Jo-Lynn Brown 
In the world of food distribution and retail, collaboration is the key to success. Two notable leaders in the industry, Cammie Chatterton, chief executive officer of Bay Food Brokerage, and David Habib, chief executive officer of Yo Mama’s Foods, recently joined forces in a partnership that has proven to be both strategic and personally rewarding. … Read more
⊲ Basis Industrial created a new fund to acquire a $72 million multi-tenant industrial portfolio in Tampa, adding 472,512 square feet, across 18 buildings, to its expanding 4.2 million-square-foot portfolio. ⊲ The Alvarado Experience, a lifestyle and fashion brand founded in Tampa by Marcía Alvarado, has been officially certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise by … Read more
Don’t look now, but we’re already into the second quarter of 2025. The first quarter is in the books and, if you’re like most sellers and sales leaders, you probably fall into one of three categories: Your year got off to a great start and you’re on track to set billing and revenue records. You’re … Read more
Metropolitan Ministries held its 2025 Tampa Bay Food Fight, at Amalie Arena, in Tampa. Now in its eighth year, the event brings together Tampa Bay’s top chefs in a culinary showdown to support Metropolitan Ministries’ job training programs. This year’s event featured Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian, an Iron Chef and Chopped judge, as a … Read more
⊲ A modern sculpture by St. Pete artist Cecilia Lueza, inspired by the city’s waterfront, will serve as a centerpiece at the entrance of the 42-story Art House condominium tower, in downtown St. Pete. (Image above) ⊲ St. Petersburg College was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, recognizing its commitment … Read more
More than 400 students at Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy participated in a soccer celebration that marked the launch of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, a new nonprofit aiming to expand access to youth sports in underserved communities. The event included soccer drills led by players from Tampa Bay Sun FC, the region’s first women’s professional … Read more
Melting Pot has reopened in downtown St. Petersburg, returning to the city after a five-year absence. The restaurant, known for its interactive fondue dining, is now operating at 699 Central Ave. The 4,900-square-foot location includes 191 seats across multiple dining areas, an indoor-outdoor bar and an eight-seat chef’s table that offers views into the kitchen. … Read more
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has unveiled its 2027 cruise schedule, featuring several new itineraries, including the brand’s first 8-night voyages and its first overnight stay in New Orleans. Sailing from Port Tampa Bay, the Islander will offer a variety of four- to 10-night cruises with expanded destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Among … Read more
Omni Public has appointed Jackie Toledo, former Florida State Representative and civil engineer, as vice president of operations. Toledo will lead the firm’s legislative affairs efforts and help guide organizational growth. Toledo served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2022, representing District 60. During her tenure, she advocated for transportation and infrastructure … Read more
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has appointed William “Bill” Tapp as board member emeritus following his retirement from the board of directors in March, after 25 years of service. Tapp joined the board in 2000 and served as its 34th chair from 2006 to 2007. He is recognized for his leadership, financial support and … Read more
