Local Buzz

Sirata Beach Resort has completed a $25 million renovation of its guest rooms, suites, lobby and fitness center. The beachfront property, which has been a staple along the Gulf Coast since the 1960s, is owned and managed by Columbia Sussex. The property will transition into a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, following the completion of

Republic Bank & Trust Company has announced two key leadership promotions within its executive ranks, naming Christy Ames as executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel, and Scott Nardi as senior vice president, chief risk and compliance officer. Ames, who joined Republic Bank in 2018, has more than 25 years of legal experience

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center has named Rebecca Brown its new chief executive officer. Brown, a former Goldman Sachs executive and founder of Core Satellite Partners, has more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, finance and innovation. Best known for co-founding the consumer brand Solemates and mentoring tech founders through Tampa Bay Wave, Brown

As part of a larger rebranding effort by its parent company, the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, the Tampa Bay Trust Company will now operate as Florida Trust Wealth Management. The announcement coincides with the company’s 25th anniversary season and brings all seven of its Florida offices under one unified brand. Former divisions including The Naples

After more than four decades in the hospitality industry, Liberty Group has sold its last remaining hotels. The Tampa-based investment firm, led by chief executive officer Punit Shah, announced the sale this week, which included Marriott and Hilton properties in Tampa, Fort Pierce, Cape Coral, Ormond Beach and The Villages. “This is a deeply personal

Pool Perfection, a custom pool-building company known for its fast build times and streamlined processes, is preparing for a change in leadership as chief executive officer Shai Egosi readies to sell the business he transformed. Based in France, Clair Lagon is the purchaser. Egosi, who took over the struggling company in 2018 after initially extending

Cheeseology, a retail cheese shop and experiential cooking concept in Ybor City, has announced the launch of its national franchise program, aiming to bring its signature cheese-making experience to markets across the country. Founded by Kelly and Paul Hays, a Tampa couple, Cheeseology blends artisan cheese education with hands-on workshops and curated retail offerings. The

Neptune Flood, a St. Petersburg-based private flood insurer, has increased its premium capacity to more than $400 million and expanded coverage to Alaska, completing its nationwide rollout. The Florida-based company now offers private flood insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The capacity increase from $300 million in 2024 reflects growing demand and broad

The Tampa Arts Alliance has secured a 5,000-square-foot space, in downtown Tampa, thanks to a $1 million in-kind donation from Farley White Interests. The street-level space, located at 201 E. Kennedy Blvd., in the Fifth Third Center, sits at the corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Tampa Street, directly across from Lykes Gaslight Park. The gift,

Toorak Capital Partners, based in Tampa, has crossed a major milestone, announcing it has funded more than $15 billion in mortgage loans since its founding in 2016. The real estate lending platform, which focuses on business-purpose loans for professional real estate investors, has originated over 35,000 loans backed by residential, multifamily and mixed-use properties across

Shumaker has named Rodney L. Eason Jr. as its first chief human resources officer. With more than 25 years of experience, Eason will oversee the firm’s overall human resources strategy including organizational development, recruitment, retention, compliance and performance management. “As Shumaker continues to grow, Rodney’s role will be imperative in scaling our people strategy, enhancing

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has named Robyn L. Ostrem as its next chief executive officer. She will begin her new role on August 4. Ostrem has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a long-standing commitment to youth development. She most recently served as senior vice president of operations at