Jo-Lynn Brown 
The Pinellas County Commission has adopted a new ordinance aimed at increasing oversight and accountability for short-term rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance establishes a certification process for rental owners, sets safety and occupancy requirements and outlines rules on parking, noise and inspections. The goal is to preserve quality of life … Read more
Cirque St. Armands Beachside, a new boutique hotel inspired by Sarasota’s circus heritage, has officially opened on Florida’s west coast. Located steps from Lido Beach, the 135-room hotel features a design that blends Art Deco and circus-inspired elements including striped columns, ornate feather chandeliers and vintage circus posters. The hotel is part of the Opal … Read more
J.D. Power named Fifth Third Bank as Florida’s top retail bank for customer satisfaction, for the second consecutive year, according to its 2025 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. The study highlighted that customers rated Fifth Third the highest in account offerings and overall value. Fifth Third Chief Operating Officer Jamie Leonard said the recognition reflects … Read more
United Way Suncoast has received a $1 million grant from the PNC Foundation to support its United We Learn initiative, aimed at improving kindergarten readiness in the Tampa Bay area. The funding will benefit children and families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties by expanding access to high-quality early learning and addressing achievement gaps … Read more
Evara Health Foundation will host its inaugural benefit concert on April 6, at the OCC Road House, in Clearwater, featuring live music, entertainment and VIP experiences. Concertgoers can elevate their experience with VIP table seating for six, which includes up-front viewing, VIP entry, dedicated restrooms, dedicated servers, a VIP gift and six drink tickets. Proceeds … Read more
Kolter Group has announced a new luxury development, at 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, in Sarasota, featuring residential condominiums and a full-service Hyatt Centric Harborside hotel. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Located in Sarasota’s waterfront district, at Quay Commons and Boulevard of the Arts, the development will offer direct … Read more
The Whitaker Group plans to relocate its Social Status retail store to a new, larger space in Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood. The move from Hyde Park to Ybor City is scheduled for spring, 2025. The new 2,794-square-foot store, located at 1318 E 7th Ave., will be near landmarks significant to Tampa’s Cuban heritage including … Read more
David W. Jezek, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, will retire at the end of this year. Jezek’s retirement will conclude a 42-year professional YMCA career across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Florida. Jezek joined the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg in 2008 and oversaw organizational growth. Under his leadership, … Read more
Pinellas County is seeking public input on how to allocate an $813 million federal grant, aimed at long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. This funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will assist communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia, in 2023, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton, in 2024. The county will use … Read more
LEGOLAND Florida Resort provided an early look at its upcoming SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium, during a behind-the-scenes hard hat tour. The new attraction, described as the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea,” is scheduled to open on May 23, 2025. “SEA LIFE Florida is designed to be a child’s first aquarium experience,” said Franceen … Read more
