Look out, brother: New player in town

Oxford Capital Group, a Chicago-based investment firm, has big plans for its first foray into Tampa.

The company, in a deal that closed in mid-October, bought the Bay Harbor Best Western hotel in Rocky Point for $34.5 million from area investor Ben Mallah. Some locals know the property for Hogan's Beach, a bar and restaurant that operated on the grounds for several years, through a licensing agreement with celebrity/wrestler Hulk Hogan, who lives in the area. Hogan's name is no longer connected to the property.

Oxford, according to a statement, plans “to dramatically transform the well-known waterfront property into an upscale lifestyle hotel.”