Tampa-based Bloomin' Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN), which operates several restaurants including Outback Steakhouse, is planning to open its fast-casual Aussie Grill restaurant in Clearwater. The Aussie Grill, a spin-off concept of Outback Steakhouse, will be built on a leased 0.24-acre portion of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church next to a Chick-fil-A, according to a recently filed stormwater permit application.
The Florida Department of Transportation named Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano its Aviation Director of the Year and Tampa Executive Airport won General Aviation Airport of the Year. The awards recognize the state’s best in airport management, aviation safety and outstanding contribution in the industry. Lopano was recognized for his ability to navigate the airport's team and safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to TPA's announcement on Tuesday. His actions included launching the country’s first Covid-19 testing site with the Clearwater-based BayCare health system to offer both PCR and antigen testing to any departing or arriving passengers. The Tampa Executive Airport, which operates near the Interstate 275 corridor, was also recognized as it recently finished millions of dollars in facility renovations and airfield rehab and its role in hosting extra operations in February for Super Bowl LV.
The Ultimate Medical Academy, a Tampa-based non-profit higher education institution in the health care field, has announced Florida A&M University (FAMU) as its newest articulation partner. UMA is headquartered in Tampa and offers hands-on learning at its main campus in Clearwater and interactive programs through its online campus. Alumni with an associate degree from UMA can continue their post-secondary education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree at partner institutions. These agreements allow UMA alumni to apply for qualifying transfer credits directly toward the attainment of their bachelor’s.
Tampa-based cybersecurity firm OPSWAT announced on Monday that it has acquired all assets of Bayshore Networks, the leading provider of active industrial cybersecurity protection solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. With the recent spike in cybersecurity and ransomware attacks in the industrial infrastructure industry, like the Colonial Pipeline and Florida water supply attack, there’s an urgent need for elevated security within environments that protect critical infrastructure. As part of the recent asset acquisition, OPSWAT will add Bayshore’s tech solutions and retain its team members. OPSWAT--which largely caters to the defense and manufacturing sectors--recently made other significant advancements, including raising a $125 million round of financing, expanding its channel program to over 80 countries, and introducing a breakthrough cybersecurity kiosk for critical infrastructure protection.
Emmanuel "Manny" Leto, former director of marketing and communications at the Tampa Bay History Center, has been named Executive Director of the local preservation advocacy group Preserve the 'Burg. “We are thrilled to have Manny joining us,” said President Robin Reed. “His enthusiasm and passion for preserving St. Petersburg’s history and character made it obvious he was the best choice for the position.”
Tampa-based First Citrus Bancorporation Inc. (OTC Markets: FCIT), the parent bank holding company for First Citrus Bank, released its second-quarter earnings, which was the highest in the company's history. First Citrus Bank's net earnings were $1.96 million, or %0.95 per share, for the quarter that ended June 30. “Our people are executing well, capitalizing on the core deposit growth and retention opportunity generated from PPP,” President and CEO of First Citrus Bank John Barrett said in the company's announcement on Monday. “Concurrently, we hit the ground running opening our new branch in downtown St. Pete which opened last month. As a result, we’ve turned in another record quarter of earnings and year-to-date operating performance.” The second-quarter earnings included assets, deposits and non-Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans, which also grew to record levels.
The AdventHealth health care system, which has multiple hospital campuses in Tampa Bay, reported it saw an uptick of Covid-19 hospital admissions this past week as a new mutated strain of the Covid-19 virus is spreading. The Delta strain, which mutated from the original Covid-19 virus and is now the dominant variant, is also infecting fully vaccinated people, though they are not typically sick enough to be admitted to the hospital, said Dr. Vincent Hsu, an epidemiologist and executive director of infection prevention, in a prepared statement. The state has reported seeing over 45,600 new Covid-19 cases this week. "Everyone who is hospitalized with Covid is unvaccinated," Hsu said.
On Thursday, St. Pete city council members unanimously approved the plans for the group behind the Camden Pier District Apartments to build an adjacent apartment tower. The plan calls for a $30 million, 18-story residential tower at 201 4th Avenue South. The 10,000-square-foot lot was home to a dental office, but it has been vacant for some time. Camden currently operates the popular 357-unit apartment complex at 330 3rd Street South. The height of the new building will align with the existing tower. The council approved the project as it is consistent with the Intown Redevelopment Plan and is appropriate for the current zoning.
This week, St. Pete city council members approved a measure that would boost funding for museums, performing arts centers and affordable housing. The council members approved to allocate $1 million toward the development of affordable housing units in Edgemoor and also approved an appropriation of $1.4 million in CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funding to the Office of Cultural Affairs for large cultural institutions.
City Council enthusiastically approved the St. Petersburg Innovative District’s plans to repurpose the former SRI building into a Defense Tech and Maritime Hub. The vacant, waterfront property sits at 450 8th Avenue SE and will bring the triple helix of innovation together under one roof: industry, government, and academia. The project is expected to create 182 jobs with a combined salary of almost $15 million when the space is fully utilized. While councilmembers were ready to vote yes on the project immediately, a formal lease agreement will be presented in the coming weeks.
Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz, the gourmet grilled-cheese themed restaurant operated by celebrity chef Robert Hesse and restaurateur and chef Craig Munroe, will host a job fair next week to fill positions at its new downtown St. Petersburg location. The job fair will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday at 111 3rd St. N. According to a news release, Hesse and Munro plan to hire as many 40 people. They’re specifically looking for servers, cashiers, line cooks, food runners and prep cooks. Applicants should bring a resume and be prepared to interview on the spot, the release stated.
The Crunch Franchise announced on Thursday it will open a massive gym in the Northeast Park Shopping Center. The gym, called Crunch St. Petersburg, will be a 40,280-square-foot facility and will backfill space previously occupied by a Stein Mart. Brandon-based CR Fitness Holdings LLC will operate the gym. There will be $1 million worth of fitness equipment including equipment for a group fitness studio, a hot yoga studio, a cycling studio and body imaging equipment. The gym is scheduled to open in December.
