The Florida Orchestra has named Ignacio Barrón Viela as president and CEO, replacing Mark Cantrell, who announced his departure in February. Barrón Viela is a classically trained cellist, and the former president and CEO of the Reno Philharmonic in Nevada. Prior to that position, he was the executive director of Montana's Billings Symphony. He will begin his tenure with TFO in August.
According to Florida Atlantic University researchers, Tampa Bay metro area tenants must make $84,750.12 annually to avoid “rent burdened” status - meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing. The study utilized Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index data, which showed the average monthly rent is over $2,100. The metro area is the 18th most overpriced on the index.
WellnessLiving, a Toronto-based software company focused on the health and wellness industry, is expanding to Tampa with a regional headquarters in the Westshore District. The company is leasing 4,000 square feet at Corporate Center II at 4211 W. Boy Scout Blvd., according to a Monday announcement from the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. The company plans to hire 45 employees for information technology and operations roles, including software development, sales, marketing, account management and recruitment.
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Texas Rangers 7-3 Sunday, taking two of three games in a matchup of the teams with Major League Baseball’s best records. Pitcher Shane McClanahan also became the league’s first 10-game winner as the Rays improved to 48-20 on the season. The Tampa Bay Rowdies beat the New Mexico United 3-2 Saturday night and haven’t dropped a match since April 26. The club is now just two points out of first place in the USL’s Eastern Conference.
HCA Florida Healthcare, which operates and owns a network of hospitals and health care facilities throughout the state, has named Jyric Sims as the new president of the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, effective today, according to an announcement. The health system’s West Florida Division includes 16 acute care hospitals. Sims, mostly serving as the CEO of the affiliated Medical City Plano and Medical City Frisco hospitals, will succeed Ravi Chari. Chari recently announced he planned to retire after 15 years with HCA to pursue opportunities in early-stage health care companies.
Drivers using the Treasure Island Causeway must find an alternative route during overnight hours throughout the next week. Construction crews are shutting down both bridge lanes nightly from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. through June 16 for repairs. City officials noted motorists could use the Johns Pass or Blind Pass bridges to reach Treasure Island.
The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has issued a health alert regarding Lake Seminole's toxic blue-green algal bloom. That follows water sampling conducted June 7 at the lake at 10015 Park Boulevard North. Health officials advise against swimming, wading and boating in waters with visible blooms. Residents should also keep pets away from the area.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is making his second stop on the 2023 City Hall on Tour series on Wednesday, June 14, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Willis S. Johns Recreation Center. The series, which kicked off this year, entails Welch and members of his administration team hosting open house-style stops at different recreation facilities. The event was created for city leaders and decision makers to hear from the residents and directly address questions and concerns.
University of South Florida alumnus James “Jay” Nault, has gifted $10 million to USF to rename the school's entrepreneurship center in the Muma College of Business. It will now be known as the USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship. Nault is the president and owner of Anclote Holding Company Inc., a privately owned real estate holding company in Jacksonville, and is also the president and owner of Storage Zone Self Storage and Business Centers. Nault’s gift will expand pitch competitions for the center and mentoring programs, as well as new degree options, according to USF's Friday announcement.
Tampa startup Nickelytics, the advertising tech firm initially known as The Nickel Ride, has entered a collaborative partnership with Virginia-based Cartken and Miami-based Duradry to bring innovative advertising solutions to Miami. Nickelytics will combine its hyper-local Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertising platform with Cartken's cutting-edge autonomous delivery robots, all in support of Duradry, a leading brand in the personal care industry, according to the company's Thursday announcement.
Former Governor and Congressman Charlie Crist, a St. Petersburg Democrat, could soon receive an ambassadorship. A White House spokesperson announced Wednesday that President Joe Biden is nominating Crist to become the Representative of the United States of America on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with the rank of ambassador. The Senate must still confirm Christ’s nomination.
The annual pitch competition, hosted by St. Pete Greenhouse, will take place June 21 at Coastal Creative. This year's competing companies will be Bup, Care Collective, Herban Flow, OneBook and Spot. The top winner will receive a $5,000 monetary prize.
