A 1,980 sq. ft. small-breed dog park and 4,900 sq. ft. large-breed dog park opened last week in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. These two dog parks were created to replace the previous dog park next to the Tampa Museum of Art, which is undergoing an expansion.
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(Photo Credit: City of Tampa)
The Florida Aquarium wants your Gasparilla beads! As part of the Bead-Free Bay initiative, The Florida Aquarium partners with the City of Tampa to recycle Gasparilla beads. Now through February 22, recycle your beads and receive 50% off up to four general admission tickets!
Pura Vida Miami, a health-focused restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options, recently filed plans with the City of Tampa to add a location on Water Street next to Wagamama.
Last week, Tampa City Council heard from the Parks and Recreation Department regarding a $5.5M project that seeks to address structural repairs within the park, including replacing the broken pavers with concrete, improving irrigation and drainage, and more.
The Florida Aquarium has opened a new café—Café Seventy One—that has a focus on sustainable dishes and food sourcing, in addition to featuring a recycling and waste sorting system, lack of single-use plastics, and more.
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.
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 $7,500 non-matching and above $7,500 matching. LEARN MORE.
On Thursday, members had the opportunity to meet at the Florida School of Woodwork for networking, light bites and drinks, a facility tour, and even watch live demonstrations of traditional woodworking techniques!
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(Thank you to our catering sponsor—The Bougie Palate—for providing light bites and drinks during this event!)
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to offer our members a brief walking tour led by Jamila of What it Was Walking Tours. Explore the history of African Americans in Tampa through a walking tour of Tampa’s Downtown. Find out What it Was! We will meet at Kahwa Coffee for coffee and networking from 8:00am – 8:30am then the tour will start at 8:30am and end at 9:30am.
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for members’ guest(s).
Tampa CRA has announced a call for artists to create a figurative WWII sculpture at the historic Tampa Union Station.
The statue—part of the station’s $4 million renovation—should “reflect and recognize the emotions experienced by families on the home front as they waited for loved ones to return—or faced the uncertainty of those who never did. The intent is to capture the depth of these moments and honor both the individuals who served and the families who stood by them.”
Submission Deadline: February 22
Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk has announced a call for artist submissions for the 5th Annual Tampa Riverwalk Lantern Parade!
Proposed lanterns should be 8-10 feet tall, under 5 feet wide, and inspired by water, aquatic life, or Tampa’s unique spirit. Only three artists will be selected to bring their unique lantern design to life and will each receive $1,500 each for materials, transportation, and artist fees in addition to admission for two to the VIP Tent at Curtis Hixon Park during Riverfest.
Lantern Idea Submission Deadline: February 27
(Photo Courtesy of Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk)
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.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 2026 State of Tampa’s Downtown Forum will be held on Wednesday, March 25th from 8am to 12pm at the Marriott Tampa Water Street. Support the 2026 State of Tampa’s Downtown Forum with a sponsorship and get your company in front of over 200+ Downtown stakeholders.
Interested in sponsoring? Take a look at the Sponsorship Packet or email Lindsey Parks, Vice President of Strategy & Public Affairs, at lparks@tampasdowntown.com.
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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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