Local Business

Blockchain technology might seem like a mystery at best. But as the foundation of cryptocurrency, an intriguing but unpredictable form of digital money, the financial sector must prepare for its inevitable arrival. In a cryptocurrency marketplace, a digital coin is given a unique identifying code. Each owner of the coin also has an identification number

►Curaleaf opened a medical marijuana dispensary at 3179 U.S. Highway 98 N. in Lakeland, the county’s first dispensary. ►Patriot Coffee, created by Lakeland’s Chris McArthur, will be sold in 350 Publix stores throughout Florida, and up to 800 stores later this year. ►The Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, a new wing at

Welcome to the very first issue of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.  Much like your first black card, being among the elite who received this magazine means you’ve arrived too! TBBW is a new monthly publication, being launched by Lifestyle Media Group, which already publishes 11 other titles in southern Florida. Why this magazine, why

In a city where companies like Mother Kombucha make headlines for entering big box grocery stores and businesses are rated based on “bike-friendliness,” the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market, which resumes in October, reflects a notion that is central to the city’s business community: capitalism rewards value-based businesses committed to community action and corporate responsibility.

►Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Charities announced it will donate $5 million to more than 240 nonprofit organizations, including Feeding America member food banks, which focuses on alleviating hunger across Publix’s operating area. ►GTE Financial opened a Community Financial Center located at 5320 U.S. Highway 98 North, Lakeland. ►After a national search, Florida Orthopaedic Institute hired

► Construction began on Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille at The St. Pete Pier. ► St. Petersburg’s Hunger + Thirst Group will shutter Kings Street Food Counter in the Edge District and will establish a new unnamed concept in the same location. ► The Pinellas Community Foundation moved into new offices in the Bayside

► The International Union of Police Association purchased an office building for $2.6 million located in the RidgeGate Center at 5632 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota for its new headquarters. ► Minnesota-based Key Surgical LLC acquired Sarasota-based Encompas Unlimited. ► Interior Logic Group acquired Sterling Manufacturing, a Sarasota-based countertop and cabinetry business. ► Venice-based PGT Innovations

► Tampa Harbour Marina, a new Westshore Marina District waterfront community, was listed for sale by Colliers International’s Leisure Property Advisors team. ► IT staffing firm The Frank Recruitment Group opened its sixth U.S. office—and first in the Bay area—in BMO Harris Plaza, 501 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. ► Adams and Reese appointed Eric

►Seminole-based Superior Uniform Group (Nasdaq: SGC) changed its name to Superior Group of Companies. ►Pinellas County Economic Development and St. Petersburg Economic Development were the winners of the Florida Economic Development Council’s 2018 Deal of the Year Award for outstanding achievement in the relocation or expansion of a business in the state. ►Clearwater-based Nicholas Financial

► Neal Signature Homes sold out its sites at The Inlets, a waterfront luxury community in Bradenton. ► Sean Williams joined Carlson Studio Architecture as principal in charge of the Sarasota office. ► Bank of Tampa opened a downtown Sarasota office at 1858 Ringling Blvd., the bank’s first branch in Sarasota County. ► Winnebago Industries