Join for our Newest Fitness Class Today
Today we are launching our new Monday evening fitness class, VKNG DRIP. Led by a VKNG Fitness instructor, this class will be offered from 6-7pm in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park every week, weather permitting. VKNG DRIP is a fun high energy circuit class that infuses one of the best cardio movements out there, DANCE. Up your game in this dance-based functional / strength training class which combines easy to follow moved and circuit exercise. It’s a total body dance based workout designed to tone your bod from head to toe! There will be free giveaways from Power Crunch protein nutrition bars and tons of fun! We hope to see you out there. Check out our full fitness schedule.
Lynda Remund Appointed as Acting President and CEO
Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynda Remund, SHRM-CP, as Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. The Executive Committee’s unanimous decision places Remund in the Partnership’s top leadership role for a one-year term in a transformative and exciting time of change for both the Partnership and Tampa’s Downtown. In her role, Remund manages the Partnership’s organizational structure, vision and mission, facilitates the corporation’s strategic initiatives, and works with Downtown stakeholders to ensure Tampa’s urban core is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Recognizing the growth of Tampa’s urban core, Remund led efforts to expand the Special Services District (SSD) into Tampa Heights and in February the Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking the boundary expansion. The approval marks the first change in the SSD boundaries since its creation in 1994. Remund joined the Partnership in 2000 as the Director of District Operations providing her with significant experience and knowledge of Downtown Tampa. View the full press release.
Shaun Drinkard to Lead District Operations
Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the promotion of Shaun Drinkard to Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations. On the heels of announcing a new Director of Membership and appointing Lynda Remund as Acting President and CEO, this announcement is the latest in a series of exciting staff assignments. In his new role, Drinkard will lead district operations which includes the Downtown Guides and Clean Team program as well as all public programming within the Special Services District (SSD). In February, Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking an expansion of the SSD which will include Tampa Heights, Water Works Park, and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The proposed boundary will be approximately 1,200 acres with 15 public parks. The current boundary is approximately 890 acres with 12 public parks. View the full press release.
Think Outside the Office, Join us in the Park
Join us as we make our way down from our office in Rivergate Tower to the ground floor level in Gaslight Square Park (corner of Madison and Franklin). While we set up shop for a week in the park we invite you to join us to talk about how you feel about Downtown. What do you love, what would you like to see more of, what could use some improvement? We want to hear from you, because at the end of the day we work to make your Downtown experience better. Our staff will have scheduled office hours, so be sure to check when would be the best time to come and discuss your thoughts. Not only will we be working in the park for a full week, but we also invite you all to work with us with free WiFi available. Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at work schedules, discussion topics, and food options as we get closer to the event. Check out the event on Facebook!
We’re Hiring: Operations Manager
We are looking to fill the position of Operations Manager. The purpose of this position is to ensure the delivery of high-quality beautification, maintenance, litter abatement and ambassador services in Downtown Tampa. This position also supports the execution of special projects related to public programming. The Operations Manager achieves high quality service through development and implementation of efficient operational systems and quality assurance mechanisms, and through effective leadership in managing staff and financial resources. The position also supervises facilitation of landscaping and public space maintenance services. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Public Programming & Operations. Read the full job description and how to apply here.
Win Tickets to the Straz
Want to win two tickets to see America’s Got Talent finalists, Sons on Serendip, on Thursday, April 12th at the Straz? You’re in luck! We’re giving away a set of tickets on Facebook TODAY at noon. Be one of the first 10 people to TAG a friend in our post announcing the contest for your chance to win! Winners will be announced this Tuesday at noon. Check out this video and learn more about the Sons of Serendip.
The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa. Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list. Going to one of the events? Snap a photo and tag #UrbanInsiderTPA
Lorde: Melodrama World Tour
Wednesday, April 11, begins 7pm Amalie Arena Lorde is coming to Downtown Tampa! The GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum chart-dominating artist will play all of her popular hits in a fan-favorite performance. Rap duo Run the Jewels will open the show and provide support for Lorde, and Mitski will join for the performance as well. For more information, go to Lorde: Melodrama World Tour.
In the Time of the Butterflies
Thursday, April 12 to Sunday, April 29 Stageworks Theatre Based on Julia Álvarez’s popular novel, this is a fictionalized account of the story of the courageous Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic. With immersive video and animation dispersed across the stage, the piece paints a visual dreamscape of the interior lives of the activist sisters, the beauty and ferocity of the natural world, and the music heard on the radio of the time. For more information, go to In the Time of the Butterflies.
Pride & Passion 13 | Strange Beauty
Saturday, April 14, begins 8pm Tampa Museum of Art This fun and energy-filled evening full of surprises is inspired by Baroness Marie-Hélène de Rothschild’s 1972 Surrealist Ball at the Chateau de Ferrières. Don your finest Strange Beauty attire; black tie optional, evening gowns, and surrealist masks and headdresses. The night will feature meticulously planned details, bizarre décor, intriguing guests, intoxicating food and drink, and bewitching music and dance. This event brings together our diverse community to raise money for engaging educational programming and world-class exhibitions. For more information, go to Pride & Passion 13 | Strange Beauty.
Butterfly GloWalk and 5K Fun Run
Saturday, April 14, begins 8pm Tampa Riverwalk At this active event, walkers and runners will light up the night in Downtown Tampa for a fantastic cause. My Hope Chest, a charity focused on helping breast cancer survivors with the expense of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, is hosting this unique fun run. The festivities start at sunset and participants will wear butterfly wings, glow-in-the-dark paint, and glow-in-the-dark accessories to create a trail of fun and exercise all along the Riverwalk! For more information, go to Butterfly GloWalk and 5K Fun Run.
Taking the Stage at the Straz Center
mad Theatre presents Green Day’s American Idiot – Through Sunday, April 15 Sons of Serendip – Through Thursday, April 12 Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth – Friday, April 13 to Sunday, April 15 Randy Rainbow – Friday, April 13, begins 8pm Angels in America Part I: Millennium Approaches – Saturday, April 14, begins 2pm
On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre
Isle of Dogs (2018) – Through Thursday, April 19 Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011) – Thursday, April 12, 6pm to 7:30pm Cool Runnings – Sunday, April 15, 3pm to 4:45pm
Tampa Theatre Test Runs 2-Week Happy Hour
Downtown residents and visitors might have a new place to flock for happy hour in Tampa Theatre. The historic movie palace plans to introduce the public to a program called Pause, which promotes exactly what you think: taking time to linger with friends over weekday drink specials and conversation at the newly restored lobby’s bar. On April 16, a two-week test run of the program — which takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday under Tampa Theatre’s famous starlit sky — begins. Guests won’t have to make a ticket purchase to nab some booze (or house popcorn, available for $2 off) during Pause, either. Discounted cocktails like the signature Marquee, a Stoli-based sipper priced at $6, accompany buy-one-get-one-free deals on select beers. “Tampa Theatre Wants To Become A Weekday Happy Hour Hangout” – Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay Breaks Records
For the weekend of March 31 through April 1, a record-breaking 29,167 passengers total went in and out of Port Tampa Bay. The highest previous count for a weekend was on Feb. 17-18 with 22,960 passengers. The port saw six cruise ships in one weekend — three on Saturday and three on Sunday. Greg Lovelace, Port Tampa Bay’s director of cargo and cruise marketing, noted that the port is in the middle of cruise season and spring break. He attributed the record weekend to the $1.7 million expansion of Terminal 6 that can accommodate larger ships. Terminal 6, which is used by Royal Caribbean International, previously could only handle cruise ships with 1,800 passengers. Now, it can handle ships with 2,500 passengers. Improvements to the terminal included a 7,277-square-foot expansion of the ticketing area, 32 new ticket counters, 28 new baggage tables and an increase of parking west of the facility. For the total week of March 25 through April 1, which included the return of Carnival Paradise on Monday, the port saw 50,256 passengers. “Cruising At Port Tampa Bay Breaks Records Again” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Tampa Bay Design Week Returns With Daily Programs
The fourth annual Tampa Bay Design Week will offer 10 different events in downtown Tampa and Ybor City, April 8th to April 14th. Architecture and design-related tours, installations and exhibits, events and an Eames film make up this year’s program. Design Week is produced by The Tampa Bay Foundation for Architecture and Design. Included in this year’s Design Week is an opportunity to win an Eames chair through #TBDWEames Instagram challenge. For more information about the design week lineup go to www.tampabaydesignweek.com or call 813-229-3411.
100 Tampa Businesses Commit to Tampa Bay Rays 2020
Tampa Bay Rays 2020, a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing a new Rays ballpark to Tampa, has added 100 business and community leaders to its roster of “ambassadors.” A kickoff event was held last Wednesday at Lions Eye Institute. “The Rays 100 is a diverse group of distinguished Tampa Bay community leaders from all over Tampa Bay dedicated to the next generation of Tampa Bay Rays baseball in Ybor City,” a release said. Members of the Rays 100 did not pay to be a part of it; it is a volunteer effort. Specifically, they will: Actively promote Tampa Bay Rays 2020 to their circle of influence, garnering widespread support from the Tampa Bay community; advocate to elected officials; participate in organizational communications; actively secure financial support for the Tampa Bay Rays in coordination with the Tampa Bay Rays 2020 efforts through significant pledges of sponsorship and tickets sales. “Tampa Bay Rays 2020 Advocacy Group Assembles ‘Rays 100’ Business Influencers” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Tampa General Announces Senior Executive
Tampa General Hospital welcomes Stacey Brandt as its newest senior executive. Brandt recently joined Tampa General, serving as Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. Brandt brings nearly 20 years of health care strategy, business development, marketing and communications experience to her role at Tampa General. In her new position, she will be responsible for the organization’s communications and marketing efforts, which include launching a new brand campaign; developing and launching new service lines; developing the organization’s strategic plan; leading the organization’s digital and consumerism efforts; and developing strong strategic partnerships across the region. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.
TBARTA Has an Opinion on BRT
The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority is “strongly urging” Jacobs Engineering and the Florida Department of Transportation to include dedicated lanes for bus rapid transit from downtown St. Petersburg to the University of South Florida, the agency told the Tampa Bay Business Journal Wednesday. The regional transit agency doesn’t have authority to implement provisions of the plan, but can serve as a key advisor. Talking points both for and against the plan as it is currently being presented don’t fully represent the challenges facing Tampa Bay regional transit. The BRT route, if implemented, would create a spine to get riders from one general area to another, but once that connection happens, riders would still need to get to their final destinations. The Florida Department of Transportation is also funding an ongoing study of a local BRT corridor along Florida and Tampa Avenues that could carry riders further into the city, away from the highway. There’s also the Tampa Downtown Partnership-funded downtowner cars that could expand from its current downtown service onto Franklin Street north of the highway as development continues to boom in that area. The group is trying to expand its special assessment geographic boundaries beyond the downtown core, which could fund the expansion. “TBARTA Has an Opinion On Bus Rapid Transit But Is Still Figuring Out Its Transit Scope” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
New Community Installs Sculpture
A new sculpture now stands at the entrance of NOVEL Riverwalk by Crescent Communities. Called ‘Charley,’ the 27-foot sculpture depicting a boat hull is a tribute to Tampa Bay-native Charley Morgan and was designed by local artist Mark Aeling of MGA Sculpture Studio in St. Petersburg. NOVEL Riverwalk is a 394-home apartment community currently under development at 109 West Fortune Street along the Tampa Riverwalk. Committed to complementing the existing neighborhoods they become part of with innovative touches, NOVEL often incorporates public art with a local flair into its communities and has previously collaborated with Aeling. The ‘Charley’ sculpture was inspired by a racing yacht called ‘Heritage’ that was designed and built by Charley Morgan, proprietor of Morgan Yachts, for the America’s Cup in 1970. Now 88-years-old and having designed and built about 10,000 boats, this piece is dedicated to his life work. He is world renowned for his sail boats and a bit of a legend in Central Florida. “NOVEL Riverwalk Honors Local Legend Charley Morgan with Sculpture at New Community — Company’s Second Collaboration with Artist Mark Aeling, 27-Foot ‘Charley’ Sculpture Installed” – Tampa Bay Newswire
Downtown’s JW Marriott to Break Ground Soon
The developer of Water Street Tampa will break ground on its JW Marriott convention hotel in the coming weeks. Hillsborough County Aviation Authority on Thursday approved a height variance for the 26-story hotel. With that approval, Strategic Property Partners is “planning to break ground on the JW Marriott later this month,” spokeswoman Ali Glisson wrote in an email. The hotel sits on Old Water Street, across from the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel and Marina. The hotel’s grand opening is scheduled for 2020, she said. The JW Marriott will include 519 rooms and the Tampa Bay area’s highest rooftop bar. It will be connected to the existing Marriott, which is under renovation. Together, the two hotels will have a combined 1,246 rooms and 175,000 square feet of meeting and event space. “JW Marriott in Water Street Tampa to Break Ground Soon” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Column: BRT as a Transportation Project
The Florida Department of Transportation has invested in a study to address our transit woes. That study, dubbed the “Regional Transit Feasibility Plan,” validates concerns expressed across our region and for good reason. Over the next 20 years, local travel miles will increase by 51 percent — yet current plans provide for no more than a 19 percent increase in traffic lane miles, projecting a 220 percent increase in congestion within a region that already suffers from protracted delays. The first step of the plan was to identify top-performing connections and recommend a “catalyst” project to get us out of the gate. While other options are still being vetted, the project that has emerged as the front-runner is regional Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) from downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida to Wesley Chapel. Read the full Op-Ed written by Steve Bernstein, Anne Drake McMullen, Andrew W. Smith and Brooks Wallington, special to the Tampa Bay Times.
Featured Member: Roger Germann, Florida Aquarium
Celebrating his 10-month anniversary as the Florida Aquarium’s President and CEO, Roger Germann is thinks the Florida Aquarium, already a successful attraction highly regarded for its conservation work, is well positioned to become an “iconic” institution that is a leader in developing environmental solutions. Germann likes that the Aquarium is at the hub of dynamic urban growth. On one side is Jeff Vinik’s Water Street Tampa project, which will include the University of South Florida’s medical school. On the other is land Port Tampa Bay plans to develop. He appreciates the opportunities the ventures will provide to further increase attendance and contributions, always a priority for a nonprofit attraction. But the 48-year-old is equally excited about The Florida Aquarium’s potential for becoming a powerful advocate for protecting the ocean. He is impressed by what The Aquarium already has accomplished, including a partnership with the National Aquarium of Cuba to study coral reefs, and likes that its “conservation effort has a tight focus” on sharks, sea turtles and corals. Germann plans to continue that focus, though he added, “The organization needs to be nimble enough that if another critical issue comes along, we can add it to our portfolio.” Read a blog post from his first five months at the Florida Aquarium.
USF Leads Mass Injury Event Preparations
The University of South Florida is partnering with major organizations across Tampa to be prepared for a mass injury event, such as a shooting or natural disaster. It’s through the national “Stop the Bleed” program that provides non-medically trained bystanders the knowledge and tools to help prevent someone from bleeding to death. Bleeding control kits are in the process of being installed across the USF campus, many will be mounted near automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and stored in campus police vehicles. The bright red kits include tourniquets, gauze and gloves — medical supplies that can stop an injury from worsening prior to EMS arrival. USF is training dozens of faculty members and those affiliated with the Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP), which is comprised of area businesses, attractions and on-street concierges. Dr. Llerena is working with TDP to develop a strategy that best prepares the downtown area for an emergency. He’s also trained dozens of employees at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, one of Tampa’s preeminent cultural organizations. Read the full story.
Volunteer for the 4th Annual Tampa Riverfest
Presented by Friends of the Riverwalk in conjunction with the City of Tampa, this free community event will span the entire length of the Riverwalk and will feature family-friendly activities and events showcasing Tampa’s cultural institutions, local music and restaurants. Events will include a full concert line-up, Wiener Dog Derby, Hot Air Balloon Glow, Gasparilla Stand-up Paddle Board Invasion, Asia Fest, Tampa Bay Pride Band Performance, Taco Fest, Taste of the Riverwalk, Hillsborough County Schools music performances, and much more. Funds raised from Tampa Riverfest allow our organization to program free community events along the Tampa Riverwalk throughout the year such as Riverwalk Trick or Treat, Holiday Harbor, and the Annual Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Volunteers are the core of what makes this event possible and each volunteer will receive a Riverfest t-shirt when arriving for their shift. Sign-up for your shift today!
Westshore Alliance Seeks a Director of Transportation & Planning
The Westshore Alliance is currently seeking candidates to fill the role as the organization’s Director of Transportation and Planning. The Westshore Alliance is a business-based, membership-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the nearly 94,000 employees that call Tampa’s Westshore District their working home. Responding to the needs defined by member companies, the Alliance has made significant progress in the areas of transportation, beautification, marketing of the district and crime prevention in Westshore. View the full job description here.
UT Team Wins Ethics Competition
A team of University of Tampa students won first place in the inaugural CFA Tampa Bay Society Ethics Competition on March 27 at the University Club of Tampa Bay. Teams from both UT and the University of South Florida competed against each other before a panel of five judges. The four UT students were invited by the CFA Tampa Bay Society to participate in the first annual Ethics Invitational. The competition was designed by investment professionals to help those entering the financial professions. The CFA Tampa Bay Society is an affiliate of the CFA Institute, which is a nonprofit organization of more than 83,000 Chartered Financial Analysts and investment professionals from more than 120 countries worldwide. “UT Students Win CFA Tampa Bay Society Ethics Competition” – Tampa Bay Newswire
Westshore Marina District Surpasses Expectations
Interest in the first condominium tower in the Westshore Marina District has surpassed the developer’s “very optimistic” expectations for the project. The sales campaign for Marina Pointe, a 16-story condo tower with 113 units and seven townhouses, kicked off in mid-March. Since then, the developer has taken 40 reservations — which will convert to contracts by late April or early May — with a goal of preselling 65 units before breaking ground on the tower. Those 40 reserved units represent about $35 million in sales. The interest in Marina Pointe is another sign of Tampa’s strengthening condo market, which has been dormant for several years. The Sanctuary at Alexandra Place, a 17-story condo tower proposed on Bayshore Boulevard, is moving forward with presales; Virage Bayshore, in which units start at $1 million, is under construction. A new residential developer recently joined the team at Riverwalk Place, a 53-story mixed-use tower in downtown Tampa that’s slated to include around 200 luxury condos. “With $35 Million In Reservations, It’s Full Speed Ahead With First Condos In Westshore Marina District (Renderings) (Video)” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
University Area CDC Holds Job Fair
The University Area Community Development Corporation (University Area CDC) invites employers and job seekers to join together to participate in the 2018 University Area Job Fair on Thursday, April 12 from 10am to 2pm at 14013 North 22nd St. Tampa, FL 33613. Business owners, human resources directors and other executives seeking qualified personnel are requested to complete the “Vendor Registration Form” at bit.ly/UAJobFairVendor or call Marcia Cedano at mcedano@uacdc.org. Job seekers are asked to pre-register at bit.ly/UAJobFair or contact Diana Diaz at ddiaz@uacdc.org, 813.558.5212 ext. 316. Many industries, such as hospitality, retail, health care and administration, will be represented.
Tiki Docks Planned for Alafia River
Florida hospitality company 23 Restaurant Services just announced its latest project: Tiki Docks. It will be built right on the Alafia River in southern Hillsborough County. The 15,000-square-foot restaurant will have three bars, a large patio and docks, so you can pull up on your boat then grab some ahi tuna. The restaurant company, which owns Ford’s Garage, plans to break ground on Tiki Docks near U.S. 301 and Palmetto Street in about a few weeks, according to spokeswoman Lindsay Kenyon. The company has a target opening date near the end of 2018. The construction budget for the massive space is about $7.2 million, according to 23 Restaurant Services. It will also have event space that can be rented for private parties. The large patio, which includes two of the bars, will allow diners to enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather while they munch on peel-and-eat shrimp and burgers. “Take Your Boat To Dinner: Tiki Docks Planned For Alafia River” – Tampa Bay Times
Tampa Bay Next Hosts Open House
Tampa Bay Next is hosting an open house on Monday, April 16 at Capdevila’s at La Teresita – Banquet Room located at 3248 W Columbus Drive. Stop by the Open House anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and ask questions, gather information or share concerns. Parking is available in restaurant parking area and in parking areas across St. Vincent Street as well as Columbus Drive and Matanzas Ave. For more information: TampaBayNext.com.
Whole Foods Confirms Midtown Tampa Store
Whole Foods Market Inc. has confirmed that it will relocate a store to anchor Midtown Tampa, the $500 million, mixed-use development proposed at Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway. The store will be 48,000 square feet, the largest yet in the Tampa Bay region. The 32,000-square-foot store in the Walters Crossing shopping center at 1548 N. Dale Mabry Highway — less than a mile from Midtown — will move to Midtown. Whole Foods also has a Tampa store in the Carrollwood area. The new store is slated to open in fall 2020; the current store will close several days before the opening at Midtown Tampa. “Whole Foods Confirms Plans To Move Tampa Store To New Development (Rendering)” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
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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