Tampa Bay continues to grow in both population and economic opportunity. Each year brings new restaurants, retailers, hotels and residential communities to our region. While locals and visitors both help these ventures thrive, it’s the entrepreneurs and business leaders behind them who drive our area’s success. This year, we are celebrating those who have made a lasting impact on the place we call home.

To recognize these individuals, Tampa Magazine hosted a special event in their honor on Dec. 3 at Hyde Park’s HOME. The evening featured a Q&A with investor and philanthropist Sidd Pagidipati and former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, both of whom kick off our 2025 Tampa Bay Business Leaders section below.