L.L.Bean Brings First Florida Location to Nearby Sarasota
L.L.Bean, the iconic outdoor retailer known for its clothing, gear, footwear, travel accessories, and home goods, is opening its first Florida store in Sarasota. Located at 111 North Cattleman Road, the new storefront marks the company’s southernmost location—until now, L.L.Bean hadn’t opened a store south of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The brand operates over 50 retail locations across 18 states—including its flagship store in Freeport, Maine.
Tampa Ranks Top 5 for Startup Support
A new ranking by MarketBeat placed Tampa at No. 5 among the top 150 U.S. cities for startups, based on government support, mentorship and infrastructure. Tampa outranked major metros like Denver, L.A. and Boston, trailing only Dallas, Austin, Houston and Orlando. The report praised local support groups like Embarc Collective and Tampa Bay Wave and noted Tampa’s growing strength in cybersecurity and health tech.
Tampa Magazine’s Group Publisher Tastes Tampa Bay’s Best
Shawna Wiggs served as a judge for The Chef Showdown at the annual Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine. The competition featured 16 chefs in eight showdowns. Champions included three-time winner Chef Matthew Zappoli of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (Battle Truffle), two-time champ Chef Jay Narvaez of Cru Cellars (Battle Burger), and Chef Christopher Yadid Garcia of Tacos Las Californias (Battle Tacos).
Five Tampa Bay Cities Among Nation’s Fastest Growing
StorageCafe ranked over 2,500 U.S. cities with at least 10,000 residents based on population growth from 2014 to 2023. Florida claimed 13 of the top spots. Leading Tampa Bay’s surge was Davenport in Polk County at No. 4 with a 286% increase. Also on the list: Wimauma in Hillsborough County (106%), Trinity in Pasco County (88%), Ruskin in Hillsborough County (60%) and Wesley Chapel in Pasco County (53%).
Construction Begins on SOG’s Retail Development, Interbay Commons
Interbay Commons, a mixed-use development at 6204 Interbay Boulevard in South Tampa, is bringing a mini Hyde Park Village to the area. Spearheaded by developer David Scher, the project will feature 30 townhomes and retail spaces, with confirmed tenants including The Goddard School and F45. Planned amenities include daycare, coffee shops and recreational areas.
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