Local Buzz

Andrew W. McLaughlin has joined Shutts & Bowen as a partner in the firm’s Tampa office. McLaughlin, an experienced labor and employment attorney, will work within the firm’s Corporate Practice Group. He advises clients on employee benefits including 401(k) plans, health benefits and executive compensation. He also has experience handling matters involving ERISA, equity incentive

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

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,

Tampa-based veteran and nonprofit founder Bryan Stern has been named one of six recipients of the prestigious Medal of Honor Citizen Honors Awards for 2024. Stern, the chairman and founder of Grey Bull Rescue, is being recognized as this year’s Service Act Honoree for his dedication to serving Americans, both in and out of military

The William Stanley CFO Group, a Tampa-based provider of fractional chief financial officer services, has acquired a local tax and accounting firm, Craft & Company CPAs, a business founded over 40 years ago by Jefferson Craft. The acquisition aims to expand William Stanley’s service offerings. Founded by Michelle Delker, who has been part of the

Wright’s Gourmet House plans to open its first satellite location at Tampa General Hospital’s Davis Islands campus. The deli and bakery, known for its sandwiches and baked goods, has signed a 10-year lease for a 2,900-square-foot space near the East Pavilion entrance, previously occupied by McDonald’s. The new location will offer a full-service kitchen with

Tony DiBenedetto, chief executive officer of Appspace and founder of the nonprofit Think Big for Kids, will receive the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, in April. Born to young parents, DiBenedetto lived with his grandparents during his early years. They struggled, financially, to care for him. After his grandmother’s passing, he became independent, relying on friends

The relocation makes way for Velera, in St Pete, to move into SPP’s former space.

Advantive, a provider of specialized enterprise software, has acquired Commerce Vision, a digital commerce platform, based in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition expands Advantive’s international reach and strengthens its business-to-business e-commerce capabilities. Commerce Vision, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, has provided B2B commerce services since 2001, serving industries including automotive, food service, medical and more.

Amorino Gelato, an international gelato chain, founded in Paris, is set to open a location in St. Petersburg’s EDGE District, at 1246 Central Ave. The shop will occupy more than 1,800 square feet on the ground floor of the newly renovated building, with views of a 7,000-square-foot communal garden. It will join Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine,

Chris Moyer, former founder, president and chief executive officer of SME Solutions Group, has officially begun his term as chair of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. With a track record of fostering innovation and driving growth, Moyer is now applying his leadership to the region’s exclusive network of CEOs, entrepreneurs and executive leaders. “I

After nearly 24 years of hosting Florida This Week, Rob Lorei is stepping into a new role at WEDU. Lorei, who has led the public affairs program since its inception, reflected on his tenure, saying, “I’ve had the good fortune of hosting every week. We’ve brought together a group of panelists like no other, featuring