Building an empire: Patel family talks generational impact

One of Tampa Bay's most influential and wealthiest leaders was honored with his family in front of hundreds Sept. 8.

Serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Kiran Patel spoke alongside his son and daughter – CEO and Founder of HealthAxis Shilen Patel, and COO of the Patel Family Office Sheetal Patel - during the TIE Tampa Bay TIECON event. The fireside chat, hosted by Joe Hamilton, St. Pete Catalyst publisher and Head of Network at Cityverse, celebrated Kiran's successes and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations.

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USF receives $20 million for coral, mangrove protection

The University of South Florida recently received a $20 million grant to help sustain and replenish coral reefs and mangroves that protect coastlines from dangerous wave energy and sea level rise.

Announced Sept. 7, the National Science Foundation grant will aid a USF-led interdisciplinary team of researchers as they develop a standardized approach to protecting those critical ecosystems. Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Maya Trotz oversees the research team, which includes university experts in her field, anthropology and marine science. It also features partners from six other academic institutions.