Duke Energy invests in infrastructure
- PETERSBURG – Duke Energy Florida said customers will save money as a result of infrastructure investments completed throughout 2025.
The projects focused on improving energy reliability, lowering costs, expanding renewable energy, upgrading natural gas plants, strengthening storm resilience and advancing carbon-free innovation.
Duke Energy said the average residential customer will see monthly bills decrease by approximately $44 per 1,000 kWh by March 2026 compared to January.
Investments include new solar facilities, power plant upgrades, grid modernization and self-healing technology that prevented more than 215,000 hours of outages in 2025.
“Duke Energy Florida is investing wisely, modernizing responsibly and doing all we can to keep costs as low as possible,” said Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida.
AAA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment events
TAMPA – AAA – The Auto Club Group will host a series of TSA PreCheck enrollment events at eight AAA branch locations across the Tampa Bay area during the first quarter of 2026.
One of them will be held March 31 to April 3 at 20315 Bruce B Downs Blvd. in Tampa. AAA membership is not required. The enrollment fee is $76.75 for five years of access if approved.
“By bringing these enrollment events to local neighborhoods, we are saving people a trip to the airport,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to use dedicated airport security lanes without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops or compliant liquids.
The in-person enrollment process takes less than 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting and a photo. Most approved applicants receive their Known Traveler Number within three to five days.
The Bryan Coward Team supports mentorship
TAMPA – The Bryan Coward Team at Keller Williams Realty has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay through its Sell a Home, Mentor a Child program.
For every home sold, the team donates $100 to support local youth mentorship programs.
Since launching the program, The Bryan Coward Team has donated over $8,900 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, including $3,400 in 2025, according to Bryan Coward
“The program grew out of my experience as a mentor, and it’s been rewarding to see how real estate can be used to give back locally,” Coward said. “Looking ahead, our goal for 2026 is $5,000, one home sale at a time.”
Westin Tampa Bay to open bar concept
TAMPA – The Westin Tampa Bay will debut Palmette Brasserie and Bar in early 2026, featuring a relaxed, tropical aesthetic.
The restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor dining, an open patio bar with waterfront views and an open kitchen with a signature pizza oven. Palmette is located at 7627 W Courtney Campbell Causeway.
Executive Chef Saravanan Appadurai, with decades of luxury hospitality experience at Ritz-Carlton and Marriott properties, will lead the culinary program. The menu will offer shareable plates, wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood.
The drink program will focus on Florida-inspired cocktails and bright, refreshing flavors.
Hooters Brand Management appoints VP
CLEARWATER – Hooters Brand Management has appointed Ruthann Clemons as vice president of licensing and merchandise.
Clemons brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, merchandising and brand management across the sports and hospitality industries. She will oversee licensing and merchandise strategy, with a focus on brand growth, product development and retail partnerships.
Prior to joining Hooters, Clemons served as senior director of retail for Levy Restaurants Rank+Rally, supporting retail operations for the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies. She also held leadership roles with Delaware North and the Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas.
Realtor completes training program
SPRING HILL – Hunter Neuwirth has completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Fast Track training program, according to Weichert, Realtors – Florida Tropics in Spring Hill.
The program is designed to equip new and existing agents with up-to-date tools, resources and industry best practices to better serve clients.
“Our Fast Track program covers everything a real estate professional needs to know to help them start out on the right track towards a successful career in real estate,” said Bill Scavone, president of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
Participants receive training in seller acquisition, buyer engagement, listing strategies and marketing techniques.
Weichert, Realtors adds to team
TAMPA – Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties announced that Michael Ziegler has joined its Tampa office.
The office is located at 11734 N Dale Mabry Hwy. and operates as an independently owned and operated affiliate of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. The brokerage provides agents with access to a structured business model, technology tools, marketing support and industry resources.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Lunch N’ Learn, Coffee Social and a ribbon cutting.
- Members meet with Leadership Tampa Bay board members and alumni to gauge interest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Atlas Performance Center with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at 3740 Windcrest Drive, Wesley Chapel.
- Jacqueline Nelms, founder of Mindful Elevation LLC, talks about mental resilience and strategic leadership during a Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the North Tampa Bay Chamber Conference, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts its Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host Veterans Roundtable, Trinity Business Exchange and programming for women and young professionals.
- The chamber holds its Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory, 2330 Success Drive, Odessa. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
- Members trade company literature during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance.
- The Young Professionals Group volunteers at SPCA Suncoast from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at 7734 Congress St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.
- Jessica Alban, founder of Cloud 9 Feng Shui, talks about leading with purpose during the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Core Connections and Coffee & Networking.
- New and prospective members learn about chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 15 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. Register in advance.
- Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.).
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.