Origin story: Tampa Bay Wave [Audio 20:17]

Linda Olson, president of Tampa Bay Wave, was an entrepreneur struggling with the challenges many start-up founders face when she decided to get everyone she knew together in one room one night back in June 2008, to talk about how they could help one another.

What emerged was “magic,” as at least 18 people doing cool things in the Tampa Bay area that were under the radar came together to share their experiences finding talent, investors and other needs, Olson recalls.

This informal meetup group coalesced into what is now Tampa Bay Wave over the next several years, with the launch of a name, a website and a strategic plan, followed by a transformational federal grant that led to Olson’s “I broke it, I bought it” moment.

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St. Pete mayor speaks out on Rays-Rowdies deal

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman says the planned purchase of the Tampa Bay Rowdies by the Tampa Bay Rays is a positive development.

The acquisition will give the Rays control of the Rowdies soccer club as well as Al Lang Stadium, according to WTSP 10 News.

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MarineMax keeps it in the family as it names a new CEO

The son of longtime MarineMax Inc. Chairman and CEO William “Bill” McGill Jr. will succeed his father as chief executive officer of the company.

W. Brett McGill was named CEO of MarineMax (NYSE: HZO), headquartered in Clearwater and the nation’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, with 63 retail locations in 16 states.

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