Business News: Retailer's Vaccine Passport Lawsuit, Fests Require Vaccine Or Negative Test

TAMPA BAY, FL — Here's the latest restaurant, retail and other business news from the Tampa Bay region.

Tampa Becoming Magnet For National, Global Tech Companies

Tuesday's announcement that advanced technology start-up Genesis Systems is moving its headquarters from Kansas City to Tampa underscores the Tampa's growing reputation as a national technology hub and incubator.

Company Working To Solve Global Water Shortage Relocates To Tampa

An advanced technology start-up that's developed pioneering technology that could end the global water crisis announced Tuesday that it is opening its corporate headquarters in Tampa.

Amazon Announces Plans To Hire 8,000 Employees Across Florida

Amazon announced Tuesday that it is hiring an additional 8,000 people throughout Florida, including 1,000 in South Florida, 800 in Orlando and more than 100 in Tampa, on top of the 40,000 corporate and technology jobs recently announced.

Retailer Sues FL Surgeon General Over Vaccine Passport Ban

A Sarasota retailer has filed a lawsuit in Leon County against Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Scott Rivkees, over the state's so-called "vaccine passport" ban.

Major Tampa Bay Fests To Require Vaccinations, Negative Tests

While they're not ready to cancel events this year, the organizers of two of Tampa Bay's most popular fall events are taking steps to ensure they don't contribute to the area's rising coronavirus rates.

In other Tampa Bay-area business news:

• Tampa's Howl-O-Scream Named 3rd Best Halloween Event In Nation
• Tampa Firefighters Honored With Donation, Discounts At Winn-Dixie
• Scream-A-Geddon Seeks To Frighten Intrepid Visitors For 7th Year
• Winn-Dixie's Parent Company Sponsors 4 Major FL Pride Festivals
• Driver Shortage Shuts Down Volunteer-Run Senior Ride Services
• Chef Rolf's New Florida Kitchen Closes Its Doors On Siesta Drive
• $200,000 Donated To Feeding Tampa Bay From Publix