze mini-sculptures at 11 historic landmarks, celebrating the city’s centennial through public art and storytelling. The Bank of Tampa has donated $2,500 to Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart Microloan Program, supporting local

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How Marlene Spalten is reshaping regional philanthropy

Marlene Spalten is the kind of leader who prefers deep conversation over small talk, collaboration over silos and vision over ego. As the president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Spalten has carved out a role that is as complex as it is impactful, part strategist, part matchmaker, part steward

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Discovery Cove offers a tropical, all-inclusive experience just a few hours from Tampa Bay

About two hours from Tampa Bay, tucked into a lush oasis in Orlando, is a place where time slows down and paradise feels surprisingly close to home. Discovery Cove, owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, isn’t your typical Orlando attraction. Designed as an all-inclusive day resort, it invites you to unwind Caribbean-style—think crystal-clear

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One Liners Hillsborough: The Florida Aquarium, McKibbon Hospitality and more

The Florida Aquarium was named one of the top 10 aquariums in the country by USA Today’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards — one of only Florida aquariums to make the list. Atlanta-based OrderlyMeds is expanding to Hillsborough County with a new pharmaceutical facility expected to bring 100 high-wage jobs by August 2025. USF faculty

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Mansions on the Market: Penthouse at TheRitz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota (RENDERINGS)

Live above it all in this full-floor penthouse, located atop the newest Ritz-Carlton-branded residential tower, in Sarasota. Nestled in the heart of The Quay, a waterfront district with shopping, dining and entertainment, this 20th floor residence delivers the ultimate in luxury, coastal living. There is nearly 5,000 square feet of living space, where floor-to-ceiling windows

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On the Scene: Frameworks’ 2025 Head & Heart Luncheon (PHOTOS)

  Nearly 600 community members, educators, donors and civic leaders came together for Frameworks of Tampa Bay’s 14th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon, an afternoon of inspiration, celebration and impact.  This year’s event raised more than $365,000, in just one hour, to support programs that build emotional intelligence in youth. Highlights included a student drum-circle

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CEO Connect Recap: Cindy Hesterman continues her journey to expand Vistage

In 2022, after 20 years of chairing groups, Cindy Hesterman was named chief executive officer of Vistage Florida. She was the only woman among 13 candidates and is the first woman to hold the top spot in the organization’s history. Through her professional achievements, her identity isn’t rooted in titles or accolades. Her truest compass has

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20 Questions with Lennise Germany

CEO of Livy O’s Catering

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French pool architect to acquire Largo’s Pool Perfection

Pool Perfection, a custom pool-building company known for its fast build times and streamlined processes, is preparing for a change in leadership as chief executive officer Shai Egosi readies to sell the business he transformed. Based in France, Clair Lagon is the purchaser. Egosi, who took over the struggling company in 2018 after initially extending

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Ybor City’s Cheeseology launches franchise program

Cheeseology, a retail cheese shop and experiential cooking concept in Ybor City, has announced the launch of its national franchise program, aiming to bring its signature cheese-making experience to markets across the country. Founded by Kelly and Paul Hays, a Tampa couple, Cheeseology blends artisan cheese education with hands-on workshops and curated retail offerings. The

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