Monday Morning Memo

Monday, April 27, 2026

New Tampa Bay Ferry Plan Strengthens Downtown Connectivity

Regional connectivity in Tampa Bay is poised for a major boost following the unveiling of the new Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)’s Tampa Bay Ferry plan. It calls for two vessels, daily service, a one-way ticket of $10, and a permanent dock in Tampa’s Downtown. The proposed service would strengthen links between Tampa and St. Petersburg, creating a faster and more convenient way for residents, workers, and visitors to move between two of the region’s most vibrant urban cores.

The PSTA’s Board is set to vote this week on whether to move forward with purchasing and renovating two out of three vessels available for purchase. If approved, the plan will transition into the next phase.

Learn More

 

Downtown Park Reopens After Major Revamp

Downtown residents and visitors can now take a stroll in the renovated Herman Massey Park in the River Arts Neighborhood.

The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funded the $2 million project and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Tuesday to celebrate. The 21,000-square-foot urban park includes renovations and upgrades, including:

A 3,200-square-foot raised deck, which has movable furniture and is designed to preserve seven existing live oaks

An improved dog park

A sculpture by Cuban-born artist Alexandre Arrechea that speaks to the relationship between old and new architecture, with a nod to the nearby historic landmark, the Tampa Theatre

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Tampa Bay 28's Greg Dee to Emcee Upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Debriefing

We are pleased to announce that Greg Dee will serve as emcee for the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Debriefing. An Emmy-winning broadcast meteorologist and news anchor for Tampa Bay 28, Greg brings two decades of experience tracking major weather events across the country, including hurricanes here in Florida.

Join us on Wednesday, May 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk for a timely conversation featuring NOAA representatives and weather experts who share critical insights on hurricane preparedness, emergency response, and services available to Downtown residents and businesses. Breakfast and networking are included.

Register Here

 

Member Mixer: Top Shelf Sports Lounge Happening this Wednesday

Join us this Wednesday, April 29, for the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Monthly Member Mixer at Top Shelf Sports Lounge from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Our next Member Mixer is heading to one of Downtown’s lively gathering spots for an energetic happy hour in the heart of the city.

Connect with fellow Partnership members, expand your network, and enjoy a fun evening of conversation and community with Downtown professionals and stakeholders. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Partnership, this is a great opportunity to build relationships and stay engaged with Tampa’s growing Downtown. We look forward to seeing you there.

RSVP Here

 

Celebrating Clean Air Fair's 25th Anniversary

The Environmental Protection Commission will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the 2026 Clean Air Fair next week. This milestone event brings the community together to promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and cleaner air through engaging exhibits and family-friendly activities. There will also be live music, plant giveaways, food, drinks, and giveaways.

Make sure to stop by next Thursday, May 7th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Poe Plaza (Located at the corner of Franklin & Jackson St.)

Learn More

A Timeless Mother's Day Awaits at The Rialto Theatre Tea Room

Celebrate Mother’s Day with timeless elegance at the newly renovated Rialto Theatre as they host a special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea inside their new Tea Room & Cafe from May 8 through May 10. Guests will enjoy a beautifully curated tea experience featuring tea sandwiches and fresh pastries. Every guest will receive a complimentary floral bouquet to take home.

Tea seating is $65 per person, with garden tea or elegant attire encouraged.

Buy Tickets Here

Apply now to be a 2026 Winter Village shop!

Applications are now open for the 2026 Winter Village Shops, and this is your chance to be part of one of Downtown’s most beloved holiday traditions. Hosted annually at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Winter Village transforms the heart of Downtown into a festive destination featuring shopping, skating, and seasonal experiences that draw thousands of visitors each year.

Local makers, retailers, and food vendors are invited to apply for a coveted spot in the holiday market, where unique products and artisan goods take center stage in a high-traffic, high-visibility setting. From handcrafted items to specialty treats, Winter Village Shops offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase your business and connect with the community during the busiest season of the year.

Apply Now

Help shape the future of getting around Tampa's Downtown!

Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey! This survey gives residents, workers, and visitors the opportunity to weigh in on the convenient, $2 hub-to-hub transit service that’s making it easier to explore and connect across Downtown.

 

Your input will directly inform how we continue to enhance and evolve the DASH program—ensuring it remains accessible, efficient, and responsive to the community’s needs.

 

Take The Survey Now

Tampa Pig Jig is cooking up something special for year 15!

Celebrating 15 years as Tampa Bay’s premier philanthropic festival, the Tampa Pig Jig returns to Julian B. Lane Park on Saturday, October 17, bringing a powerhouse lineup headlined by Diamond-certified Country superstar Thomas Rhett. This year’s festival will also feature GRAMMY®-nominated trio Midland, acclaimed singer-songwriter Kameron Marlowe, beloved Florida natives Sister Hazel, and up-and-coming country voice Cassidy Daniels. Presented by RIPA, Valley Bank, and The Baldwin Group, this award-winning event brings together world-class live music, great food, games, and family-friendly fun — all in support of families facing serious medical challenges.

 

Get Tickets!

 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT TAMPA DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

The Digital Marketing Coordinator supports the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s communication efforts by managing daily social media content, updating the website, and assisting with copywriting and content development. This role plays a vital part in ensuring a consistent digital presence that reflects the organization’s mission, programs, and placemaking initiatives. The ideal candidate is creative, organized, and proactive, with a passion for digital media and storytelling.

APPLY NOW

 

The Placemaking Specialist / Assistant Manager is a hands-on, execution-focused role responsible for supporting the delivery of Downtown Tampa’s placemaking and experience initiatives. This position helps bring programs to life — from recurring activations and neighborhood events to installations and seasonal programming.

APPLY NOW

 

DASH Driver Ambassadors ensure efficient transportation of individuals between 20+ designated DASH hubs within the Special Services District (SSD) of Tampa’s Downtown while being a friendly and inviting ambassador of Downtown. Driver Ambassadors operate a company-provided four-door EV and utilize app-based software to receive and accept ride requests, navigate hub locations, and track rides.

LEARN MORE

 

Grant Applications Now Open!

Tampa’s Downtown Neighborhood Placemaking Grant is a dynamic initiative aimed at fostering vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods. The program offers annual grants up to $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. Number of grants awarded will be based on submissions and those requested funds. The program’s primary objective is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community and create a strong sense of belonging and engagement through collaborative placemaking initiatives.

 

LEARN MORE.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL & MAY

April 29 >> Member Mixer | Top Shelf Sports Lounge

May 6 >> What’s Pop-In at the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | Lykes Gaslight Park

May 7 >> What’s Pop-In at Rock the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

May 19 >> Coffee with a Champion | Embarc Collective

May 27 >> Hurricane Preparedness Debriefing | Barrymore Hotel

 

WEEKLY EVENTS

Sundays at 6pm >> Yoga in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Mondays at 6pm >> HIIT in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Tuesdays at 6pm >> Zumba in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Thursdays at 4-8pm >> Art on the House | Tampa Museum of Art

<<<< Submit an event to our Event Calendar to help us spread the word! >>>>

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Monday Memo –Monday 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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