Tampa Bay Business News and Top Stories

TBBW’s top stories track the business news shaping Tampa Bay, from major deals and expansions to leadership moves and market shifts.
Updated daily, this section highlights the reporting you need to stay informed about the region’s most important business developments.

University Area CDC secures $14.9 million EPA grant for community revitalization

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The University Area Community Development Corporation, in partnership with the University of South Florida and Hillsborough County, has received a $14.9 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support community revitalization projects. The funding will aid in constructing the Economic Development Center, at the University Area CDC’s Cultural Campus (rendering above). The center … Read more

USF receives $2.2 million gift for stadium, brewing arts program

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The University of South Florida has received a $2.2 million donation from Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, and his wife, Jennifer. The gift will support the university’s on-campus stadium and its brewing arts program. The donation will be evenly divided, with $1.1 million going toward the new stadium and the other half benefiting … Read more

Former Florida Senate president appointed as CEO of Pepin Family Office

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Former Florida Senate President Tom Lee has been named chief executive officer of the newly established Pepin Family Office. In his role, Lee will oversee strategic initiatives, manage investment efforts and guide the family’s philanthropic endeavors, aimed at benefiting the Tampa Bay community, according to a statement. “The Pepin Family and I are deeply committed … Read more

The Hotel Zamora reopens after renovation, debuts new restaurant (PHOTOS)

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The Hotel Zamora, located in St. Pete Beach, has reopened following a $7.5 million renovation that transformed the property into a 4-star luxury hotel. The project also introduced Azura Coastal Kitchen & Bar, a new restaurant offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sherman Associates, a Minneapolis-based real estate developer, spearheaded the renovations, … Read more

Booz Allen Hamilton to relocate to Midtown East

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Global consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton will move its Tampa office to Midtown East, a forthcoming 18-story tower in the Midtown Tampa development, scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025. The Midtown East building, a joint project by Highwoods Properties and Bromley Companies, will become the tallest structure in Tampa’s Westshore district. It … Read more

Chef Chris Ponte announces opening date for Olivia in St. Pete

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Chef Chris Ponte has announced the opening date for Olivia, a modern Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete. The 5,550-square-foot restaurant is located at 225 1st Ave. N., will open its doors on Jan. 21. It will occupy the ground floor of the 36-story Ascent apartment and hotel tower. Olivia, which debuted in Tampa in … Read more

Visit Tampa Bay brings local art to global stage as sponsor of London Art Fair

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Tampa Bay’s artistic talent will take center stage at the 2025 London Art Fair, with Visit Tampa Bay serving as the event’s exclusive, Destination Sponsor. Local artist Ya La’ford will be featured prominently, highlighting her bold geometric artwork, on an international platform, from Jan. 22 to 26. La’ford, known for her work that reflects Tampa … Read more

Marina Pointe tower reaches sold-out status with $3.1 million penthouse

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Marina Pointe, a luxury condominium development in Tampa Bay, has sold out all units in its first residential tower, with the final sale of a 3,300-square-foot penthouse, closing at $3.1 million, in December. The development, part of the 52-acre Westshore Marina District, has three planned residential towers. Construction on Tower II is slated to begin … Read more

How Bianca Burrows expanded her art scene in a unique way 

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Custom art is one of those luxuries, sometimes small and sometimes large, but always meaningful. BB Art’s custom, handmade bottles are often described as “the gift for the person who has everything.” Each bottle is a unique work of art, designed with a personal touch. Bianca Burrows, a mixed media artist based in Tampa, is the … Read more

Bake More Pies adds industry veteran as chief marketing officer

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Bake More Pies, a Tampa-based digital marketing agency, has appointed David Capece as its chief marketing officer. According to a statement, the move is part of the agency’s effort to expand its capabilities and improve services for mid-sized businesses and large, established companies. Capece brings extensive experience in marketing leadership, including roles at INC 5000 … Read more