From the President’s Desk

“Good people inspire themselves. Great people inspire others.”

    In our communities are many unsung heroes who inspire us through their actions and deeds. And each year, your Chamber provides an opportunity to see them recognized.

    The 2024 Inspire Awards – our “feel good event of the year”— takes place on Thursday, August 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo. This is the 15th year of the event presented by our Women’s Leadership Committee.

    The Inspire Awards celebrate individuals who have had a positive impact on the lives of others through their leadership in the workplace and/or involvement in the community. Nominations are now being accepted in five distinct categories: Business, Community Service, Public Service, Inspirers of Youth and Youth Who Inspire.

    Take the time to salute someone whose actions have impacted you and others. Submit a nomination today HERE, and while you’re at it, register to be a part of the awards ceremony HERE. You’ll be happy you did! 

    Wishing you a happy and prosperous month!

    Tom Morrissette

Will insurance stability be upended by busy hurricane season?

A yearslong effort to stabilize the home insurance industry is finally paying dividends, according to state officials and insurance insiders, just as forecasters are predicting a super-charged, La Niña-driven hurricane season.

Visit Florida spending plan OK'd for statewide tourism marketing

Visit Florida will help promote Panhandle counties affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, expand European marketing and boost the pay of its leader, under a spending plan approved by the agency’s board.

U.S. set heat death record in 2023. Florida had the 4th most.

The death certificates of more than 2,300 people who died last summer mention the effects of excessive heat, the highest number in 45 years of records

Florida's DeSantis signed 18 bills into law from busy legislative session

After a busy legislative session, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 18 bills in the past week, including new initiatives for rural health care and economic development.

A pollster asked Florida voters about energy. The results surprised him

Floridians of both political parties are overwhelmingly concerned about the cost of energy in the state and Florida’s heavy reliance on natural gas as a source of electricity.

Acropol Family Restaurant

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas County Housing Authority

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Wealth Builders