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 & Consulting, has launched a political committee, Innovate Tampa, chaired by Valerie H. Goddard. “I’m looking at the mayor’s office because I believe Tampa is at … Read more
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. To support regional growth, Spartan has relocated two team members to the Dallas–Fort Worth area and will focus, initially, on projects in Texas and Arizona, … Read more
Nearly three years after Hurricane Ian tore through Southwest Florida, a new documentary is bringing survivors’ stories, and hard-earned lessons, to screens across Tampa Bay. Rising: Surviving the Surge, produced by WGCU Public Media, chronicles the impact of the 2022 storm through gripping footage and personal accounts from residents, first responders and experts. From flooded … Read more
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 partnered with an institutional joint venture and secured a five-year, fixed-rate loan from Fannie Mae to complete the transaction. The portfolio includes four apartment communities … Read more
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 historic buildings at the center of Ybor City’s revitalization, the two looked at each other—tears in their eyes. After nearly four decades building Mise en … Read more
Commercial Residential Aluminum, a Venice-based provider of outdoor aluminum products for residential and commercial use, has been acquired by Garden City Equity, the companies announced. Hyde Park Capital served as the exclusive investment banker on the deal. Founded in 1992, CRA operates three facilities across the state and produces patio enclosures, fencing, railings and other … Read more
The Lynn Lewis Foundation and LLF Sports will host the annual Pink Games from October 10 to October 12, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The multi-day event will include a flag football tournament, survivor recognition ceremony, onsite health screenings, live entertainment, food vendors and a Pink Marketplace … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
