Local Buzz

The University of South Florida has secured a five-year contract with the U.S. Army, worth up to $85 million, to conduct research in cybersecurity, biotechnology and energy sciences. The agreement with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, known as DEVCOM ARL, was signed during a ceremony at USF’s Tampa campus. “This

Pasco County may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about catching the perfect wave, but that could change by 2027. That’s when Peak Surf Park, a planned surf and recreation destination, aims to open in the Two Rivers area of Wesley Chapel. The project, founded by lifelong surfer and

FlyUSA has been named the fastest-growing private aviation company in the United States for the second year, ranking No. 419 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing privately held companies. In addition to national recognition, FlyUSA ranked 51st among Florida companies and 10th in the Travel and Hospitality category. “We are honored

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association has appointed Joe Grimes as executive director, tasking the longtime association leader with strengthening member services and expanding state and federal advocacy, as Florida’s solar market continues to grow. Grimes said he aims to build on Florida’s momentum in clean energy and workforce development. “Solar is not just about

Bank of America has appointed Stephenie Whitfield as president of its Sarasota/Manatee market, succeeding Erik Vatter, who has led the market since 2022 and will transition to his new role as Merrill senior financial advisor. Whitfield, who also serves as Business Banking market executive, will oversee the bank’s eight lines of business in the region,

Truist Financial Corp. has named Ryan Booher as its new Tampa Bay market president and elevated Orlando-based executive Steve Fisher to a broader commercial sales role. Booher, who has over 20 years of experience in corporate, middle-market and government banking, will lead Truist’s efforts to expand relationships with clients and raise the company’s profile in

Chris Chatterton, president of Bay Food Brokerage and a 2005 graduate of Jesuit High School, has been appointed to the Jesuit High School Foundation. Founded in 1960, the Foundation is an independent advisory group of alumni, parents and friends that supports the growth and long-term vision of Jesuit High School. Members are nominated, vetted by

The Tampa Bay History Center has named Audrey Chapuis as its next president and CEO following a global search.

Seedfunders, an investment group that backs startups with a minimum viable product but little or no revenue, announced that its portfolio company Intelligent Observation has been acquired by HID Global Corporation for $14 million, in cash. Founded by entrepreneur Seth Freedman, Intelligent Observation develops equipment and software that helps health care facilities monitor and manage

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County has appointed Alison Fraga as its next chief executive officer. She will officially begin Sept. 29. Fraga currently serves as chief development officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, one of the largest in the state. In that role, she oversees communications, branding, community engagement, strategic

University of South Florida Athletics has entered a multi-year radio partnership with Beasley Media Group to make Q105 FM the flagship station for Bulls football beginning with the 2025–26 season. The agreement, secured by Bulls Athletic Properties, also includes the launch of the first Spanish-language broadcasts of USF football on Playa 106.9 FM starting in

BankUnited has appointed Hope Perez as executive vice president and retail executive for the mid-Florida market. Based in Tampa, Perez will oversee the bank’s 23 branches across northern Palm Beach County and Florida’s central and west coast regions. She will be responsible for deposit and loan growth, as well as strategic and annual plan implementation.