USAA CEO to retire by end of February

USAA President and CEO Joe Robles Jr. will step down from his current roles on Feb. 28, the San Antonio-based financial services company confirmed. His successor, Stuart Parker, will take the reins as the new CEO on March 1. Retired Army Major Gen. Robles played an instrumental role in expanding USAA’s membership eligibility during his […]

Potential Office Depot/Staples closings couldn’t come at a better time for Tampa Bay retailers

If federal regulators approve Staples’ $6.3 billion deal to buy Office Depot, it will likely mean a number of those stores will go dark — and that could be a good thing for Tampa Bay retailers. The retail real estate market in Tampa Bay is extremely tight, with less than 6 percent vacancy in any […]

Banks see mostly favorable conditions for Tampa Bay

Both BMO Capital Markets and The PNC Financial Services Group have issued fairly upbeat reports about the area’s economy. BMO projects Florida’s growth will exceed the national average this year, with strength in employment growth a “big positive” for job seekers, said Dave Maraman, Florida regional president-business banking, BMO Harris Bank. BMO said nonfarm payrolls […]

5 things to start the day: Ferry forward, crisis PR, and lounging at the Mall at UTC

Tampa Bay has always seemed perfect for a high-speed ferry line and Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Commission unanimously recommended forging ahead. The initial plan is to connect south Hillsborough County with commuters to MacDill Air Force Base. The idea is to start with that route in order to test demand. While the plan has won […]

Developer converting old Ybor cigar factory to apartments gets incentives from Hillborough

The redevelopment of the Oliva Cigar Factory in Ybor City will be aided by incentive dollars from Hillsborough County. Darryl Shaw, CEO of Tampa-based Blue Pearl Veterinary, is planning to convert the the three-story, 30,000-square-foot building at 2008 N. 19th St into 38 multifamily units. Shaw’s real estate pursuits in Ybor are separate ventures from […]

Georgetown developers working on infrastructure improvements, could signal development is imminent

One of the most desirable tracts of vacant waterfront land in Tampa Bay appears to be moving toward development. The developers of Georgetown, a 162-acre parcel off of South West Shore Boulevard, have filed plans with the city proposing changes to the canal improvement plans for the site. Christian Tyler Properties, Avanti Properties, DeBartolo Development […]