Local Buzz

The Save The Kids Foundation’s Gatsby Gala brought together philanthropists, industry leaders and advocates to support pediatric cancer research. The event’s highlight was the recognition of Dr. Mildred Duncan, a researcher at the University of South Florida, who received the Disruptor of the Year Award for her work in developing treatments for Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has named Kristina Moreta as its executive director. Moreta, a longtime advocate for environmental sustainability, steps into the role with experience in leadership, fundraising and environmental education. She previously served as the organization’s development director, where she played a key role in securing funding for programs and strengthening community partnerships. “Keep

Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services is undergoing a leadership transition as Mary Ann Porter steps down from her role as managing broker. Porter, the company’s first employee, has been a key figure in its growth since its founding, in 2015. Porter, whose real estate career spans nearly four decades, has overseen the sale of

One Stop Cares, a nonprofit focused on providing support services to affordable housing communities, has appointed Audrey Abraham as its new executive director. Abraham has worked with One Stop Housing, the nonprofit’s affiliated housing development company, for more than 20 years. She began her career as a property manager, before advancing to regional manager. In

The Clearwater-based brand of Hooters is ‘Stronger than ever,’ according to CEO, Neil Kiefer.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art will reopen its in-house bistro, The Canyon, in spring 2025, as The Canyon by Catering by The Family. The restaurant, in downtown St. Petersburg, will offer a new menu featuring lunch options, casual bites, specialty coffees and craft cocktails. The redesigned space will provide table, bar and

Thirsty Buffalo Brewing has launched Brahman Golden Ale. Sales from the beer will support the University of South Florida student-athletes through the Fowler Avenue Collective, the university’s name, image and likeness collective. A portion of proceeds from every sale of Brahman Golden Ale will go to the collective, which helps USF athletes benefit from NIL

Vista Gin has partnered with Tampa-based Pepin Distributing to expand its presence in the region. The agreement will make the craft gin more widely available at retailers, restaurants and bars across the Tampa Bay area. “Partnering with Pepin marks a major milestone for our brand,” said Grant Patterson, co-founder and chief executive officer of Vista

Combat Waffle Studios, a veteran-owned gaming company backed by Meta, has leased a 23,349-square-foot industrial space, at 195 Triple Diamond Blvd., in Nokomis. The studio, best known for its hit VR shooter Ghosts of Tabor, has seen over $20 million in sales, since its release. The company previously operated out of a 7,000-square-foot office, at

Buckley, a sea turtle with an incredible survival story, is ready to return home after an unexpected detour—more than a mile inland. Discovered stranded on a dirt road, in rural Dixie County, last November, Buckley’s journey back to the water has been months in the making. Thanks to quick-thinking Good Samaritans who alerted the Florida

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s plan to build about 30 affordable homes on a 9.5-acre lot at Miracle Drive and Century Drive, in Spring Hill. The county is donating the land to Habitat as part of its effort to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income

BankUnited (NYSE: BKU) has appointed Lynetta Tipton Steed as executive vice president and head of business banking for its Florida and Texas markets. Steed will oversee business banking operations in both states, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and expanding the bank’s business loan portfolio. She will also work closely with BankUnited’s commercial banking teams. She