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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

The Founders Live pitch competition is coming to downtown St. Petersburg on July 17, at The Birchwood, offering early-stage entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their boldest business ideas in just 99 seconds. Hosted by JOTO PR and its chief evangelist Karla Jo Helms, recently named the Founders Live City Leader for Tampa Bay, the event

As country music star Brad Paisley prepares to take the stage at The BayCare Sound on August 3, his upcoming concert is inspiring more than just music fans. In partnership with the Homeless Empowerment Program, The BayCare Sound and Ruth Eckerd Hall have launched a food drive to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in

The Illuminate Group, a Tampa-based provider of cold chain design and management solutions, has partnered with Compass Group Equity Partners to launch a new cold chain platform aimed at accelerating growth and innovation in the sector. The strategic partnership, facilitated by Kensington Park Capital as exclusive investment banker, is expected to significantly expand Illuminate’s research

AVID / McAdams, a national planning, design and engineering firm, is growing its Tampa footprint. The company has expanded to a 17,000-square-foot space at The Bridge on Eisenhower Boulevard and plans to add 15 new positions by the end of the year, including roles in design, engineering, project management and surveying. The firm currently employs

As Melting Pot marks its 50th anniversary, the fondue franchise has named a new chief executive officer, expanded its leadership team and has plans for franchise growth in key markets, according to a statement. John “JC” Crawford has been appointed CEO, succeeding founder Bob Johnston, who will remain chairman of the board. Crawford, who joined

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl champion Martin Gramatica rolled up his sleeves alongside his family and foundation this week, to help build a home for Army veteran Priscilla Reed, through Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s 2025 Veterans Build. Gramatica, members of the Gramatica Family Foundation and future homeowner Reed worked side by side on