Gracepoint Foundation names new executive director

The Gracepoint Foundation has named Danny Cooper as its next executive director. Cooper, previously, was senior marketing manager at Tampa International Airport for eight years. Ian Adair, who was the previous executive director for the foundation, says he is excited for this leadership transition. “I have known Danny for several years and know he will … Read more

ReliaQuest Bowl announces its University of Illinois vs. Mississippi State University on Jan. 2

The ReliaQuest Bowl has announced that the University of Illinois and Mississippi State University will go head-to-head at the annual college game, scheduled for January 2 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It will be only the second meeting in history for the two teams that last played in 1980 and the first time since … Read more

Exclusive: CEO of CITY Furniture braces for a big weekend and bigger things to come in Tampa Bay (PHOTOS)

CITY Furniture, a family-owned furniture and mattress retailer, based in South Florida, has been open for a few weeks, in Plant City, but this weekend it’s welcoming the community to check out its newest showroom. “As we enter this market, we’re excited to share everything CITY stands for as we are a company that continuously … Read more

Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade to light up Ybor City in February

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, presented by MOR-TV and co-sponsored by the City of Tampa, will return to Ybor City on Saturday, Feb. 11. Serving as the 2023 parade grand marshal will be Florida Sports Hall of Fame baseball player, and Tampa native, Luis “Gonzo” Gonzalez. In addition, MOR-TV personality … Read more

HSP Group closes $14M Series B financing to accelerate growth and further its GateWay technology platform

HSP Group, a Tampa-based provider of global expansion software and services for companies seeking to expand overseas, has raised $14 million in a Series B growth capital investment round. New investor ABS Capital led this round, joined by existing investor Baird Capital, which increased its investment in the business, demonstrating its continued support for HSP’s … Read more

Transamerica names Tampa executive president of World Financial Group and head of Transamerica Financial Advisors

Todd Buchanan has been named president of World Financial Group Insurance Agency, senior vice president at Transamerica and head of Transamerica Financial Advisors. He will lead WFG’s team of nearly 60,000 independent insurance agents and will oversee TFA’s team of financial advisors, according to a statement. Most recently, Buchanan was the United States chief executive … Read more

Therapy iQ preps for growth and opens $2 million funding round

By Marcella McCarthy On the heels of a $1.5 million dollar raise, a Tampa Bay area health tech startup, Therapy iQ has announced it’s opening a round to raise another $1.5 million to $2 million. The company, founded by Nathan Maingi, is helping mental health practices streamline their operations through a proprietary practice management software. … Read more

New Dali exhibit to use interactive artificial intelligence

A new exhibition at The Dalí Museum is using interactive artificial intelligence to create a new kind of experience at its gallery, in St. Petersburg. The Shape of Dreams, on view from November 25, 2022, until April 30, 2023, explores 500 years of paintings, from the 16th to 20th centuries, and examines dreams through different … Read more

St. Petersburg-based bank acquires tech platform Ecountabl

Close-up of two business professionals in suits shaking hands during a meeting.

Climate First Bancorp, the holding company for Climate First Bank, has acquired the climate and social justice fintech platform developed by the startup Ecountabl. The platform indexes data on over 10,000 companies, analyzing their environmental, social and governance performance to help customers track how their purchases with brands align with their personal values. The purchase … Read more

Dugout Mugs acquires baseball memorabilia and media company

Kris Dehnert, chief executive officer and partner of Dugout Mugs, announced the acquisition of Lumberlend, a Westford, Massachusetts company famous for being the “Home of the Original Bat Mug” and Dugout Mug’s largest competitor in the market. Dugout Mugs, based in Lakeland, makes one-of-a-kind gifts for baseball fans with products that are featured in over … Read more