Local Buzz

AIC Architecture has named Andrew Matson as its new president, as part of a leadership transition marking the firm’s 35th anniversary. Matson succeeds Mike Puckett, who will remain a senior partner until 2027. Matson, who joined AIC Architecture in 2004, after earning a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida, has been a

TICE Florida, which operates Popeyes restaurants across Florida including locations in Tampa, Clearwater and Largo, has named Thomas Stager its chief executive officer. Under Stager’s leadership, TICE Florida has begun converting 80% of its locations to easy-to-run kitchens, designed to streamline employee workflows, increase order accuracy and enhance speed of service, according to a statement.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information. Tampa Bay residents still navigating the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are invited to attend a Hurricane Alliance Town Hall, a free event designed to provide insights and critical resources for homeowners, and renters, navigating the recovery and rebuilding process. The event will occur

The Museum of Science & Industry has announced plans to debut the second-largest digital dome planetarium in the United States, in 2025, transforming its current dome into a state-of-the-art STEM learning destination. Joined by local officials, MOSI leaders unveiled the ambitious multi-million-dollar renovation project during a community event. The revamped Dome Theatre will serve as

The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on Dec. 11, 2024, at the Centre Club, in Tampa, presented by Tampa General Hospital. The theme of the annual meeting, “Making Waves for 99 Years,” celebrates the Chamber’s role in fostering economic growth, and collaboration, since its founding. Attendees will

Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando bring a canine cruise experience to Tampa.

Summit Design + Build broke ground on the new location for Alessi Bakery, a Tampa institution with over a century of history. The bakery’s new home will be in the historic Tampa Letter Carriers building, undergoing a major renovation to accommodate the bakery’s growth. The updated space will expand Alessi’s baking capabilities while introducing new

Metro Development Group has started construction on a four-acre lagoon at Seaire, the first lagoon-centered community, in Manatee County. The 1,155-acre development, in Parrish, will include approximately 3,000 homes, commercial spaces and amenities such as trails, playgrounds and wellness areas. Builders include Lennar Homes, Pulte Homes and D.R. Horton. The lagoon, set to open by

Ned Hill, chief executive officer of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, has been inducted into the Honorary Commander Program of the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. Hill was selected by Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, to join the program alongside other local civic leaders. Established in

OnBikes, a Tampa nonprofit dedicated to providing bikes for kids in need, announced that Fitz and The Tantrums will headline its 13th Annual Winter Wonder Ride on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This year’s theme, “Après Ski After Party,” encourages participants to dress in cozy winter styles and enjoy the festive mountain-lodge

ServisFirst Bank has appointed Brent Dykstra as market president for West Central Florida. Dykstra, a banking professional with more than 22 years of experience in the Sarasota and Venice markets, will lead the bank’s strategic growth and operations in the area. Dykstra joined ServisFirst Bank in 2019, as executive vice president and senior commercial banker,

The board made the announcement in a board meeting Tuesday.