In The News

Tampa Influencer: Jeff Vinik Invests, Develops Town

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Jeff Vinik, the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, continues to make a difference in the Tampa Bay region as its biggest recent investor in downtown and the Channel District.

The move this summer of his wife and children from Boston to south Tampa adds an element of permanence to his commitment to staying and making the city better.

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Six Tampa Bay Companies Among Fastest Growing

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Tampa companies BlueGrace Logistics, Streamline Defense and Qoncert are among Florida's fastest-growing firms, according to Inc.'s latest top 500 rankings. Also included in the list are Integrity Funding and Star2Star of Sarasota, and Ninety-five 5 of Bradenton.

All have thrived even in the down economy by finding a niche product or service and ramping up production.

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RNC Pumps $153M Into Tampa Bay Economy

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Jones Lang LaSalle estimates 50,000+ visitors to the Tampa Bay region during the Republican National Convention will leave behind at least a $153 million boost the local economy.

Some 15,000 members of the global media plus corporate and political leaders are expected to descend on the city for two to three weeks, including the Aug. 27-30 convention.

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Mars Rover Includes Equipment From Dunedin FL

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 14, 2012

An innovative piece of equipment aboard the Curiosity rover on Mars was developed by a Dunedin company.

The spectrometers, which measure light to determine the composition of the planet's surface, were created by Ocean Optics.

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Rich History Of Diversity Permeates Tampa Bay Cities

CBS News Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tampa's rich history and diversity is the subject of a CBS News report previewing the upcoming Republican National Convention.

The report touches on Tampa's Latin heritage and Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage as examples of the global diversity so familiar to those who live in the Tampa Bay region.

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St. Pete's Catalina Marketing Pinpoints Shopper Preferences

The New York Times Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Catalina Marketing in St. Petersburg analyzes shopping data to pinpoint and predict what you'll buy next. The accuracy and reliability is now evolving into personalized shopping that will enable stores to offer instore coupons and pricing based on what you like and what else you buy.

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RNC Announces Keynote Speakers, Tampa

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Florida Gov. Rick Scott will share a podium with national Republican leaders when the RNC hosts its presidential nominee convention in Tampa in August.

Among the other speakers: John McCain, Condoleezza Rice, Nikki Haley, Mike Huckabee, John Kasich and Susana Martinez.

Read the complete story.

Construction Boom May Follow Bust, Florida Jobs

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, August 07, 2012

The construction industry in Florida is showing signs of revival following a long dry spell through the recession.

Jobs building houses, retail and office spaces, industrial warehouses, roads and bridges are looking more and more likely going into 2013.

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Planet Green Group Builds Smart Energy Homes, Dunedin

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, July 31, 2012

A Florida homebuilder proposes a townhouse project that depends on solar and other alternative energy sources, going easy on homeowners' wallets and the environment.

Paavo Salmi of Plant Green Group says he plans the 25-unit "net zero energy'' project in Dunedin.

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Weird Florida Narrative: Does Perception Match Reality?

The Huffington Post Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Alicia Menendez of The Huffington Post gets a little weird in her interview with Floridians who have experienced first-hand the influx of Northerners into Florida.

"Should Florida have the amount of power it has in terms of deciding our national elections?'' she asks with some incredulity after showing an image of a giant Legoman that washed ashore in Siesta Key in 2011 (Psst, Alicia, Legoland Florida opened the same year near Winter Haven. Hint. Hint.)

Hear the complete story.

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Times Quiz Asks: Test Yourself On Tampa Bay Business

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tampa Bay Times columnist Bob Triguax challenges readers to test their knowledge about the local economy.

How much do you know about Tampa Bay's business news?

Take the quiz.

Tampa General Ranks Best Hospital In Florida, Among Top In Nation

U.S. News & World Report Tuesday, July 24, 2012

U.S. News & World Report says Tampa General Hospital is the top rated hospital in Florida.

The rating is based in part on TGH being ranked among the nation's Top 50 Hospitals in nine medical specialties including: Cardiology & Heart Surgery (38th), Diabetes & Endocrinology (22nd), Ear, Nose & Throat (28th), Geriatrics (41st), Nephrology (14th), Neurology & Neurosurgery (47th), Orthopedics (14th), Pulmonology (43rd) and Urology (16th).

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Getting Around Downtown Tampa: Pedal Buses, Anyone?

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Humana plans to provide mini buses pedaled by the passengers as part of the ambiance surrounding the RNC when Republicans and their families arrive in Tampa in August.

The pedal-powered vehicles can be a great way to get a little exercise while chatting with friends and pedaling around downtown.

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Floridan Hotel Reopens In Time For RNC Visit

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The historic Floridan Hotel is finally ready for visitors after years of renovation and plans to host parties during the Republican National Convention.

The hotel is considered a prime piece of architecture that distinguishes Tampa's historic roots.

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Tampa: A Place Where Creative People Cluster

The Atlantic Cities Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tampa has come of age! It's now considered among the best places for creatives and young professionals to cluster.

Author Richard Florida highlights why some cities attract creatives while others, well, not so much.

Read the complete story.