Tampa-based Embarc Collective was named a global Top Challenger by UBI Global in its Innovation For Business Incubators and Accelerators World Rankings for 2021-2022. Embarc Collective serves 125 tech and tech startups across the state. "Achievement of Top Challenger status signifies that Embarc Collective has demonstrated outstanding impact and performance relative to other business incubators and accelerators. As a Top Challenger, Embarc Collective outperforms its global peers by demonstrating exceptional value for client startups, value for the local innovation ecosystem, and overall attractiveness as an organization," CEO Lakshmi Shenoy said.
The City of St. Petersburg is ranked among the top best cities for the best work-life balance and mental health, according to a new study from Coworking Cafe. St. Pete earned the highest-ranking of the six Floridian entries on the top 100 list, claiming the 18th spot. Coworking Cafe evaluated 100 cities with at least 200,000 residents for the study and scored the cities based on residents' income, its affordability, remote working prevalence, commute times, green space and more.
Officials with St. Petersburg-based Duke Florida announced Monday that they filed to recoup about $795 million in unexpected fuel costs and $442.1` million in storm restoration expenses. According to the release, the changes will take effect in April if the Florida Public Service Commission grants approval. A typical customer could see a 20% price increase, while commercial and industrial bills could soar from 19% to 37%.
A new Cross Bay Ferry promotion allows customers to receive up to three free tickets with the purchase of three full-price tickets on Wednesdays and Thursdays through February, excluding dates of Tampa Bay Lightning home games. In addition to the buy-one-get-one offer, kids 12 and under can also ride free with an adult on those days. For more information, visit the website here.
University of South Florida President Rhea Law announced Monday that she appointed Prasant Mohapatra as the new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. A university release noted that Mohapatra previously served as vice chancellor for research at the University of California, Davis. In a statement, Law said, "his extensive teaching, research and leadership experience will help build on our momentum and take USF to new heights of academic excellence.”
Local elected officials joined senior Veterans Affairs leadership Saturday to celebrate the opening of a new tower at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics in Tampa. The $148.6 million project began in 2108 and includes 96 medical-surgical patient rooms and 40 intensive care beds. The four-story building encompasses 250,000 square feet and features a new cafeteria, outdoor dining area, retail store and support offices.
Autoslide, a manufacturer of automatic doors based in Australia, is relocating its HQ operations from Glendale, California to Tampa. The company was attracted to the area due to the lower business costs, a larger pool of talent, closer proximity to existing customers and access to Port Tampa Bay, according to Tampa Bay Economic Development Council's announcement. The company is leasing 6,840 square feet at 8507 Benjamin Road, Suite G, and plans to create 15 jobs over the next two years.
A bottlenose dolphin in captivity at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium since 2020 has died. Hemingway, estimated to be 37 years old, was being treated for a suspected gastrointestinal condition. Rescued on Fiesta Key in 2019, the animal was deemed non-releasable because of existing medical conditions.
Moffitt Cancer Center and state officials dug silver shovels into the dirt in Pasco County on Friday to mark the groundbreaking of its new 775-acre campus. The campus, called Speros FL, will feature 16 million square feet of lab, office, manufacturing and clinical space in Land O'Lakes. The first initial phase of the campus will be completed by 2028 and will cost $1.6 billion, according to Moffitt's news release.
Officials with Tampa’s Synapse Summit are inviting early-stage tech companies to compete for a $100,000 investment at the Feb. 14 event. Participating founders will receive educational sessions before a two-stage pitch competition, and the top three will advance to the summit’s main stage to compete for the cash prize. Silicon Valley Bank is offering the investment, and applications close Feb. 7. To apply, visit the website here.
Time is running out for parents to register their local middle and high school students for the upcoming St. Pete Science Festival. The event takes place Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18, at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus and Poynter Park. According to a release, the Junior Scientist Program allows kids to learn science from experts and assist exhibitors with activities. Registration ends Jan. 23, and for more information, visit the website here.
January is National Mentoring month, and Pinellas County Schools (PCS) seeks people willing to help guide hundreds of local students on a waiting list. According to a district release, PCS has just 2,500 mentors for nearly 3,500 mentees. That discrepancy leads to some mentors meeting with two or three children a week. The release states that PCS needs male mentors the most. For more information, visit the website here.
