Save the Date, Celebrate with us on June 27
Mark your calendars for our 32nd Annual Meeting happening June 27 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. The Annual Meeting and Luncheon is the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s premier event. Once a year the Partnership has the opportunity to share with our members and the downtown community a celebration of our organization’s successes and accomplishments throughout the year, recognize our outgoing and incoming Board Chair and induct Board officers and directors for the upcoming year. The event features dynamic speakers, the release of the Partnership’s Annual Year in Review, remarks from the Partnership’s Board leadership, and a look at what lays ahead for downtown and our organization. The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to connect with downtown stakeholders, learn about key issues, and celebrate downtown’s continued growth. This year we welcome Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Mayor Joe Riley from the City of Charleston. Register today! Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Franklin Street Block Party
On Thursday, June 14, Tampa Theatre will be one of only a handful of theatres in the country to open the new documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? And in the spirit of Mr. Rogers’ enduring message, the historic movie palace and the Tampa Downtown Partnership will host a Franklin Street Block Party from 5:00 to 7:00pm before the 7:30pm screening of the film. Restaurants along the surrounding blocks of Franklin Street will be sampling house favorites out on the sidewalks in front of each location. Under the Theatre’s historic marquee at 711 N. Franklin Street, guests will experience a pop-up art exhibit, live chalk art, and the opportunity to meet representatives from community organizations. Inside, Tampa Theatre will be collecting new and gently used sweaters and sneakers for adults and children to benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay and other local charities who care for our neighbors in need. Click here to get more information and buy tickets.
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Reoccurring Events and Public Space
Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to bring you weekly fitness classes in Curtis Hixon Park, the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta the first Wednesday of every month, Rock the Park the first Thursday of every month, Fourth Friday, and annual events like Winter Village and the Mayor’s River O’Green. We at Tampa Downtown Partnership are dedicated to bringing people together to enjoy our beautiful public spaces with activities to engage and inspire. Learn more about our events or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact us (rradawec@tampasdowntown.com).
The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa. Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list.
Blithe Spirit
Through Sunday, June 17 Stageworks Theatre Charles Condomine, a mediocre novelist, summons a medium to his hime to study “the techniques” of spiritualists for his new book. Along with Ruth, his second wife, and Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, close friends, he participates in a seance conducted by Madame Arcati, who supplies Charles with more than he bargained for. She produces a “protoplasmic manifestation” in the form of Elvira, Charles’s deceased first wife whom only he (and the audience) can see and hear. With farce and wit unleashed, playwright Noel Coward presents some of his best comic characters in a situation full of spirits and satire. For more information, go to Blithe Spirit.
Hope Shines Bright: Benefit Concert and Gallery Event
Saturday, June 16, begins 7:30pm The Portico Looking for a night of beautiful music, artwork, and culture? This free concert will feature some of Tampa Bay’s best voices singing works from Handel to Andrew Lloyd Weber! Guests will be invited to peruse the space which will be adorned with works by local artists. All donations will benefit The Portico and their homelessness initiatives. Celebrate Tampa, its art, and its artists at this wonderful and charitable event! For more information, go to Hope Shines Bright: Benefit Concert and Gallery Event.
Father’s Day Weekend
Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17 The Florida Aquarium To celebrate dad’s big day, fathers receive free admission to the Aquarium with the purchase of any full price paid admission! Take a stroll with dad through the Aquarium’s many exhibits including the Dragons Down Under exhibit and learn how seahorses are the Mr. Moms of the sea. A great way to spend the day with dad! For more information, go to Father’s Day Weekend.
Maroon 5
Saturday, June 16, begins 8pm Amalie Arena Maroon 5 stand out as not only one of pop music’s most enduring artists, but also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts. To date, the universally renowned Los Angeles band has won three GRAMMY® Awards and sold over 20 million albums and 48 million singles worldwide. The band has also earned gold and platinum certifications in more than 35 countries. Now they’re ready to take the stage in Downtown Tampa for an exciting performance! For more info, go to Maroon 5.
On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) – Through Thursday, June 14 to Wednesday, June 27 “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Franklin Street Block Party – Thursday, June 14, begins 5pm Blade Runner (1984) – Sunday, June 17, 3pm to 5pm
On Stage at Jobsite Theater
Dancing at Lughnasa – Wednesday, June 13 to Sunday, July 8
On Stage at the Straz Center
Junior Intensive Showcase – Thursday, June 14, begins 4:30pm Patel Conservatory presents Shakespeare Intensive – Thursday, June 14, begins 7pm Patel Conservatory presents The Wizard of OZ – Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17 The City of Tampa and Cando Inc. Dance & Gym Recital: Princess and the Frog – Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17 The Illusionists™ – Live from Broadway™ – Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17
Jeff Vinik Hires Buckhorn’s Special Assistant
Christina Barker is leaving Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s inner circle to work on an issue that has become increasingly important to Jeff Vinik – transportation. After years working on local transportation policy and state legislative priorities, Barker will put her passion to further use as vice president of community partnerships and policy for the Vinik Family Office. She expects to begin her new job in mid-July. “We feel so lucky to add Christina to our team,” said Vinik. “She excels not only as a strategist but also as a consensus-builder. Her talents will be put to good use as we work alongside partners toward realizing the best version of our community.” “Jeff Vinik Hiring Bob Buckhorn Special Assistant Christina Barker” – Tampa Bay Times
$1 Smoothies at Bamboozle’s Grand Reopening
Come escape the summer heat with a $1 smoothie at Bamboozle Cafe’s grand reopening in Downtown Tampa. The Vietnamese fusion restaurant will serve the smoothies at its new tea and drink bar from June 18 to June 23. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well! For more information about Bamboozle Cafe, visit their website.
The Race for Tampa City Council
The race for Tampa’s seven city council seats has begun, and candidates must qualify for the March 5 election by Jan. 18. Sal Guagliardo Jr., who works for his family-owned business, and public relations executive Bill Carlson are the primary contenders for South Tampa (District 4). Among other issues, Guagliardo and Carlson both plan to make South Tampa’s streets safer for bikers and pedestrians after Bayshore’s recent fatality. “At a minimum, we need more crosswalks and barriers and flashing lights,” Carlson said. “We have to do something about it. It’s our responsibility.” District 5, which includes Downtown, Tampa Heights and parts of North and East Tampa, has five candidates to replace the current seat. The three candidates who were interviewed all plan to improve development and prosperity in the poorer communities in the district. Candidate Ralph Smith said, “It’s important to see growth and prosperity occurring in District 5 outside of downtown.” “With Term Limits, Empty Seats Drawing Candidates In Tampa City Council Races” – TBO.com
Stageworks Brings “Blithe Spirit” to Tampa’s Stage
Stageworks’ “Blithe Spirit” is now on stage in Downtown Tampa’s Channelside District until June 17. The “spirited comedy”, written by playright Noel Coward, entertains the audience with a humorous story of a séance gone. Come enjoy the show while it lasts! “On The Town: Stageworks Summons ‘Spirited’ Rom-Com ‘Blithe Spirit’ To Tampa Stage” – Bay News 9
Quest Workspaces Opens New Location
On June 1, Quest Workspaces (“Quest”) opened its 10th Tampa location on the 19th and 26th floor of the Rivergate Tower. In addition to its direct Riverwalk access, Quest’s new workspace also offers a 6,000 square foot fitness center, lounge area, conference room, as well as onsite dry cleaning, car wash and valet. “We are creating workspaces equipped with amenities that allow people to balance their work and personal lives and get their work done more effectively while feeling good at the same time,” said Quest CEO Laura Kozelouzek. “We are so excited to be part of the growing and vibrant market in Downtown Tampa – which aligns perfectly with our Florida portfolio specifically the Rivergate Tower.” “Quest Workspaces Expands Footprint In South Florida By Opening 10th Coworking Space In Tampa” – AllWork.Space
Coworking Concepts a Desirable Tenant
When the partnership that bought the aging Park Tower in downtown Tampa set out to reimagine the urban core’s oldest skyscraper, a coworking space wasn’t part of the initial vision. But Pipeline Workspaces was looking for a Tampa presence, and Park Tower had space to fill. The building’s occupancy dropped to 79 percent shortly after it was sold to a partnership of Feldman Equities, City Office REIT and Tower Realty Partners. Miami-based Pipeline is now under construction on a full floor — 15,000 square feet — in Park Tower and is slated to open in August. Nationally, according to Cushman’s data, there’s 34.1 million square feet of coworking space, or 2.1 percent of the total office inventory. No such data exists for the Tampa Bay office market, but brokers say that coworking concepts are one of the most active tenants seeking space in this region. For local landlords, the operations are a calculated risk. If the cowork operator brings in a diverse group of members, across a broad spectrum of industries, it could be a way for landlords to hedge against a recession. “Coworking Is Cool, But What Do All Those Chic Spaces Mean To Tampa Bay’s Commercial Real Estate Market?” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Tampa’s Development Boom Starts on the Water
Today, Tampa’s waterfront is a magnet for investment: The city’s downtown has become the locus of a wave of construction projects that will bring an estimated $13 billion on investment to the Tampa region through 2022, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Its centerpiece, the new Water Street Tampa, is a $3 billion, 16-block mega-development, which recently broke ground on a new JW Marriott hotel and the $164.7 million University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute, a new facility that backers hope will become the centerpiece of an emerging medical-tech cluster. The changes sweeping Tampa’s waterfront and urban core may seem relatively sudden. But today’s transformative developments were the result of decades of slow, methodical effort. The 53-acre Water Street site, a former industrial zone situated in the Garrison Channel and Hillsborough Bay, had traditionally been plagued by many of the same planning and connectivity issues that held back other urban districts in the U.S. “Tampa’s Multibillion-Dollar Downtown Development Boom Starts On The Waterfront” – Curbed
Downtowner May Join HART Fleet
The network of six-seat electric golf carts that gives free rides around downtown Tampa may be joining the transportation big leagues. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit is in talks with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to take over running the Downtowner free shuttle service. The partnership started the service in 2016, putting a fleet of 12 electric cars known as GEMs on downtown streets. The smartphone-app service averages about 500 riders per day and notched just under 280,000 rides in its first 18 months. “The partnership isn’t necessarily in the business of running a transit system,” said Karen Kress, the partnership’s director of transportation and planning. “We had an opportunity to get something going, and long term it would fit better under a transportation company.” Talks are at an early stage, but HART could take over around the middle of 2019. “Hillsborough Bus Agency In Talks To Take Over Free Downtowner Shuttle Service” – Tampa Bay Times
Tampa Office Sector Ready for New Development
The addition of new office product to Tampa, Fla., is not only a step forward for developers and prospective tenants, but it also brings a breath of fresh air in terms of quality space to the supply-constrained Tampa market that hasn’t seen new speculative office development in more than 30 years, according to JLL Senior Vice President Ron Ruffner. The Jacobson Family revealed plans for Crown Tower, a 102,355-square-foot office building set to break ground later this year in the fall, and has selected JLL to manage and lease the Class A property. Ruffner and developer David Jacobson talked to Commercial Property Executive about the Tampa Bay office sector’s current status and how new development will impact the market. “Tampa Office Sector Ready for New Development” – Commercial Property Executive
Mayors Talk Transportation at CREW Event
The mayors of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater agreed Tuesday, as they have before, that not having a better transportation system is the most serious disadvantage the bay area has when it tries to recruit business. That means the region should have bus rapid transit, ride-sharing, autonomous vehicles, “and, yes, for parts of the community, rail has got to be part of the solution,” Buckhorn said. “Rail for urban areas is critical.” In Hillsborough, the County Commission should let voters countywide “choose for themselves what they want their future to look like,” the mayor said. Similarly, he said, the Legislature should let individual cities like Tampa hold referendums on enacting a tax for transportation. Without a dedicated revenue source that can be used to match federal transportation funds and repay money borrowed from the bond market, “we’re just taping it together with duct tape,” Buckhorn said. “Tampa Bay Area Mayors: Transportation Problems Hurt Economic Development” – Tampa Bay Times
Port Tampa Bay CEO Receives Leadership Award
On May 21, The Economic Club of Tampa awarded Port Tampa Bay President/CEO Paul Anderson with its “Economic Leader of the Year Award” at its 2018 Florida Economic Forum Luncheon at the Armature Works. Hillsborough County and Port Tampa Bay Board Commissioner Sandy Murman presented the award to Anderson, calling Port Tampa Bay the crown jewel of economic development for our region. Anderson has served as President/CEO of Port Tampa Bay since January 2013. He has a rich background in both the public and private sectors, with much of it in the maritime industry, including his service as Presidential appointee to the Federal Maritime Commission and as CEO of the Jacksonville Port Authority. Under his leadership at Port Tampa Bay, the downtown Tampa waterfront is being transformed on Port-owned land; working with Jeff Vinik and Strategic Property Partners to rebuild Channelside Bay Plaza and redeveloping land north of the Florida Aquarium. “Port Tampa Bay President/CEO Paul Anderson Receives 2018 Economic Leader of the Year Award” – Benzinga
Tampa Electric to Issue New Bonds
Amid an uptick in improved bond market sentiment, Tampa Electric Co. plans to issue new debt. The Tampa-based electric and gas utility is issuing $350 million in bonds that are due to mature in 2048, according to a prospectus with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company will use the proceeds from the sale to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, working capital and other corporate expenses, a prospectus supplement said. Tampa Electric said previously that it plans higher capital expenses this year, compared to 2017. The company plans to invest about $1.2 billion in capital projects in 2018, compared to $640 million in 2017, primarily because of higher spending on solar projects, according to Tampa Electric’s annual report filed in February. “Tampa Electric Issues $350 Million In New Debt” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Westshore Alliances Hires New Director
Westshore Alliance is pleased to welcome Michael Maurino as Director of Transportation and Planning. Maurino brings more than a decade of experience in government relations and advocating for policies and projects, including transportation improvement strategies. As Director of Transportation and Planning, Maurino will focus on improving mobility options within and to Tampa’s Westshore District. This includes serving as project manager for transportation studies, programs and capital improvement projects for Westshore, as well as advocating for transportation improvements that will positively impact the District. Read the full press release.
USF Ranks Globally for New Patents Granted
The University of South Florida ranks fifth in the nation among public universities for the number of new U.S. patents, the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association announced Tuesday. The rankings put USF at No. 12 globally. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted 116 new patents to USF in 2017, making it competitive with some of the country’s biggest innovation hubs like the University of California system, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University and Stanford University, which all were in the top 10 for patents globally. USF surpassed the University of Florida in the most recent rankings. UF ranked No. 13 worldwide. USF’s patents last year included robotics, mobile detection in blood samples, chemicals to treat Alzheimer’s disease and material that changes color rapidly without any external energy stimulus. “USF Tops Florida Universities In Number Of Patents Generated” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Burr & Forman Partner Becomes Bar President
Burr & Forman LLP announces that Tampa Partner John A. Schifino was recently sworn in as president of The Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA). The official installation of officers and directors took place at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center on Thursday, June 7. As president, Schifino will oversee the HCBA’s more than 30 sections and committees, working with them to provide its members with community service programs, continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, membership programming, and specific practice area education. Schifino will also work closely with the judges in Hillsborough County addressing issues that impact the judicial branch.
Christmas in July with TGH
Christmas in July is a campaign to replenish the toy closet so generously filled during the holidays in December. Items from the toy closet are used by the Children’s Medical Center’s certified Child Life Specialists to provide distractions, comfort, and fun activities to pediatric patients in the Emergency Department, Operation Room, and throughout their hospital stay. There are several ways you can help support the patients in the Children’s Hospital including hosting a toy drive to hosting a Jeans Day at work and donating the contributions to the Child Life Fund. Get started by calling Jocelyn Lister Koenig, CFRE in the TGH Foundation at (813) 844-8217 or email her at jlister@tgh.org.
Tampa Police Active Shooter Presentation
As part of the June 2018 quarterly Community Safety Socials, a Tampa Police Department instructor will provide attendees with strategies, tips, and a suggested plan for surviving an active shooter event. This training is open to all ages, however parental guidance is suggested as parts of the presentation may contain sensitive images and language. Space is limited. Attendees must be pre-registered for this community-based seminar. Each attendee must complete a registration form and select a date and location – June 12, 18, or 21. Click here to register.
New Bagel Concept Coming to South Tampa
With cooling racks for 18 varieties of bagels and founded in 2018, 18 Bagels Co. was born shortly after the two toured the space, previously home to Brooklyn Water Bagel and later rebranded as Nosh. They took over the lease of the space at the corner of Dale Mabry and Kennedy Blvd. in April and are set to open in mid- to late June, though an official date hasn’t been set. Mendelsohn, 34, and Levy, 36, who own Yogurtology together, think they’ve created a concept that can succeed in a space where two previous bagel places have failed. Like Yogurtology, toppings and customer service will be a big focus, and they plan to rotate at least two to three specialty bagels on the menu at any one time. The 18 Bagels Instagram account teased rainbow bagels in early May; Oreo bagels, with cookies-and-cream cream cheese, will be in rotation for the grand opening. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and beyond bagels, there will be breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads. “18 Bagels, A New Concept From Yogurtology Co-Owners, Coming To South Tampa” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Applications Open for Neighborhood Grants
Hillsborough County’s Office of Neighborhood Relations is now accepting applications from neighborhood associations for mini-grants of up to $5,000 for projects aimed at bringing neighbors together and boosting community pride. Applicants are encouraged to be innovative and original. The mini-grants can be put toward a wide variety of projects, such as neighborhood celebrations (no food or drink), children’s programs (not for schools), community gardens, signs and landscaping, crime watch programs, safety equipment, websites, newsletters, and leadership training. Neighborhood, civic, homeowner, and crime watch associations in Hillsborough County that are registered with the Office of Neighborhood Relations are eligible to apply, including those in Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3. Get more information here.
TIA Moves Forward with Next Stage of Expansion
As it moves into the second phase of its master plan, Tampa International Airport approved a $25.2 million contract for the design of the expansion of its curbsides as well as other projects. In its monthly meeting Thursday, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which governs TIA, approved the contract to design the four-lane curb expansion to Hensel Phelps Construction. The project design, which is expected to be completed by December 2022, includes planning, design and permitting. The bulk of the cost — $24.7 million — will be for curbside expansion, the new energy plant and related work. Another $504,000 will go toward replacing the curbside ceilings. TIA is nearing completion of Phase 1 of its $2.6 billion master plan, which expands the airport’s footprint to address its growing passenger traffic. Phase 2 of the master plan is estimated to cost $543 million and is underway. Phase 3 of the master plan features a 16-gate airside terminal. “Tampa International Awards $25.2M Contract In Next Stage Of Expansion” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Tourism Ticks Up in Florida
With Florida coming off a record year for tourism in 2017, newly released numbers indicate sun-seekers continued to flock to the state during the first three months of 2018. Florida drew an estimated 33.2 million visitors from January through March, which was a 7.4 percent increase over the same period in 2017 and is a record quarterly number, Gov. Rick Scott and the tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida said Tuesday. The increase this year was buoyed by 29.1 million domestic visitors, 8.5 percent more than during the first quarter of 2017. The number of Canadian visitors was up 2.5 percent during the quarter, though overseas visitors were down 0.7 percent, according to comparisons posted on the Visit Florida website. “Tourism Numbers Continue To Point Up Across Florida” – Bradenton Herald
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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