Local Buzz

Law firm Adams and Reese announced two leadership changes in its Sarasota office. Drew Chesanek has been appointed as the office’s partner in charge, while Andrew Wilson has been elected into the partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Chesanek focuses his practice on civil litigation, including construction law, landlord/tenant disputes, real property, maritime and contract issues.

Village On the Isle, a retirement community on Venice Island, has started a $78 million expansion to include a 9,200-square-foot wellness center and 54 new independent living units. The wellness center, “The Core,” will feature a fitness center, indoor pickleball court, zero-entry outdoor pool, spa and poolside lounge. The project will also add two five-story

Empath Health has appointed Deborah Johnson as its first chief philanthropy officer, a move aimed at unifying the organization’s philanthropic efforts across its four foundations. The Clearwater-based nonprofit said the new leadership role will strengthen its ability to meet growing demands and expand its mission. Each foundation will maintain its local focus, and identity while

STM Canna, a cannabis processing machinery manufacturer, based in Spokane Valley, Washington, has announced its expansion to Tampa, leasing 2,676 square feet at the Bank of America Plaza downtown. The new regional headquarters will include a showroom and administrative offices, with plans to add 20 jobs over the next three years. The company, founded in

Saunders Real Estate, in Lakeland, has transitioned from the SVN franchise to operate as an independent brokerage, concentrating on large-acreage land and commercial real estate across Florida and the southeastern United States. Led by Dean Saunders, Gary Ralston and Todd Dantzler, the firm’s team of over 100 advisors will focus on key markets including Central

BayCare Health System has announced the appointment of three new vice presidents and chief medical officers to its leadership team. Dr. Anand Nayee, Dr. Megan Tirone and Dr. Ruvan Wickramasinghe assumed their roles effective Jan. 5, guiding the medical care across the organization’s 16 hospitals. The appointments come in response to leadership retirements and a

The Bank of Tampa has appointed G. Robert Blanchard Jr. as chairman of its board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2025, succeeding James L. Ferman Jr., who served for more than 26 years and will remain on the board as a director. Blanchard, a board member since 1997, is president of WRB Enterprises and a

Ronald A. Christaldi, a Tampa attorney and community leader, has been reappointed to a second five-year term on the New College of Florida Board of Trustees. Christaldi, a partner at the Shumaker law firm and president of Shumaker Advisors Florida, will continue to serve as vice chair. New College, founded in Sarasota in 1960, is

Bake More Pies, a Tampa-based digital marketing agency, has appointed David Capece as its chief marketing officer. According to a statement, the move is part of the agency’s effort to expand its capabilities and improve services for mid-sized businesses and large, established companies. Capece brings extensive experience in marketing leadership, including roles at INC 5000

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has announced the opening of its new office in Tampa, marking the firm’s 13th location nationwide. The expansion strengthens Brownstein’s strategic alliance with Rubin, Turnbull & Associates, a Florida-based lobbying firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tallahassee. Melissa Kuipers Blake, a shareholder in Brownstein’s Government Relations practice, will lead

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Jennie Granahan Tarr, an attorney with Shumaker, to the Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which recommends judicial candidates in Hillsborough County. Tarr brings more than 35 years of legal experience including leadership roles in the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, where she advised on litigation, social services and regulatory matters. She

Medical Technology Associates has acquired Midwest Medical Gas Service, expanding its medical gas service operations in the Midwest. The deal extends MTA’s reach in key markets including Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, as well as neighboring states. Midwest Medical Gas Service specializes in medical gas services and compliance testing for health care facilities across the Midwest.