Holiday Edition Coffee An' Networking

   We had another great Coffee An' Networking last week thanks to our sponsors, National Aviation Academy, Cruise Planners, Piper Fire Protection, D.O.D. Coffee Roastery, and Cloud Law Firm.

   Left, Pamela Van Sant, President/Chief Operating Officer of National Aviation Academy (NAA), told the group about the incredible work they are doing at NAA.

    With many in attendance, we posed the question, "What was the strangest or worst gift you ever received?" We hope no one receives any gifts as bad as those mentioned this holiday season!

   Thank you to Advanced Video Systems for capturing the event on camera!

A new Horizon!

The City of Largo and community guests celebrated ongoing construction of Horizon West Bay with a final beam signing ceremony last week. The project at 400 West Bay Drive will house Largo’s City Hall and ground level retail space. Among those who got their name immortalized on the structure is the Chamber’s Marketing & Membership Outreach Director Emmy Strauss being photographed by Chamber Director Danielle Noble of McManus & McManus, P.A. Horizon West Bay is scheduled for opening in early 2025. 

Ambassador of the Month: Stacy Gillis

   Stacy Gillis of Advanced Video Systems is on a winning streak! For the third month in a row, Stacy has been awarded the title of Ambassador of the Month! Thank you for always supporting the Chamber.

     Do you think you have

what it takes to be crowned Ambassador of the Month? Email Emmy at

membership@centralchamber.biz to learn more about joining the Ambassadors team!

Floridians likely to factor inflation into their holiday budget

The Florida Retail Federation expects consumers in the state to spend an average of $875 on gifts, decorations and other items this holiday shopping season.

Florida escapes ‘Judicial Hellhole’ designation as tort reform measures take effect

Following a series of legal reforms, the American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF) has removed Florida from its ‘Judicial Hellhole‘ list, a long-held designation reflecting the state’s history of excessive litigation and frivolous lawsuits.

Hard Rock sports betting app is now available to everyone in Florida

The full launch comes amid two lawsuits filed by a group of betting companies that seek to halt mobile sports betting, one before the Florida Supreme Court and the other before the U.S Supreme Court.

Publisher's column: The impact of a Floridian

One of the editions I treasure most each year is our annual Floridian of the Year issue, published each December. This year, the choice of Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson was one that came together quite easily.

Citizens tries to tamp down concerns

Saying the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has “never sought a federal bailout, period,” Citizens President and CEO Tim Cerio took issue with a U.S. Senate Budget Committee request for information about the insurer’s finances.

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Check Before Hire

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 Technical College

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