Speer YMCA formally opened its Publix Sportsplex track and field facility Saturday at 501 62nd Ave. NE in St. Petersburg. Representatives from Publix, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Schools and YMCA of the USA attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility will provide an activity hub and offer myriad programs for organization members and the adjoining Mangrove Bay Middle School’s students.
Clearwater-based Flagship Bank announced Monday that David Key will serve as the new CEO and president. Key succeeds James Nelson, who retired but will continue acting as a senior advisor. Key is a University of South Florida graduate and previously served as SouthState Bank's regional president. Founded in 2019, Flagship now has six branches throughout Pinellas and West Pasco Counties.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies played El Paso Locomotive FC to a 1-1 tie Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies now have two wins, no losses and four draws through their first six matches of the 2024 season. Tampa Bay, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, will remain home for an April 27 match against New Mexico United.
Habitat for Humanity International has tapped the local affiliate to expand its efforts further throughout the region. Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties will now help families in Hernando County achieve their dreams of homeownership. The organization will release a new name and brand in the coming weeks. The local affiliate has built 81 homes this year and 600 over the past decade.
ForidaCommerce announced its March employment data Friday, and the Tampa metro area gained the second-highest number of jobs in the state over the past year. The education and health services industries accounted for 14,600 of the 26,100 new positions. While the labor force increased by 1.6% year-over-year, the local unemployment rate also rose to 3.4% in March, a .7% increase.
St. Petersburg-based Kahwa Coffee opened its much-anticipated store at 6601 4th St. N. Thursday after a four-year delay due to permitting and infrastructure issues. The shop, built from repurposed shipping containers, offers a full menu of Kahwa’s sandwiches and baked goods. While the shop lacks indoor seating, there is a drive-thru, walk-up window and outdoor patio.
Kosen, a Japanese omakase restaurant, and Ebbe, which offers contemporary fine dining, were the latest Tampa establishments to receive coveted Michelin stars Thursday evening. Each received one of three possible stars and joined Rocca, Lilac and Koya as the region’s only restaurants to earn the recognition. The program is part of a paid partnership between the Michelin Guide, Visit Florida and corresponding agencies in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has yet to participate.
St. Petersburg-based Jabil placed CEO Kenneth Wilson on paid leave April 15 pending the completion of an investigation into corporate policies. The company appointed Michael Dastoor, chief financial officer, to serve in an interim role. Wilson succeeded Mark Mondello as CEO in May 2023.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center recently named St. Petersburg’s Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital a Magnet-designated facility for the second time last week. Just 10% of hospitals nationwide hold the designation. All Children’s officials called the recognition the “highest nursing honor a hospital can receive.”
President Joe Biden will make a campaign stop in Tampa next week. The president will visit the area Tuesday, April 23. Additional details are forthcoming, according to a campaign announcement Thursday. Biden raised over $6 million during a January trip to South Florida.
On Monday, April 22 – Earth Day – Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s SunRunner buses will be free to ride from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition, passengers during those hours will be serenaded by local musicians, one per bus, including Susan B, Mallory Moyer, Leify Green, Nelson Mariscal, Miguel Garza and others.
The local owners of Allelo have announced that Drew Dimitrovski will serve as executive chef for their latest concept on St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive, Juno & the Peacock. Dimitrovski previously served in the same role under James Beard Award-winning chef Anne Kearny at Oak & Ola in Tampa. Dimitrovski spent several years in New York, including at Bib Gourmand recipient Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village.
