Monday Morning Memo

Monday, January 19, 2026

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1961 Visit to Tampa

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the betterment of the Black community.

On November 19, 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Tampa and spoke at an NAACP rally at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory (now the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center) to a crowd between 3,000 and 4,000 people. It is also reported that he visited the Jackson House within Tampa’s Downtown, which was the only African American boarding house in the city during segregation.

You're Invited: Member Mixer & Tour: 801 East Whiting Street

Join us for a special member mixer and tour at The Residences at 801 East Whiting Street. This event offers a unique opportunity to tour the residential model and upcoming retail spaces. Light bites and drinks will be provided. Come connect with your community and discover the latest addition to our Downtown neighborhood!

Registration is required and is $5 for members and $15 for prospective members.

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The Florida Aquarium Exhibit Earns National Recognition

Congrats to The Florida Aquarium on making waves (literally!) with The Tide Pool exhibit being voted in the top 5 Best New Attractions by USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards!

This national recognition for The Tide Pool exhibit is a great honor for The Florida Aquarium and we’re proud to have them as such an amazing community member within Tampa’s Downtown!

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Karen Kress, Senior Director of Transportation and Planning, receives Exemplary Service Award

Please join us in celebrating our Senior Director of Transportation and Planning, Karen Kress, on receiving an Exemplary Service Award for her longstanding service to the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission!

Serving as a City of Tampa appointee since April 2017, Karen continues to make a meaningful impact within Tampa’s Downtown. Thank you, Karen, for your commitment to our community!

Applications Open for Placemaking Grant and Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant

Tampa’s Downtown Neighborhood Placemaking Grant is a dynamic initiative aimed at fostering vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods. The program offers annual grants ranging between $2,500 – $30,000 available to the seven neighborhoods of Tampa’s Downtown. These grants are intended to fund community-driven projects that are free and accessible to all residents, workers, and visitors in the neighborhood, driving long-term impact.

The Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant serves to create a more attractive pedestrian atmosphere and commercially vibrant environment through street-level storefront improvements and inviting sidewalk cafe settings. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 administered on a reimbursement basis, allowing for up to $5,000 grant funds to be reimbursed every two years.

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Tampa Theatre seeks Applications for President and Chief Executive Officer position

Tampa Theatre invites applications for the position of

President and Chief Executive Officer following the upcoming retirement of John Bell, who has led the theatre for more than 40 years.

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing overall leadership and guidance for Tampa Theatre’s continuing development as a landmark destination film and cultural center. Tampa Theatre is an important atmospheric movie palace built in 1926 by renowned architect John Eberson and is generally regarded as the best—and most intact—example of Eberson’s atmospheric style remaining in the world today.

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026

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Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open for Tampa's Downtown River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial

Sponsorship opportunities are officially open for Tampa’s Downtown River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial, returning on Saturday, March 14, 2026! This signature, family-friendly celebration transforms the Hillsborough River into a vibrant green spectacle while activating Tampa’s riverfront with live entertainment, interactive experiences, and community fun.

Tampa’s Downtown River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial attracts thousands of attendees and offers sponsors a unique opportunity to connect with residents and visitors in a high-visibility, festive setting. From brand exposure along the Riverwalk to on-site activations and community engagement opportunities, sponsorship packages are designed to create meaningful connections and memorable moments.

Join us in celebrating one of Downtown Tampa’s most iconic traditions and be part of the magic that kicks off St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Interested in sponsoring? Take a look at the Sponsorship Packet or email Ivy Lupco, Manager of Public Space Placemaking & Programming, at ilupco@tampasdowntown.com.

Glazer Children's Museum Nominated in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards

Tampa’s Glazer Children’s Museum is one of 20 children’s museums across the country to be nominated in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards!

Readers can vote once a day for their favorite, with voting ending on February 9.

VOTE HERE

HIRING: DASH Driver Ambassadors

Tampa Downtown Partnership is hiring full-time DASH Driver Ambassadors!

As a Driver Ambassador, you will play a crucial role in supporting our organization’s mission to enhance and promote a vibrant Downtown. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure efficient transportation of individuals between designated hubs in a four door EV within the Downtown region while being a friendly and inviting ambassador of Downtown.

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Monday Morning Memo –Monday Morning Memo is a weekly update of “insider Downtown information” regarding developments, transportation, special opportunities and other useful information to help you make the most of Downtown. Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.

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