Driving sucks, and since last October, folks didn’t have to do it if they were trying to get from the ‘Burg to the beach. The SunRunner offered free rides and was supposed to do so until next month—until elected officials in St. Pete Beach started complaining about homeless riders. After Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority CEO Brad Miller proposed charging a small fee in hopes of “reducing the number of homeless individuals who are using it to access the beach,” the PSTA board elected to start charging a fare one month ahead of schedule. Advocates for the working class and homeless cried foul, and it's a shame that such a successful transit effort had to end its first year of existence by giving into a tired old narrative about our neighbors who don’t have a home.
psta.net

Winner: Jenergy Air Services
Finalists: Velocity Air Conditioning - Tampa Bays AC Experts, Integrity Home Solutions

Winner: Dr. Brian Caswell Acupuncture Physician
Finalists: Ashley Heintz Acupuncture, Dr. Mara Kevan

Tampa Heights has long been a neighborhood in renaissance, and there’s even more positive energy on the corner of Florida and Floribraska Avenues thanks to New Heights Dance Academy where owner-director Cassie Plumridge has assembled a dedicated team of energetic instructors who not only teach a wide range of classes from beginner to advanced levels of ballet, jazz, tap, choreography and much more, but also create an inclusive space for folks of all ages (seriously).
newheightsdancetampa.com

Winner: Vintage Post Marketplace
Finalists: Vintage Marche,Retro Mania Vintage Market

Winner: JVB Architect
Finalists: Kelsi Thrasher, David Del Tosto

Winner: Bottom of the Bin
Finalists: Creative Clay, Highwater Clays of Florida

Winner: Lindsey Sheppy
Finalists: Lee Pearlman, Jim Jenkins

Winner: Wrench Masters LLC
Finalists: Jim’s Auto Body, JB Import Automotive Repair

Winner: Suncoast Credit Union
Finalists: Bank of Tampa, Flagship Bank