Beginning 10 p.m. today, the southbound I-75 entrance ramp from westbound SR 574 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) will close for construction. It's expected to reopen by 12 p.m.Sa turday, weather permitting. During this closure, the Florida Department of Transportation recommends motorists continue west on SR 574 (Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.), turn north onto US 301, enter the interstate using the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp, proceed toward Exit 9, and continue toward the southbound I-75 entrance ramp.
St. Petersburg-based Raymond James Financial's $102.7 billion investment management division plans to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) platform in 2025. In preparation, the conglomerate hired Mo Sparks, the New York Stock Exchange’s former director of exchange-traded products. Sparks also headed product management for The Vanguard Group, a leading investment firm.
St. Petersburg-based Beachside Hospitality, which owns several Crabby’s restaurants throughout the state, is under contract to buy four Anna Maria Island concepts. The group plans to acquire Sandbar Seafood and Spirits, Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and Anna Maria Bake House from Chiles Hospitality. While Beachside operates 13 establishments in eight Florida cities, the acquisition of Chiles marks its first foray into Manatee County.
An extensive Microsoft systems outage disrupted airports, banks, media outlets and companies early Friday morning. Tampa International Airport officials said they safely reestablished operations at 5 a.m. A platform provided to media shows 22 cancellations and 92 delays among the facility’s 505 total flights.
The St. Petersburg City Council approved several development agreements Thursday afternoon that will keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg. Councilmembers advanced plans for a new ballpark to anchor the Historic Gas Plant’s redevelopment in a widely expected 5-3 vote. The Pinellas County Commission must now approve dedicating $312.5 million to the $6.5 billion project at a July 30 meeting.
The University of South Florida’s College of Business has partnered with the College of Marine Science to offer a blue economy-focused MBA degree this fall. School officials tailored the online program for maritime trade, coastal tourism and fisheries management professionals. The marine economy generated $777 billion in sales and supported 2.4 million jobs nationwide in 2022.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties has announced six new board members, as of July 1:
State officials will no longer accept My Safe Florida applications after exhausting funding in less than a month. The program offered inspections and grants of up to $10,000 to help residents storm-harden homes and receive property insurance discounts. The state received 3,212 initial inspection applications since July 1 after the Legislature revamped and infused the initiative with $200 million.
Tampa Bay Times CEO Conan Gallaty joins Tampa Bay Rays President Brian Auld and ARK Invest Chief Investment Officer Cathie Wood on the Cityverse board of advisors. Gallaty will lend his insight to the journalism elements of Cityverse, including the on-platform news software which is a key piece of the civic media startup's scaling strategy. Gallaty sees Cityverse as a vehicle to "help great journalism reach communities that need it most," adding that "there are numerous opportunities here for smart collaboration."
St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Florida has reached a settlement agreement with consumer advocates to substantially reduce proposed rate hikes and eliminate electricity shutoffs when temperatures exceed 94 degrees. The utility’s requested $820 million increase over three years is now about $262 million. The Florida Public Service Commission must approve the changes, which include only charging for planned solar energy plants once the projects are complete.
Juno & the Peacock and its adjoining cocktail bar, Pluma, will begin hosting grand opening celebrations Aug. 23 in downtown St. Petersburg. Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler, owners of the acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant Allelo, will open their latest concept in the space that once housed 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House. Juno & the Peacock will offer New American coastal cuisine.
Allegiant Airlines officials announced Tuesday that it will offer nonstop flights from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport to Savannah, Georgia. The trips start Nov. 15 for just $39. Allegiant’s chief revenue officer said the service begins “just in time to plan warm winter getaways to sought-after coastal destinations.”
