Tampa Bay Business News and Top Stories

Paradise Ventures, a St. Petersburg-based commercial real estate firm, has announced plans for improvements to the Keene Plaza Shopping Center, in Largo. The development plans include the demolition of approximately 35,500 square feet of existing retail space, at the northeast leg of the center, to make room for two new retailers. Sprouts Farmers Market and

Trepp Developments has signed a partner to offer virtual concierge services for SOTA Residents & Hotel, in Sarasota. LIVunLtd, a global luxury brand specializing in all facets of service, has been contracted as the residential virtual concierge for the property. With a focus on service for the 35 residents living above the boutique HOTEL SOTA,

Graphite Real Estate acquired Holiday Centre, a 67,035 square foot neighborhood retail center, located at 4637 – 4701 Sunray Drive, in Holiday, for $9.9 million. The Publix-anchored shopping center was 98% leased at the time of sale and has retail tenants including a Planet Fitness, Bright Now Dental and Publix Liquors. Ari Ravi, of RIPCO

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth had its January CEO Connect featuring David Habib, chief executive officer and founder of Yo Mama’s Foods, at the Motor Enclave, in Tampa. Sponsors included Keyrenter, Shelbt Construction and Shumaker.

Mainsail Lodging & Development has announced changes to its executive leadership team with the appointment of Lisa Conner as chief financial officer. Conner has more than 10 years of experience and has worked with accounting firms such as PwC and KPMG. Other appointments include Ben Miele, as director of accounting, Lori Nelson, as a paralegal,

How Keith Leclerc’s son and sons-in-law are stepping into leadership roles at International Diamond Center as the family business enters its next chapter.

The largest business law and legislative affairs firm on the West Coast of Florida has officially put boots on the ground in Pinellas County, announcing plans to open an office location in the Northern Trust building, in downtown St. Petersburg. With four seasoned law professionals, including three St. Petersburg staples and a new addition, the

Proper House Group has announced the opening leadership team for its two newest endeavors, Ash, a full-service restaurant with Italian- inspired cuisine and Alter Ego, a music–infused cocktail lounge, opening this spring at Water Street Tampa. David Madera has been named general manager and Andrew Duncan has been named executive chef, both at Ash, and

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth has announced the finalists for its 2024 Women Who Win Awards. Women Who Win is a unique awards program, created by TBBW Magazine, to recognize distinguished women leaders whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves recognition. Judges looked at business and professional success, community involvement and mentorship, as pillars

The sixth annual Synapse Summit, an event that connects, catalyzes and celebrates Florida’s innovation leaders, held February 28, at Amalie Arena, in Downtown Tampa, has released its schedule for the 2024 event. Speakers for this year’s event will include Shirl Penney, chief executive officer of Dynasty Financial Partners, Lauren Weiner, founder of WWC Global, Andrew

Rita Lowman was elected by Encore Bank’s Board of Directors as lead director of the board. Lowman, former president of Pilot Bank, is a banking veteran with 45 years of experience. Her career highlights include managing 23 acquisitions, including the NationsBank-Barnett merger, in 1997. “Our bank’s strength lies within our associates, clients, shareholders and communities

SeacatLine is adding a second vessel to its Costa Rica – Tampa container service, increasing the frequency from fortnightly to weekly. In addition to specializing in refrigerated and dry container shipping services, SeacatLine also accepts break-bulk and project cargoes. Port Logistics Refrigerated Services provides terminal and stevedoring services, at Port Tampa Bay, for SeacatLine. The