Duke Energy names Melissa Seixas as Florida state president

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Duke Energy has named Melissa Seixas as president of Duke Energy Florida, effective February 16. Seixas was previously vice president of government and community relations for Duke Energy Florida. She succeeds Catherine Stempien, who is leaving at the end of February for a position outside of the company, according to a statement on the Duke … Read more

Tampa’s Bayshore Solutions announces major merger

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Tampa Bay Shore Solutions

Bayshore Solutions, a digital marketing and web development agency with offices in Tampa and Denver, merged with Spinutech, effective January 1. Spinutech, located in Chicago, Des Moines and Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a web design and marketing agency. The combined agencies will do business as Spinutech and will be able to offer clients a broader … Read more

A premiere bourbon experience at Ocean Prime

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The perfect way to celebrate your team going to the big game is with the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition experience at Ocean Prime. For everyone who appreciates fine quality bourbon, this is an exceptional opportunity to taste some of the world’s finest. The Baccarat Edition is crafted using the most complex and nuanced Kentucky Bourbon, … Read more

Rhonda Shear lists St. Petersburg home for more than $9 million

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Rhonda Shear, owner of Shear Enterprises, in St. Petersburg and former television personality, has listed her home at 2020 Brightwaters Blvd. N.E., for $9,030,000. The 9,722 square foot home has five bedrooms, nine bathrooms and sits on a lot of more than 19,000 square feet. The home features custom painted walls, signed by artist Jeff … Read more

Don’t Buy It, Tampa Bay anti-human trafficking campaign launches ahead of Super Bowl

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The Hillsborough County Commission is launching an anti-human trafficking campaign, created by FKQ Advertising + Marketing in Clearwater, called Don’t Buy It, Tampa Bay.

The campaign is in partnership with the Super Bowl but is also a sustaining program that includes awareness efforts that will continue after the big game is over.

The timing is well planned, as January is also Trafficking Awareness Month. The campaign’s objective is to educate Tampa Bay residents, and visitors alike, on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and report suspected activity.

FKQ worked in partnership with a Hillsborough County survivor advisory board to learn the stories behind human trafficking, understand the common myths surrounding the crime and dispute misconceptions about how it occurs, as well as who is at risk.

The County invested $150,000 in the campaign and expects it to yield more than 62.5 million impressions with advertising placements on TV, radio, billboards, print publications and digital, and social, engagement.

Hillsborough County offers free training for businesses to share with their employees. The Hillsborough Heroes Against Human Trafficking Program can be found on DontBuyItTampaBay.org.

WWE superstar Titus O’Neil also participates in the campaign. You can view his video message below.

Exclusive: Palazzo Pizza readies for grand opening in Tampa’s Hyde Park

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Close-up of a fresh pizza topped with sausage and cheese next to stacked takeout boxes on a colorful tiled table.

Palazzo Pizza, a new concept, is preparing to open its doors on January 28 at 1818 W. Platt St., Tampa. The concept was developed by Volpe Hospitality Group after being inspired by the travels, and network, of Jason Fox over the last 20 years. Fox’s hospitality career started in Tampa under the guidance of nightlife … Read more

Mansions on the Market: The West Wind

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Listing price: $7.650 million | Specs: 5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | 7,121 sq. ft. Details: Welcome to West Wind, the main house and a sprawling modern masterpiece gracing the exclusive north end of Casey Key with dreamy views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay. Created by New York architect, and … Read more

Networking, social distancing & a little R&R

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My husband and I always look forward to the annual CEO Council Fall Social, held at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, but, like everything else in 2020, we knew last year’s event would be different. Never having stayed at the property before we looked forward to the chance to unplug a bit … Read more