Jo-Lynn Brown 
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
Neptune Flood, a St. Petersburg-based private flood insurer, has increased its premium capacity to more than $400 million and expanded coverage to Alaska, completing its nationwide rollout. The Florida-based company now offers private flood insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The capacity increase from $300 million in 2024 reflects growing demand and broad … Read more
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Women of Distinction Awards, with the annual luncheon scheduled for March 4, at Armature Works. Now in its 34th year, the event honors six local women who exemplify courage, confidence and character in their professional and community leadership. Nominations are open for … Read more
Tampa and Orlando have landed in the top 10 U.S. cities for digital nomads in 2025, according to a new report from StorageCafe. Tampa ranked No. 5 and Orlando came in at No. 6 in the study, which evaluated cities based on remote work infrastructure, lifestyle amenities and affordability. Tampa has seen a 15% increase … Read more
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to Florida residents, nonprofits and small businesses affected by severe storms and a tornado that struck, on June 25. The declaration covers Pinellas County and neighboring Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Loans are available for physical damage and economic injury, with interest rates as low as … Read more
The Tampa Arts Alliance has secured a 5,000-square-foot space, in downtown Tampa, thanks to a $1 million in-kind donation from Farley White Interests. The street-level space, located at 201 E. Kennedy Blvd., in the Fifth Third Center, sits at the corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Tampa Street, directly across from Lykes Gaslight Park. The gift, … Read more
The Community Foundation Tampa Bay has appointed Linda O. Simmons as chair of its board of trustees, alongside the addition of three new board members. Simmons, a longtime board member and local business leader, will serve a two-year term as chair, beginning July 1, 2025. She currently serves as president and primary shareholder at R.R. … Read more
Douglas Elliman has named Andrew Greenwell as managing broker of its Sarasota office. Greenwell, previously the founder and chief executive officer of Venture Sotheby’s International Realty and a former cast member of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing San Francisco, returns to his hometown with more than two decades of brokerage experience in markets including Washington, California … Read more
Toorak Capital Partners, based in Tampa, has crossed a major milestone, announcing it has funded more than $15 billion in mortgage loans since its founding in 2016. The real estate lending platform, which focuses on business-purpose loans for professional real estate investors, has originated over 35,000 loans backed by residential, multifamily and mixed-use properties across … Read more
