Local Buzz

The Gasworx redevelopment, in Ybor City, has secured a $182 million construction loan from Bank OZK, advancing work on three key parcels in the 50-acre project. The financing will fund development on blocks E1, E2 and E3, which include residential, retail and office space. Prague-headquartered PPF Group has joined KETTLER and local developer Darryl Shaw

Chris Moyer, former founder, president and chief executive officer of SME Solutions Group, has started his term as chair of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. “I am honored to lead the CEO Council into 2025 and look forward to building upon our strong foundation to foster growth and innovation within our business community,” says

PODS Enterprises has named Lori Baggett as senior vice president and chief legal officer. Baggett, who joined the moving and storage company in 2021 as a vice president and associate general counsel, will oversee legal strategy, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and risk management. Before joining PODS, she spent 17 years at the law firm Carlton

BayCare has appointed Dr. Shelby Kutty as vice president and chief academic officer, effective Jan. 6. Kutty will oversee the academic integrity and quality of educational programs under the direction of Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, BayCare’s chief physician executive. He joins the health system as it expands academic offerings and medical training programs across its 16

HMC Hospitality Group, based in Clearwater, has promoted longtime executive Steve Clement to chief operating officer, overseeing all Hooters and Hoots locations in the Tampa Bay and Chicago regions. Clement began his career with Hooters, in 1992, as a manager in training in Florida before moving to Chicago, where he helped open the Downers Grove

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce has named Charlie Justice its new chief executive officer, succeeding Robin Miller, who stepped down in December. “The board performed an extensive search and is proud to take this next step with Charlie Justice leading the organization,” said Scott O’Berry, the chamber’s 2025 board chair, in a statement.

Medability GmbH, a Germany-based medical technology company, has established its United States headquarters in downtown Tampa, leasing 1,600 square feet at 1000 N. Ashley Drive. The company plans to create 12 jobs over the next three years in technical and software engineering, business development and marketing, according to a statement. “Tampa’s life sciences ecosystem provides

Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay will mark its 60th anniversary with a celebration on March 6, at the JW Marriott Water Street Tampa, recognizing individuals who helped shape the organization. The event will honor business and community leaders as Diamond Laureates, recognizing their contributions to financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship education for students in

Bank of America has named Michael Esposito as president of its Tampa Bay market, succeeding Bill Goede, who retired in December, after 35 years with the company. Esposito, who joined Bank of America in 1994, has held leadership roles in Retail Banking, Preferred Banking and Merrill. He most recently served as national performance executive for

Tim Marks, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Ministries, will step down later this year, marking the nonprofit’s first leadership transition in nearly two decades. Marks, who has led the organization since 2006, announced his decision to retire by the end of 2025. The nonprofit’s board of directors has been planning the transition since

Evara Health Foundation has named Bill Merchant as its executive director. He brings more than 10 years of fundraising experience to the organization. “I am truly honored to join the Evara Health Foundation and contribute to its transformative impact on our community,” says Merchant. Merchant adds he was drawn to Evara Health because of its

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has completed more than $65 million in renovations, including nearly 350 new slot machines, a revamped buffet and updates to 240 smoke-free hotel rooms. The Fresh Harvest Buffet has reopened, offering six live-action kitchens with themes such as American, Italian and international cuisine. The return of the buffet