Tampa Theater restoration, new micro-screening room now complete

The historic Tampa Theater now has a new micro-screening room offering patrons an intimate setting for viewing, for up to 43 people. The $2.9 million project, overseen by Creative Contractors and completed this month, includes restoration to the theater’s 1,260 square-foot lobby and auditorium area and the screening room, which also includes two wheelchair accessible … Read more

Nearly a dozen local hospitality pros honored at Visit Tampa Bay luncheon

Visit Tampa Bay has recognized 11 Tampa Bay area hospitality industry professionals for their roles in promoting tourism in the region and ensuring a positive visitor experience. The industry leaders were honored at the group’s National Travel and Tourism Awards lunch, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in late May. Included among honorees … Read more

Great Places and Spaces: New Development on Siesta Key (NEW RENDERINGS)

Address: 6907 Bochi Circle, Sarasota, La Linda Estates is a new development of homes on Siesta Key Island. The gated community, with water views available, has three-level homes with four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and a powder room.  The homes are equipped with elevators, a four-car garage, rooftop access and private pools.   The community will … Read more

Mansions on the Market: Lakefront in Lakeland (PHOTOS)

Address: 5515 Scott View Lane, Lakeland List price: $1,800,000 Specs: 6 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 6,145 square feet This lakefront residence is in a gated enclave on the eastern shore of Scott Lake. Designed and remodeled by two well-respected area architects, Mike Furr and later Gerry Trout of Straughn & Trout, the home takes … Read more

20 Questions with Amanda Payne

Amanda Pasdon Payne began her chamber career, in Georgia, which she left at the age of 26, determined to see the world. Her adventures landed her in Morgantown, West Virginia where she earned her Executive MBA from West Virginia University.  She spent 10 years in West Virginia, where she worked to better her community and … Read more

Mansions on the Market: Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home in Winter Haven (PHOTOS)

Address: 180 Brigham Road NW, Winter Haven Specs: 4 bedrooms | 4 full bathrooms | 3,659 square feet List price: $3,695,000 This privately gated estate was inspired by the design work of Frank Lloyd Wright and contains element concepts from Bates and Masi Architecture, from East Hampton, New York.  Situated on an oversized lakefront lot, … Read more

Great Places and Spaces: The Central breaks ground in St. Pete (RENDERINGS)

Ellison Development has broken ground on The Central, a 2.1-acre project, on the site of the former St. Petersburg Police Department, that will include the first, new 4-star hotel in downtown since The Vinoy and the city’s first, new Class A office space in decades.  The Central will include more than 500 public parking spaces, … Read more