Benchmark International Arena celebrates 30 years
TAMPA – Benchmark International Arena celebrated its 30th anniversary Oct. 12, marking three decades of hosting sporting events, concerts and community gatherings.
The arena plans continued investments in hospitality, technology, programming and guest experiences.
CEO Steve Griggs credited fans, employees and community partners for the arena’s success.
“For three decades, this venue has been woven into the fabric of the Tampa Bay community,” Griggs added. “From championship celebrations and memorable concerts to community gatherings and family traditions, every event has become part of the story of Benchmark International Arena. We are honored to continue creating moments that bring people together for years to come.”
Journalist Nicole Carr to headline Griot Drum Awards
TAMPA – Emmy Award-winning journalist Nicole Carr will deliver the keynote address at the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists’ 2026 Griot Drum Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.
Carr, a journalism professor at Morehouse College, has reported for ProPublica, PBS Frontline and other outlets. Her latest book, “The Price of Exclusion: The Pursuit of Healthcare in a Segregated Nation,” examines racial inequities in American health care.
The ceremony will also honor Ashley Morrow, founder of Black Tampa Historians; Ed Narain, director of regional affairs for Tampa Electric Company; and Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
The ceremony takes place Nov. 12 at Le Méridien Tampa. Tickets cost $75 for association members and $85 for others. Buy them on eventbrite.com.
Arthrex implant named Coolest Thing Made in Florida
NAPLES – Arthrex’s Syndesmosis TightRope PRO implant has been named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
The award recognizes products demonstrating innovation, manufacturing excellence and economic impact. The winner was announced at the Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando.
The implant is designed to treat high ankle ligament injuries, including those associated with ankle fractures and sprains.
Brazz Farm joins American Angus Association
DADE CITY – Brazz Farm LLC has joined the American Angus Association.
The association has more than 21,000 active adult and junior members. Its records contain information on more than 21 million registered Angus cattle, including ancestry, production records and genomic data.
The organization provides tools and services to help advance the beef cattle business.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 201, Wesley Chapel. The ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Raining Berries at Florida Medical Clinic from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 12 at Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, 3000 Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., Wesley Chapel. The ribbon will be cut at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance.
- Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at Hilton Garden Inn, 26640 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network, Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast and women’s programming.
- Members make connections during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance.
- The Monthly Membership Breakfast takes place from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
- Chuck Tiernan, of Community Foundation Tampa Bay, speaks during the next Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network from 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 17 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
- The Professional Women in Business group holds its Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host the Monthly Business Breakfast, After Hours Networking and Coffee & Networking.
- Members attend the Monthly Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Zephyrhills Brewing Company, 38530 5th Ave., Zephyrhills.
- Members mingle during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.).
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
