Models promote Hooters Calendar
CLEARWATER – Hooters fans can meet several 2026 Hooters Calendar Girls during a three-day signing tour Dec. 4 to 6 at Odessa, Brandon, Hillsborough, Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Clearwater locations.
Calendar cover model Selena Sanchez, centerfold Ashton Johannesson, Miss June Gracie Chamberlain, Miss December Mikayla Flanagan and 19 additional local models will appear.
The 2026 calendar, available for $15.99 at Tampa Bay Hooters restaurants, includes over $100 in coupons and can be sent to troops through Operation Calendar Drop.
Calendar models will volunteer Dec. 5 at Metropolitan Ministries.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Hooters Calendar, which features 200 employees selected from thousands nationwide.
BofA donating to art nonprofits
TAMPA – Bank of America announced Nov. 19 a half-million-dollar investment in two of Tampa Bay’s leading arts institutions, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre.
Each organization will receive a $250,000 grant, bringing the Tampa Museum of Art’s expansion funding closer to completion and kicking off Tampa Theatre’s capital campaign for its restoration, expanded education programming and technology upgrades.
Tampa Museum of Art’s 51,000-square-foot building expansion will add a crystalline four-story cantilevered structure that expands the museum to the waterfront. The expansion will feature a 150-seat auditorium, multifunctional event spaces, a rooftop terrace, food services and dining space and new public art installations. Tampa Theatre’s $28 million capital initiative celebrates the venue’s centennial in 2026 with a full restoration and the repurposing of 3,600 square feet of space to create an education wing.
Luncheon explores economic outlook
LUTZ – The Pasco Economic Development Council invites the community to the 25th annual Economic Forecast Luncheon on Jan. 14 at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel.
The event will feature insights from Phil Guarco, of J.P. Morgan, and Abigail Hall, of University of Tampa, Presentations will cover “navigating interesting times” and “the political economy of trade and the costs of protectionism.”
The luncheon and presentations span from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with check-in beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $40 with lunch included. RSVP by Jan. 7.
Bill proposes to fund Brand USA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis introduced legislation to fully fund Brand USA, the nation’s public-private destination marketing organization.
The bill, titled the VISIT USA Act, would reinstate support by fully allocating Visa Waiver Program Electronic System for Travel Authorization fees, ensuring that Brand USA can continue its mission of promoting the United States as a premier global travel destination.
Brand USA operates through a public-private partnership model, funded by nonfederal contributions from the travel and hospitality industry and matched by a portion of ESTA fees paid by international visitors, not by general taxpayer dollars.
“This bipartisan bill will help restore vital marketing capacity, expand economic opportunity, and keep Tampa Bay and communities across America open and welcoming to travelers who contribute to our shared success,” Castor said.
Bilirakis added: “Fully funding Brand USA is not just smart policy, it’s economic stewardship.”
Real estate pro joins EXIT Elite Realty
TAMPA – Joseph Bove has joined EXIT Elite Realty in Tampa.
The brokerage, located on 13911 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite 201, is part of EXIT Southeast’s expanding network of independently owned offices.
EXIT Realty is a full-service franchisor focused on developing real estate entrepreneurs.
On the web: exitrealty.com and joinexitrealty.com