Local Buzz

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

Achieva Credit Union, based in Dunedin, has named Colin Lopez market president, overseeing branch operations in greater Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, including Carrollwood, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, New Port

Frank Ghannadian, dean of the University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business, will step down after nearly two decades of leadership at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Ghannadian

MarineMax, based in Clearwater, has promoted Collin Heimensen to national sales and brokerage director, expanding his leadership role across the company’s nationwide network. In the new position, Heimensen will oversee

Spartan Contracting Corporation has promoted three members of its leadership team as the Tampa-based commercial construction company prepares for its next growth phase. Derrick Huden was named director of business

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg has named Lisa Vickers the recipient of its 2025 Chester James Award, recognizing her leadership, philanthropy and faith-driven service. A Florida native, Vickers helped

Dunamis Premium Spirits has joined forces with Tampa-based Pepin Distributing to expand its retail presence across Florida. The partnership comes as the Zephyrhills company continues its national growth, with distribution

After more than 30 years at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, including a decade as its director, Thomas Jewsbury plans to retire Oct. 1. Jewsbury joined PIE in 1994 and was

Gary Hartfield, a South Tampa entrepreneur inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2024, is weighing a bid for mayor. Hartfield, owner of Serenity Village Insurance &

Spartan Contracting Corporation, a commercial contracting and construction management firm based in Tampa, announced its expansion into the Southwest U.S. and the opening of a new corporate headquarters in Oldsmar.

ZMR Capital has secured $230 million in equity and debt financing to recapitalize a 1,600-unit multifamily portfolio with properties in Florida, Georgia and Arizona. The Tampa-based real estate investment firm

It wasn’t a spreadsheet or a business plan that sealed the decision for Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz. It was a feeling. Standing inside Casa Gomez, one of the