Business News Archives - Tampa Bay Business & Wealth

Developer explains why Tampa’s downtown police HQ drew zero bids Tampa Police officers standing in a line in front of the Tampa Police Department headquarters, a tall blue-glass building in downtown Tampa.

Tampa Police officers standing in a line in front of the Tampa Police Department headquarters, a tall blue-glass building in downtown Tampa.

Developer explains why Tampa’s downtown police HQ drew zero bids

Chuck Merlis February 13, 2026

The city wanted at least $36 million for the downtown site. Developers say the math likely didn’t...

Pura Vida Miami plans Water Street Tampa location A rendering shows the planned Pura Vida Miami storefront at Water Street Tampa, with large windows and outdoor café seating.

A rendering shows the planned Pura Vida Miami storefront at Water Street Tampa, with large windows and outdoor café seating.

Pura Vida Miami plans Water Street Tampa location

Chuck Merlis February 12, 2026

Water Street Tampa may soon add Miami-based Pura Vida.

Isla Maritime opens Port Richey headquarters as Pasco growth accelerates Isla Maritime trailer and salvage equipment parked beside a sailboat on a trailer in Port Richey.

Isla Maritime trailer and salvage equipment parked beside a sailboat on a trailer in Port Richey.

Isla Maritime opens Port Richey headquarters as Pasco growth accelerates

Chuck Merlis February 11, 2026

Marine salvage firm Isla Maritime establishes Gulf Coast headquarters in Port Richey.

Palm Pavilion sells for $23M, split between buyers Palm Pavilion Restaurant on Clearwater Beach at 10 Bay Esplanade

Palm Pavilion sells for $23M, split between buyers

Chuck Merlis February 10, 2026

$23M closing splits Palm Pavilion’s restaurant and inn between Beachside and McKibbon.

Tampa startup Force Equals raises $2.2M seed round Force Equals logo, a Tampa based enterprise planning technology company

Tampa startup Force Equals raises $2.2M seed round

Chuck Merlis February 10, 2026

The Tampa startup is scaling an AI planning platform for enterprise teams.

Regions plans to double Tampa Bay wealth team in 2 years Exterior of a modern Regions Bank branch with the Regions sign above the entrance.

Regions plans to double Tampa Bay wealth team in 2 years

Chuck Merlis February 10, 2026

Regions is scaling private wealth in Tampa Bay as migration and deal flow accelerate.

Tampa board weighs MOSI land use change Museum of Science and Industry building along East Fowler Avenue in Tampa’s University area.

Tampa board weighs MOSI land use change

Chuck Merlis February 9, 2026

A proposed map amendment would remove the industrial label from the MOSI site and unify it under...

Village On The Isle pays $21.5M for Venice property Village On The Isle sign outside the nonprofit Life Plan Community in Venice, Florida.

Village On The Isle pays $21.5M for Venice property

Chuck Merlis February 9, 2026

A full campus and a wait list drive Village On The Isle’s $21.5M land purchase in Venice.

Big Frog grows to 75 stores, plans 10 more in 2026 A Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More storefront

Big Frog grows to 75 stores, plans 10 more in 2026

Chuck Merlis February 9, 2026

The Dunedin franchisor is using AI to speed production without losing the human touch.

TPA approves final Airside D design, $1.528B project Rendering shows a café and dining area inside TPA’s planned Airside D concourse with seating, retail and gate access nearby.