BuzzWorthy I T E M S O F N O T E
Judy Lisi, the president and CEO of
Tampa’s David A. Straz, Jr. Center for
the Performing Arts, has announced
that the Center is launching a master
planning program with the aim of
maximizing its potential to interface
with downtown Tampa’s revitalization
and growth. The Master Plan will,
among other things, look for parking
solutions, growth for the Center’s food
and beverage operations, growth of the
Patel Conservatory’s educational
programs and expansion and enrichment
opportunities.
Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia
Restaurant Group is pleased that
Marc Zudar will join the group as the
operating partner of its new goody
goody restaurant. This iconic Tampa Bay
eatery closed ten years ago, and the brand
was bought by the Columbia group last
year.
Earle Cooper, the executive vice
president of hawkins Construction, that
built the Frank Crum building in
downtown Clearwater, is celebrating his
company’s 40th anniversary. Based in
Tarpon Springs, hawkins has offices in
Dallas and Miami and has built 437
Publix stores. Earle is also vice chair of
the Morton Plant Mease Foundation.
Nick Dukas joined the musical family
of Bobby g. Summers & Friends at the
Strawberry Festival, where they took the
audience on a musical journey from the
‘50s through the ‘90s, as nick crooned his
own song, “Mr. Moon,” to start the show.
Ricky Parsons of Ricky P’s Orleans
Bistro in St. Petersburg is proud to have
a stand inside the nearby Tropicana Field,
where he will serve Shrimp, Catfish and
Crab Cake Po’ Boys.
Philip Levine, the mayor of Miami Beach,
has used his business experience to
make his city one of the most popular
tourist destinations in the world, as he
celebrates the city’s Centennial with a
wide variety of events based around the
number 100. He is preparing for the next
100 by implementing environmental
initiatives with regard to Sea Level Rise
and carbon footprint reduction. He is a
leader to be admired.
Bill Brown, the creative entrepreneur behind William Dean Chocolates, announced that his
company was awarded ten gold medals, as well as “Best in Salon” at the San Francisco Chocolate
Salon. Striking designs, delicious taste nuances and distinctive packaging make this company
outstanding in its field.
68 TAMPA BAY MAgAzinE MAY /JUnE 2015