Next Level Brands elevates culinary leadership with two key promotions

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Chef Jacob Rios, newly appointed Director of Culinary at Next Level Brands, stands in his chef’s coat outside Union New American in Tampa.

Next Level Brands is reshaping its leadership team, doubling down on internal talent to fuel its next stage of growth. The hospitality group announced Chef Jacob Rios, the creative force behind Union New American, has been named Director of Culinary and will join the executive leadership team. Stepping into Rios’ former role, Chef Casey Alfonso … Read more

USF climbs top 50 public universities, cementing its place among Florida’s best colleges

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Entrance sign for the University of South Florida in Tampa, featuring the green bull logo on a brick and white monument surrounded by landscaping

The University of South Florida is staking a stronger claim as one of the nation’s top universities, climbing to its highest position ever in U.S News & World Report’s annual rankings. In results released Sept. 23, USF rose to No. 88 overall, among all public and private universities, up from No. 91 the previous year. … Read more

Sarasota philanthropist backs Florida Humanities with $350k challenge

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A $350,000 donation from attorney, businessman and philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has spurred a record fundraising campaign for Florida Humanities. Culverhouse’s challenge grant generated $707,938 in contributions, which will be used to support museums, libraries and historical societies across the state. His giving to humanities councils nationwide now tops $1 million, according to a statement. … Read more

Two Shumaker partners named Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America

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Shumaker partners Ronald A. Christaldi and Jade Davis have been named Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America; a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of 1 percent of American attorneys. Fellowship is extended by invitation only to lawyers who demonstrate excellence in litigation at both trial and appellate levels, as well … Read more

One Liners Polk: Polk Museum of Art, Peace River Center and more

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Polk County Emergency Management received the 2025 Spirit of Leadership Polk Award for outstanding hurricane response and community collaboration. (Pictured above) Lakeland native TJ Wright, who grew up in the YMCA’s First Tee golf program, has been named chief executive officer of the YMCA of West Central Florida. Aircraft maintenance company FEAM Aero is bringing … Read more

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport director to retire after three decades of service

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After more than 30 years at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, including a decade as its director, Thomas Jewsbury plans to retire Oct. 1. Jewsbury joined PIE in 1994 and was named airport director in 2015, leading the facility through a period of record passenger growth, expanded air service and $197 million in capital improvements. Projects … Read more