Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannFebruary 6, 2017

Contenders for two South Pasadena City Commission seats will appear at a meet-the-candidates forum Wednesday. Moderated by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, the event will be held 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the commission chambers in South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Drive S. The forum will also be simulcast […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 6, 2017

As Tallahassee gears up for the annual 60-day Legislative Session, now a month away, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlines its agenda for 2017. Among the leading matters for the Chamber are transportation, the unification of PSTA-HART, tourism, and state regulation of vehicles for hire — including a bill (SB 340) from state […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 1, 2017

Charlie Crist, as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, was tapped to serve on three of its principal subcommittees. The freshman St. Petersburg Democrat has been named to: — Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, which covers all matters relating to banking, including oversight of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, mortgages, and federal regulators […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott is recommending a $163 million increase in funding for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in his proposed 2017-18 budget. LobbyTools reports that the boost will bring the DEO budget to nearly $1.27 billion. Scott announced his budget proposal Tuesday morning at a Tallahassee news conference. Scott’s ask includes $85 million in economic incentives […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 30, 2017

Tony DeSisto, the Tampa-based civic activist, is rising to accept a new challenge — restaurateur. The co-founder of Citizinvestor, an online crowdfunding platform for public and community infrastructure projects, will open the first Florida franchise of The Simple Greek, an innovative fast-casual concept that seeks to transform the idea of a traditional Greek restaurant. Starting in […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2017

Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Julio Fuentes attempted to undermine the reputation of the company my family and thousands of employees have worked hard to build for more than 80 years. I wish to set the record straight about safety for minors and our role in making the shopping experience convenient. Let me […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 25, 2017

Barclay Harless is starting 2017 with a bang. The 31-year-old St. Petersburg banking executive, after launching a bid for City Council District 2 Monday, announced his first fundraiser for next week. The event is Tuesday, Jan. 31 and begins 5:30 p.m. at Ricky P’s, 11002 4th St. N in St. Petersburg. Harless is seeking the […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 23, 2017

St. Petersburg will get a rare opportunity to experience the Flying Wallendas this week with a death-defying stunt over downtown’s Sundial luxury shopping center. World renowned aerialist Rick Wallenda will cross over Sundial by tightrope Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will benefit Habitat for Humanity of […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 17, 2017

Home Shopping Network Inc. CEO Mindy Grossman will become the new chair of National Retail Federation board of directors. Grossman, a St. Petersburg resident, was elected this week to serve a two-year term. She replaces Kip Tindell, the co-founder and chair of the Container Store. Neiman Marcus Group CEO Karen Katz was also named chair […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 17, 2017

After opening to much fanfare three years ago, Wal-Mart is shuttering its Neighborhood Market in the Midtown section of St. Petersburg. First reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the retail giant announced it will close the store at 1794 22nd St. S March 3; its pharmacy will close Feb. 1. The store was formerly […]

Phil Ammann

South Pasadena holding commission candidate forum Wednesday

St. Pete Chamber releases legislative wish list for 2017 Session

Charlie Crist named to three key financial services subcommittees

Rick Scott spending plan sets DEO budget at nearly $1.3B

Citizinvestor’s Tony DeSisto takes on new challenge, launches Simple Greek franchise

Charles Bailes: Separation of liquor, groceries keeps communities safe

Barclay Harless to kickoff St. Pete City Council bid with Jan. 31 fundraiser

Aerialist Rick Wallenda to skywalk over Sundial St. Pete Feb. 11

Personnel note: HSN CEO Mindy Grossman named National Retail Federation chair

Wal-Mart to close Midtown St. Pete Neighborhood Market March 3