Tampa’s Liberty Group exits hotel business after 45 years, shifts focus to family office investments

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

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French pool architect to acquire Largo’s Pool Perfection

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

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Cali reinvents for growth: Real food, real design, real impact (PHOTOS)

Tampa’s Cali restaurant group is executing a comprehensive brand repositioning that signals significant investment in the region’s flourishing lifestyle and wellness economy. The California-inspired concept, operating four locations across the Tampa Bay market, has unveiled a complete design overhaul of its flagship South Tampa location, alongside a systemwide menu enhancement that reinforces its premium positioning

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Tampa Arts Alliance receives $1 million, in-kind, gift for new downtown arts center

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,

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay names CEO

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

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Union New American rolls out new menus after ‘Chopped’ win (PHOTOS)

Union New American is heating up Tampa’s summer dining scene with a major menu refresh across brunch, lunch and dinner, under Executive Chef Jacob Rios. The modern Westshore restaurant is introducing dozens of new dishes that reflect both seasonal ingredients and Rios’ signature culinary style. The release marks Rios’ first full menu overhaul since winning

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Brad Paisley concert at The BayCare Sound sparks food drive for local homeless program

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

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TBBW presents the finalists for the 2025 Apogee Awards (VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth has announced 45 finalists for its 2025 Apogee Awards program, along with two exceptional honors for TBBW’s Icon Award and the newly created Impact Award. After a day of deliberations in TBBW’s external conference room, five judges selected the finalists from nearly 200 submissions. The Apogee Awards is a unique

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Scenes from CEO Connect with Larry and Brett Morgan (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its June CEO Connect with Brett and Larry Morgan, of Morgan Auto Group, in Tampa. Sponsors of the evening included BankUnited, Home Safety Solutions, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, nPerspective and Source 1 Solutions. The event was hosted by Porsche Tampa. Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso | Video

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Thrive acquires Tampa-based Abacode to expand cybersecurity compliance offerings

Boston-based technology services provider Thrive has acquired Abacode, a managed cybersecurity and compliance company headquartered in Tampa. The deal marks Thrive’s second acquisition of 2025 and reinforces its focus on helping mid-market businesses meet increasingly complex regulatory demands across industries such as health care, finance and government. Abacode specializes in integrating cybersecurity and compliance into

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Phil Lee is guiding Florida Blue’s West Florida region with a mission-first mindset

When Phil Lee stepped into the role of market president for Florida Blue’s West Florida region, just over a year ago, he wasn’t just filling a high-profile executive position. He was inheriting a legacy left by the late David Pizzo, a beloved and influential leader who helped shape the region’s health care landscape for over

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Michelin-starred Lilac unveils new tasting and à la carte menus at The Tampa EDITION (PHOTOS)

Tampa’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Lilac at The Tampa EDITION, is evolving its dining experience with a newly expanded menu format. Guests can now choose between an eight-course chef-guided tasting menu or a personalized à la carte selection, marking the first time the restaurant has offered both options. Led by chef and restaurateur John Fraser of JF

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