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The Aloft and Element Tampa Midtown hotel has appointed Jason Perkins as its new general manager. Perkins will oversee operations at Tampa’s first dual-branded hotel, which opened in 2021 and combines the loft-inspired design of Aloft with the eco-conscious concept of Element. His responsibilities include managing guest services, financial performance and team leadership. Perkins previously

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

Dawning Family Services will hold its second annual Impact Breakfast on Sept. 9, at ZooTampa, bringing together community leaders and advocates for a morning focused on supporting families facing homelessness. The event will feature keynote speaker Zach Bonner, founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation, whose work in youth homelessness has received national recognition. Alisha

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

Pasco Kids First Children’s Advocacy Center will host its fourth annual Paint the Night Blue fundraiser on Nov. 7, at the Kontos Community Center, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. The evening begins with cocktails, at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and a night of live music, dancing and a silent auction.

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