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Small business gender gap

Female-owned small businesses in Tampa-St. Pete post first-year revenue of about $50,000, compared to more than $60,000 in first-year revenue at  male-owned small businesses. The revenue gap is smaller here than in most similar metros, a study by the JPMorgan Chase Institute found.

St. Pete firm expands

US Federal Contractor Registration is moving to 9400 4th Street N., next to its current location. The company, which helps businesses win government contracts, also plan on nearly doubling its staff, from 43 to over 80 by the end of the year.

WellCare hits Florida milestone

WellCare Health Plans said its WellCare of Florida subsidiary has surpassed 1 million members in Florida. Growth primarily is a result of WellCare expanding Medicaid services the state through Medicaid managed care and children’s medical services.

Locale Market closed due to health violation

A staple of Sundial, Locale Market, was closed Thursday night and Friday due to "high priority" health department violations. FarmTable Cucina was also inspected Thursday, but met health department standards and remains open. 

Castor: MacDill could be impacted by Trump action

The $3.1 million appropriated for flight simulator training at MacDill Air Force Base could be impacted by President Trump’s emergency declaration, said Rep. Kathy Castor. The Tampa democrat said it’s part of the $3.6 billion Trump plans to use to build a wall on the southern border.

29th Street Capital makes first Tampa Bay buy

29th Street Capital bought Calais Park Lofts Apartments, a 261-unit multifamily community in St. Petersburg. The real estate investment firm did not disclose a purchase price. It’s 29th Street Capital’s first area acquisition.

Clearwater cyber group creates CPE program

(ISC)² launched its Professional Development Institute to address a global shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals. PDI offers a free portfolio of continuing professional education courses to members and associates of Clearwater-based (ISC)2.

Bloomin’ Brands boosts profit

Bloomin’ Brands reported $107.1 million in net income for 2018, a 5.7 percent gain over 2017. Revenue was $4.1 billion, down 2.3 percent from 2017, which had one extra week in the fiscal year. Bloomin’ in Tampa is the parent of Outback Steakhouse and other casual dining chains.    

BayCare, Publix on ‘best companies’ list

Publix Super Markets is No. 12 and BayCare Health System is No. 37 on Fortune’s new list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. Publix moved up from No. 47 a year ago, while BayCare moved up from No. 65. Hilton holds the top spot on the list.

Clearwater treasure-hunter sells coins

Endurance Exploration Group sold some rare coins recovered from the SB Pulaski shipwreck. The purchase price was not disclosed, but Clearwater-based Endurance said it recouped costs and has working capital for the 2019 salvage season.

Patel company buys Jackson Hole resort

KDG Capital, a private equity firm in Tampa, bought Snow King Resort Hotel in Jackson Hole, Wy. and plans to invest $5 million in capital improvements, Hotel News Resource said. Dr. Kiran Patel is the principal of KDG, according to state records.

Poynter taps NBC anchor for MediaWise

Lester Holt, anchor of NBC Nightly News, will join The Poynter institute's MediaWise project as its first MediaWise Ambassador. The project is designed to to teach teenagers how to sort fact from fiction online, according to Poynter, a St. Petersburg-based nonprofit focused on excellence in journalism.

The St. Pete Catalyst

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