Monday Morning Memo

Monday, June 25, 2018

Partnership Presents

Terry Aidman Funeral Services, Our Deepest Condolences

Terry Aidman, age 70 of Tampa died Wednesday, June 20, 2018 suddenly while on a family vacation in Colorado. Mr. Aidman came to Florida from his native Cleveland, Ohio in 1961. He was a leader in the Tampa Bay business community and community at large.  B. Terry Aidman was a business consultant, a Certified Merger and Acquisitions Advisor as well as a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Aidman served as the Managing Partner of a nationally ranked Accounting Firm. Furthermore, he developed a prominent position in Tampa Bay as the Managing Partner of Aidman, Piser & Company. He also previously served as both the Director of Tax Services and as Managing Partner for the Tampa Bay offices of an international accounting firm. “We are heartbroken over the news of Terry Aidman’s passing. He was a true champion of Tampa’s Downtown and we are honored to have had him serve as our 2011 Chairman,” said Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership Acting President and CEO. “Terry was a wonderful leader, mentor, and community partner to all who were lucky enough to know him. We are all saddened by his passing,” said Mickey Jacob, Tampa Downtown Partnership Chairman. Services will be held Friday, June 29. Click here for more information.

Our Annual Meeting is This Wednesday

This Wednesday, June 27, the Tampa Downtown Partnership staff, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors celebrate 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. This year, we are excited to welcome Mayor Bob Buckhorn and past Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, Joe Riley. Over the last half century, Riley has become one of the most important figures in American municipal government. He served in the South Carolina General Assembly from 1969-1974. He has been mayor longer than almost anyone in U.S. history who was elected in non-partisan contests (40 years!). Riley is often credited with saving Charleston after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, aiding the stranded and garnering millions of dollars to repair the city. His administration is also credited with fostering economic growth strategies that have earned Charleston a global reputation as one of the most desirable places in which to live, visit and do business. The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to connect with downtown stakeholders, learn about key issues, and celebrate downtown’s continued growth. Registration closes at 5pm today!

Summer Series is Coming

Running July 1 through August 4, Summer Series in Curtis Hixon Park will feature 12,000 square feet of shade in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown. There will be family-friendly and kid-focused programs throughout the duration of the Summer Series – follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information @TampasDowntown!

How to Get Involved with the Partnership

The Tampa Downtown Partnership has a large and active community of member companies committed to promoting smart growth in downtown and advancing downtown Tampa’s position as the vital urban center for the region. Membership is comprised of a broad range of stakeholders, including national corporations, locally owned businesses, civic organizations, government agencies, downtown property owners, arts and cultural institutions, and a large collection of companies that conduct business downtown. Tampa Downtown Partnership membership provides an opportunity to improve and promote your business, build relationships with downtown community and business leaders, and make your company’s voice heard on key issues. Additionally, the Partnership provides up-to-date data on trends and information that will help you make informed business decisions and provide opportunities for your employees to become involved and connected in Tampa’s downtown community. Would you like to learn more? Contact us today to see how a Membership with the Tampa Downtown Partnership will benefit your business.

Your Downtown Calendar

The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa.  Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list.

AAU Gymnastics National Championship

Thursday, June 28 to Sunday, July 1
Tampa Convention Center
The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. The AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. Now that passion for youth sports comes to Downtown Tampa. Some of the top gymnastics athletes in the country will descend upon the Tampa Convention Center to compete for the top spot! For more information, go to AAU Gymnastics National Championship.

Hackathon Jr.

Saturday, June 30, begins 10am
Glazer Children’s Museum
This event is a coding extravaganza for children ages 9-13. This fun experience will include workshops, mentors, and a coding competition. Participants have the chance to win scholarships from $250 – $1,000! Coding experience is not required to participate. Coders will be divided into groups based on experience level. In the morning, each group will participate in a workshop for their appropriate experience level. In the afternoon, teams will compete against others at the same experience level. For more info, go to Hackathon Jr..

7th Annual Summer Showdown

Saturday, June 30, begins at Noon
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Join Tampa Bay area restaurants in this annual bragging rights competition and fundraiser, which is now on the hunt for the “Best Sammich in the Bay”! A portion of the proceeds will benefit The VooDoo Chef Foundation and their community efforts through the culinary industry. The event is free to attend and each competitor will sell sample sizes of their burgers, sammies, and sides, so guests can pay as they go. Beer, wine, and drinks will be available for purchase. For more info, go to 7th Annual Summer Showdown.

On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) – Through Wednesday, June 27
Rocky IV (1985) – Friday, June 29, 10:30pm to Midnight
Gone With The Wind (1939) – Sunday, July 1, 3pm to 7pm

On Stage at the Straz Center

Menopause The Musical – Wednesday, June 27 to Sunday, July 1
Bring It! LIVE – Sunday, July 1, begins 7pm

On Stage at Jobsite Theater

Dancing at Lughnasa – Through Sunday, July 8

Doing Business in Downtown

Armature Works Sue Ulele and the City of Tampa

In 2013, Tampa restaurateur Richard Gonzmart leased the historic Water Works Building in Tampa Heights from the city of Tampa. The city agreed to include the “cable office building” property next to Ulele in the lease if Ulele proposed a purpose for it. The original lease stated that if they agreed on a use, the lease could include it within three years. However, the lease was amended in 2017 to include the cable office building, which was more than three years after the original lease was signed in 2013. As a result, Armature Works developers sued the city of Tampa and Ulele for allegedly leasing the property next to Ulele without competitive bidding. They argue that the 2011 lease “did not contemplate any properties of buildings other than the Water Works building. Moreover, the city never issued any other requests for proposals regarding the lease, sale of availability of the cable office.” The lawsuit alleges that the lack of notice and opportunity for competition violates state law and makes the lease invalid.
“Armature Works Developers Sue Ulele And City Of Tampa Over Use Of Nearby Building”TBO.com

Lector Social Club Opens in Downtown

Lector Wine Shoppe and Social Club opened last Friday in Downtown with a focus on Tampa’s rich history, literature and natural wine. They offer book-and-bottle pairings in an intimate setting to encourage artistic discussion and cultural engagement. Lector founder Michael Hooker recognizes Tampa’s history of artists and philosophers and wants “to help remember that history and strengthen the bridge between this exchange of different artists and ideas.” Lector Social Club has a variety of cultural events planned and wine bottle prices range from $7 to $67.
“Lector Social Club For Literature And Natural Wine Opens In Downtown Tampa”83degrees

Lightning Announce 2018-19 Schedule

NHL schedules all balance out at the end, but the Lightning will open 2018-19 with five straight home games and end the season with its last four on the road. The Lightning released its schedule Thursday evening for the upcoming season, with all sorts of wrinkles. That opening five-game homestand at Amalie Arena, starting with the Florida Panthers on Oct. 6, is immediately followed by the longest road trip of the season, with five road games in a span of eight days, all against Western Conference opponents.
“2018-19 Schedule Unveiled: Lightning Opens With Five Straight At Home”Tampa Bay Times

Tampa’s Cautious Budget and Future Economic Challenges

Tampa City Council members’ reactions to Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s budget are as cautious as the proposal itself. Buckhorn will not increase property taxes or borrow from the reserve fund, but he does plan to eliminate vacancies, delay equipment purchases and temporarily stop the maintenance on city-owned property. City council members argue that even these proposed measures may take a turn for the worse if the economy unexpectedly declines. Buckhorn will make his final formal budget presentation to the City Council on July 19 before he leaves office in 2019.  He is confident that the measures are straightforward and that residents will not notice a difference. However, the next mayor will have their work cut out for them with the outstanding budget and renewal of union contracts, in addition to normal budget pressures.
“Tampa’s Budget Is Lean And Straightforward This Year But Trouble May Be LoomingTampa Bay Times

Development and Transportation

Downtown Surface Lot to Become Hotel

Plans to transform a surface parking lot in downtown Tampa into a hotel with street-level retail are moving forward, a city official said. New Orleans-based HRI won a bid to redevelop the city-owned lot at 405 E. Kennedy Blvd. in September 2016 with a proposal to build a hotel on the property. The agreement with the city outlines a 17-story, dual-branded hotel with at least 106 rooms franchised as a Hyatt House and at least 239 rooms franchised as a Hyatt Place, along with 3,400 square feet of meeting and event space, a fitness center and rooftop amenity deck with pool. HRI’s closing date on the sale has been extended several times after the developer’s due diligence revealed petroleum contamination — the property was previously home to gas stations, and at least six underground tanks were discovered during the inspection. Environmental cleanup should begin “shortly,” Bob McDonaugh, the city’s chief economic development official.
“New Orleans developer moving forward with plans for prime property in downtown Tampa (Renderings)”Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required) 

Cross Bay Ferry Gets OK to Return

The Hillsborough County Commission voted Wednesday to bring back the ferry service that connects downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg. The board approved $150,000 for the Cross-Bay Ferry 2.0. Both the Pinellas County Commission and Tampa City Council would need to chip in to bring back the service this November. With more than 40,000 riders during its pilot season, the Cross-Bay Ferry creates a ridership accustomed to commuting by boat Kriseman said. That, he added, prepares them for another Tampa Bay area ferry service. Earlier Wednesday, the commissioners voted to move forward with an updated feasibility study on a ferry to take commuters from south Hillsborough County to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Commissioners voted to spend $170,000 toward research to determine whether the project is viable.
“Hillsborough Commissioners Vote In Favor Of Ferry Lines”WUSF

Novel Riverwalk Opens to Residents

The first residents have moved into Novel Riverwalk, the newest apartment building to open in downtown Tampa. Novel Riverwalk, developed by Charlotte-based Crescent Communities, has 394 apartments that range from 528 to 1,510 square feet. It is at 109. W Fortune St., on the northern end of downtown Tampa, near the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk and just north of the David A. Straz Jr. Center for Performing Arts. For the 528-square-foot studio, rents start at $1,446, according to Novel’s website. The apartment building is offering one month of free rent to entice potential tenants. One-bedroom rents start at $1,559; $2,102 for a two-bedroom; and $3,329 for a three-bedroom. The community includes two infinity pools as well as common areas that include private events space and a Zen garden.
“Downtown Tampa’s Newest Apartments Are Open (Photos)”Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

53-Story Tower Prices Announced

The future of Downtown Tampa is about to change with a new mixed-used tower being developed on the Riverwalk. Riverwalk Place will offer residents luxury living inside a 53-story tower. Once complete, developers say the building, with offices, restaurants and retail, will be the tallest on the Gulf Coast. Prices for the luxury condos start at $600,000 for “live-work residents” – those who work from home. Top floor condos with breathtaking views star on the 22nd floor with prices ranging from $700,000 to $1.75 million. Penthouses are well over $2 million, but can cost even more.
“New Mixed-Use Tower To Bring Luxury Living To Downtown Tampa”WTSP 10 News

New Building Proposed in Channel District

One of the last remaining industrial blocks in downtown Tampa’s Channel district is being targeted for a new mid-rise building that will include apartments, street-level retail and self-storage space. A joint venture of developers — Tampa’s Framework Group and MTC Corp. of Atlanta — have proposed an eight-story, 314,370-square-foot building at 111 N Meridian Ave., according to plans filed with the city on Friday. The partnership is under contract to buy that block of North Meridian Avenue, from East Whiting Street to East Washington Street, as well as the property along East Whiting Street between Meridian Avenue and North 11th Street, said Rob Gidel, an attorney with Gardner Brewer Martinez-Monfort.
Mixed-Use, 8-Story Building Proposed On Prime Corner In Tampa’s Channel District”Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

Citizens Petition for Transit Tax

A citizens group called All For Transportation announced last week it will launch a petition drive to put a 1-cent sales tax increase in Hillsborough on the November ballot. Organizers are going the petition route because they see no chance that the Hillsborough County Commission will put a transit tax before voters. The commission pulled the plug on a transit referendum in 2016, and organizers said they don’t want to again waste years fashioning a transit package that never makes it to the voters. The group filed its paperwork Friday with the county elections supervisor and has until July 27 to submit the 49,000 signatures needed to get the initiative on the ballot. Under the plan, the county sales tax would increase to eight cents on the dollar, beginning in 2019, for 30 years.
“Editorial: Encouraging Private Citizens To Step Up On Transit”Tampa Bay Times

Member Corner

Tampa Theatre’s Annual BeerFest on July 21

The Seventh Annual Beerfest will take place on Saturday, July 21 to help fund the Tampa Theatre’s artistic programs. Local brewers will serve their own craft beers and some of Tampa’s top restaurants will provide snacks. This year’s theme is “Hop Gun”.  “BeerFest guests are invited to don their beer goggles (that is what is on the front of a flight helmet, right?), dress as their favorite Top Gun character, or come in a costume inspired by the movie,” said Jill Witecki of the Tampa Theatre. The BeerFest will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Tampa Theatre. Premium tasting tickets are $65 and tickets for the grand sampling are $40. Both are available at the Tampa Theatre Box office located Downtown or at www.tampatheatre.org. Advance ticket sales end Friday, July 20.
“Tampa Theatre To Hold Annual BeerFest Featuring Theme Of Hop GunOsprey Observer

TBARTA Executive Director Resigns

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) held an emergency board meeting on Friday morning, June 22, where it unanimously appointed the Principal Planner and Project Manager, Michael Case, as interim executive director. He replaces Ramond Chiaramonte, who announced his official resignation earlier in the same meeting. Chiaramonte was hired as executive director of TBARTA in January 2015 after a 6-month nationwide search. Chiaramonte announced earlier this year that he would not reapply for the position once his contract expires in February 2019 but expedited his departure after deciding to run for Hillsborough County Commission. TBARTA is currently conducting a nationwide search for a new, permanent executive director, with the recruiting firm Krauthamer and Associates. Case will begin serving in the interim director role effective today. This is Case’s second promotion with the agency, starting in October 2015 as a Senior Planner, and moving to Principal Planner and Project Manager in October 2016. More information on the TBARTA Executive Director Recruitment process is available online.

TGH to Offer Improved CPR Program

Tampa General Hospital will soon be the first acute care hospital in Tampa Bay to implement the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI®) program, with a go-live date of July 2, 2018. The RQI program has been developed through a unique collaboration between the Association and Laerdal Medical. The Association provides expertise in evidence-based research and best-practice guidance, and Laerdal Medical provides proven simulation/learning technology. Using a variety of learning tools with an emphasis on mastering skills through low-dose, high-frequency sessions and performance feedback, the RQI program offers three components: cognitive, psychomotor skills and simulated patient cases.
“Tampa General Hospital first acute care hospital in Tampa Bay to offer American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Quality Improvement Program”Tampa Bay Newswire

New Rays Ballpark Naming Rights

In March, Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg said a $25 million naming rights deal would enable the team to pitch in as much as $400 million toward a new ballpark. Estimates for a naming rights deal for a new Rays ballpark in Ybor City range from $3 million to $10 million per year, according to sports economists and a consultant contacted by the Tampa Bay Times. The final amount matters. The guarantee of annual cash flow can be used to borrow money for construction of a new ballpark, which could cost upwards of $800 million. A long-term, $10 million-a-year deal could raise about $95 million up front, said Vanderbilt University sports economist John Vrooman. Local civic and elected leaders have said the private sector will need to step up to help a Rays relocation succeed. That could range from season ticket purchases up to a naming rights deal. The private outreach effort, spearheaded by the group Tampa Bay 2020, is in its infancy but initial responses have been encouraging, said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan.
“What Name Would A New Rays Stadium Carry? It’s A Multi-Million Dollar Question”Tampa Bay Times

ChappellRoberts Grows Agency Talent

ChappellRoberts, the agency of record for notable clients such as Florida Cancer Specialists, PSCU, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, has grown its team by promoting current employees as well as adding new members. The Ybor City-based agency promoted Anne Myers to senior account executive and Tommy Eliason to junior art director, and hired Morgan Baruth, digital media buyer, Pat Floyd, art director, and Aaren Field, office relations specialist. Promoted to senior account executive, Anne Myers will leverage her extensive experience to provide strategic counsel and leadership across her accounts in real estate development and nonprofit industries. In addition, she will expand her responsibilities within the ChappellRoberts research division. With more than 10 years of industry experience, Myers possesses a strong background in corporate marketing, research and data analysis.
“ChappellRoberts Grows Agency Talent” Tampa Bay Newswire

Around Town

Demolition for Midtown Tampa Begins

The first phase of the multimillion-dollar Midtown Tampa project began Sunday as crews started to demolish an old office building at the corner of Interstate 275 and North Dale Mabry Boulevard. The project is billed as a link between downtown Tampa and the city’s booming Westshore area. Today’s demolition was supposed to be a milestone for the project; instead it turned out to be a temporary road block. The plan for the five-story office space was supposed to be taken it down in 30 seconds, but hours later, it still stood. When completed, Midtown Tampa will boast 22 acres of residential, retail, and entertainment space.
“Demolition To Make Way For New Tampa Development”FOX 13

Volunteer for Firework Cleanup

We all enjoy our time celebrating America’s birthday with picnics, libations and sparklers, but the time comes when we must clean up after the party. Join your fellow Tampa Bay residents in helping to protect our waterways from becoming an explosion of unsightly litter. Cleanup will be on July 5 from 9am until 11am at three locations; Courtney Campbell Causeway, Cypress Point Park, and Picnic Island Park. Register today! This is a great opportunity for students to earn service hours during the summer.

Tampa City Council Seeks Applications

The members of the City Council of the City of Tampa are seeking citizens to serve on several City of Tampa Boards and Commissions such as the Architectural Review Commission, Barrio Latino Commission, and the Historic Preservation Commission. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00 p.m. on Friday-July 20, 2018 in the Office of the City Clerk, Old City Hall, 315 East Kennedy Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Tampa, Florida. Click here for more information on open positions and here to fill out the application.

TIA Named Best for Business Travelers

Tampa International Airport was named among the best airports in the country for business travelers, according to TravelBank. TIA was ranked 12th behind two other Florida airports: Miami International (No. 8) and Orlando International Airport (No. 9). But, Tampa was ahead of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, which ranked 18th. TravelBank, which makes travel and expense system software for businesses, looked at five factors in this inaugural ranking. The company looked at on-time arrivals performance in 2017 and airport transit to and from specific downtown locations including average public transportation travel times and prices, average drive time, and cost of pre-booked UberX rides.
“Tampa International Named Among The Best Airports For Business Travelers” Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)

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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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