Our Team
Bill Edwards
Bill Edwards is a respected businessman, financier, real estate developer, recording company executive, entertainment promoter, civic leader and philanthropist who demonstrates enormous dedication to building community ties and helping others throughout Pinellas County and beyond.
Bill proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He later began his business career in St. Petersburg as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mortgage Investors Corporation one of the nation’s largest VA mortgage lenders. Currently he is Chairman of The Edwards Group. In 2018, due to years of involvement in energy and the desire to promote clean energy sources, Bill started Solar Sun a local solar installation company.
Over the past few decades, he has become a champion for the development of St. Petersburg and the region, leading the business community with a bold vision for the future. As a result, his properties within The Edwards Group included The Mall at Sundial, a luxury downtown retail/dining/ entertainment center; The Club at Treasure Island, a private yacht and tennis club; Big3 Entertainment and Big3 Studios, a record label and state-of-the-art recording studio; and the adjacent 7,000+ seat Al Lang Stadium and the development of several other properties and projects throughout the Tampa Bay area. As CEO of Big 3 Entertainment Bill currently manages The Mahaffey Theater, a 2,031-seat performing arts center for the City of St. Petersburg.
In 2013, Mr. Edwards bought a controlling interest in the Tampa Bay Rowdies professional soccer club and made a significant investment in stadium renovations, player and coaching personnel, youth soccer development and more. With his support, the team flourished and became a key fixture in the St. Petersburg community.
In October 2018, he sold the team to the Tampa Bay Rays, securing a deal that will ensure the Rowdies will continue to play in downtown St. Petersburg.
Bill is committed to providing care, comfort and much-needed resources for others in the community through the Edwards Family Foundation, the charitable organization he created over 15 years ago.
Award for his philanthropic work. In 2013, He was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors economic pillars of the bay area community. In 2014, he was presented with the Belcher Award, the highest honor given by the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation, which recognizes leadership, commitment and passionate advocacy in the name of patients. That same year he received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America West Central Council. Also, in 2015, MDA Tampa Bay honored him with the Don Schings Champion of Spirit Award, presented each year to high achieving individuals who have made a difference in the Tampa Bay community. Mr. Edwards received the USF-St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor’s Award for Civic Leadership in 2018.
Sponsors & Affiliates
The Mahaffey Theater
The Mahaffey Theater is a cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating.
Learn More
Foundation For The Arts
We provide arts education programs for youth, community outreach programs, and performances as well as concerts for the entire community.
Learn More
Imagine Museum
To Inspire by showcasing the creativity of contemporary artists who work in glass from around the world.
Learn More