Downtown Development Forum
The 22nd Annual Downtown Development Forum is taking place March 23 at the Tampa Convention Center. This half-day event focuses on the exploration of innovative ideas in urban development and serves as a catalyst for discussion and problem solving for major urban issues. Join us to hear from developers and industry experts on the front lines of the most significant projects in downtown including sports and learn about Tampa’s city center progress in economic development, higher education, and commercial and residential development. Learn more about the event including panelists and presenters, and register today!
Celebrate Bike Month
In honor of bike month (and our fabulous weather), take a few minutes to figure out whether a bike commute could make sense for you. If you live within five miles of Downtown, here are a few resources to help:
Check out the full calendar here for featured biking events happening in your neighborhood.
Farewell and Best Wishes, Jonathan
On behalf of the Tampa Downtown Guides, Clean Team, Staff, and Board of Directors, we thank you, Jonathan, for your five years of services as a Tampa Downtown Guide. Jonathan is fulfilling his dream of being in law enforcement by joining the Florida Highway Patrol. Good luck on your six months of training at the Police Academy in Tallahassee!
Q: What was your most memorable memory of being a Guide?
A: Working Gasparilla for the first time. I had never attended Gasparilla before and it was really cool to experience the invasion and see all the fun everyone was having in Downtown.
Q: What are you most excited about for Downtown Tampa in the coming years?
A: I’m really looking forward to seeing the new Channelside Bay Plaza. I remember going there when it was first built and how much fun it was. Then seeing it struggle was tough. I’m really excited about seeing what SPP does with that space.
Q: What change do you think has impacted Tampa’s Downtown the most over the years?
A: I’d say the addition of all the residential buildings and also the Riverwalk. There are a lot more people living Downtown – it’s cool to see them out walking their dogs or just walking the Riverwalk.
Win Two Tickets to the Strawberry Festival
Tampa Downtown Partnership is giving away a set of tickets to the Strawberry Festival! Enter to win by posting a photo of your favorite thing about Downtown Tampa on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to tag @TampasDowntown! The winner will be announced Tuesday at noon!
Volunteers Needed for the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest
Join us for the 7th Annual Mayor’s River O’Green Fest, presented by Grow Financial, on Saturday, March 17! In partnership with the City of Tampa, this signature event of the Tampa Downtown Partnership takes place in the beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The party is centered around the Hillsborough River, which will be transformed into a bright shade of green for the occasion. The river provides a perfect backdrop to the celebration which includes live entertainment, games, kids’ activities, food trucks, and of course, beer! Interested in volunteering during this fun-filled day? Sign-up today! Your help ensures we are able to keep these events fun and free to attend.
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
Wait For Your Laugh (2018)
Tuesday, March 6 to Thursday, March 8 Tampa Theatre This film documents Rose Marie, who had the longest show business career ever. 94 years old at the time of the film’s production, she was a headlining singer in major theaters by the age of three. But telling a story of this scale makes for more than just a bio-pic. The film presents a cross-section of the last century of popular entertainment, moving from the bedrock of Vaudeville and stage performance through the strata of early radio comedy, the rise of Las Vegas, and the eventual birth of the television sitcom. For more information, go to Wait For Your Laugh (2018).
Fight For Air Climb 2018
Saturday, March 10, begins 8am Bank of America Plaza Fight for Air Climbs are the American Lung Association’s most unique fundraisers. Climbs take place in prominent skyscrapers and involve walking, running, or racing up hundreds of steps. Sometimes called a “vertical road race”, teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends. For more information, go to Fight For Air Climb 2018.
Maven Market Channel District
Saturday, March 10, begins at Noon Maven Market Channel District At this monthly market, over 50 unique artisans, makers, and vendors will be purveying food, beauty products, home decor, and more. Enjoy food, live music, raffles, and interactive art with two lots full of vintage and antique collectibles. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to Maven Market Channel District.
Gasparilla Music Festival
Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park National and local artists will descend upon one of Downtown Tampa’s finest parks for a 2-day festival supporting music education through the Recycled Tunes program. See a variety of acts across different genres and experience wonderful live music along the river. The Tonight Show’s The Roots and indie rock heroes Father John Misty and Spoon top the bill, and Imagination Movers will headline the children’s portion of the festival. For more information, go to Gasparilla Music Festival.
Taking the Stage at the Straz Center
Forever Plaid – Through Sunday, March 11 The Color Purple – Tuesday, March 6 to Sunday, March 11 Blame It On Bianca – Wednesday, March 7, begins 8pm HIR (at Jobsite Theater) – Wednesday, March 7, begins 8pm A Wild Life with Bertie Gregory, photographer and filmmaker – Thursday, March 8, begins 7pm The United States Army Field Band – Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus – Friday, March 9, begins 7:30pm Angie Rey – Live & Local – Saturday, March 10, 6:45pm to 8:45pm Lippo the Clown’s Small Family Circus – Saturday, March 10, begins 11am Tampa Bay Symphony “East Meets West” – Sunday, March 11, begins 2:30pm
This Week at Amalie Arena
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers – Tuesday, March 6, begins 7:30pm Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers – Thursday, March 8, begins 7:30pm Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens – Saturday, March 10, begins 1pm
Bolts and Florida Blue Release Cookbook
Tampa Bay Lightning fans can now eat like their favorite players with the launch of Bolts Blue Flame: Cooking with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fans can prepare Italian sliders inspired by Steven Stamkos, chicken parmigiana from Ryan Callahan, shrimp and sausage Cajun dumplings from Brayden Point and more delectable dishes from their favorite Lightning players and personalities. Created in conjunction with Florida Blue, the cookbook not only provides fans with delicious recipes, but also an insider’s perspective into their eating habits, family traditions, favorite foods and more, such as Callahan sharing his favorite cheat meal is a “Garbage Plate” from back home.
Small Businesses in Tampa Are on Track for Success
More than 70 percent of the Tampa Bay small business owners taking part in a national initiative to grow their companies will get capital within a year of completing the program. About 80 percent will get capital within two years, said Steve Grossman, CEO of Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, at the startup seminar Wednesday for the organization’s Inner City Capital Connections. ICIC, a Boston-based nonprofit that focuses on businesses in the urban core, partnered with Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE: RF) to present the daylong event in downtown Tampa. It featured experts from Harvard Business School, Dartmouth College, Northwestern University and other institutions, talking about topics ranging from creating a competitive business advantage and marketing to securing financial backing and hiring workers. The 118 “urban entrepreneurs” participating in the Tampa Inner City Capital Connections program make up the largest group to register for the program to date, and Tampa is the first Florida city to host the program, Grossman said. “What the CEO Of An Urban Entrepreneurship Group Told Tampa Bay Small Business Owners About Funding (Video)” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Don Me Now Moves to Channelside
Pop the bubbly! Just when you thought Downtown Tampa couldn’t get any cooler, enter Don Me Now. Formerly located in Hyde Park Village, this trendy boutique is making its debut in the Fitzgerald building in Tampa’s Channelside District and adding a champagne bar. On February 24th Don Me Now hosted its grand opening, with the bubbles popping as much as the party. Shoppers sipped and selfied their way through the store and experienced something completely new to the neighborhood. Don Me Now is now located at 1211 E. Kennedy Blvd, so after you shop till you drop, grab your friends and head across the street to Cena for an award-winning Italian dinner or pop over to City Dog Cantina one of their famous burritos. Downtown Tampa and Channelside just keep getting better and better, and Don Me Now’s boutique and champagne bar is total proof of that. What are you waiting for? Pop on over there, and they’ll pop you some bubbly! “Pop the Bubbly! Don Me Now Champagne Bar and Boutique Moves to Channelside!” – 813Area
Crunch Fitness Opens Channelside Location
Crunch fitness recently opened its newest state-of-the-art facility, adding upgraded features to the former Powerhouse Gym location at 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., Suite 129. Crunch offers a new fitness experience with upgraded tanning, zero enrollment membership specials, more than 40 group fitness classes a week, a designated cardio and strength training area as well as HydroMassage beds and a private stretching area. Crunch fitness prides itself on its relationship with its members and its distinct perks program offering members discounts at several local businesses and restaurants. Deals include 50 percent off tickets to the Florida Aquarium, up to 20 percent off Tampa Bay Buccaneers single game tickets, or 10 percent off at restaurants like Acropolis Greek Taverna and Black Rock Bar & Grill. “Crunch Fitness Opens Channelside Location” – Tampa Bay Times
Irish 31 Coming to Nine15
Irish 31, the Tampa-based chain of upscale Irish pubs, is planning a location in the heart of the urban core. Owner Jay Mize said Friday that he’s signed a lease for 2,800 square feet on the ground floor of Nine15, a 23-story apartment tower that opened in late 2017. His pubs average around $850,000 in construction costs, and he plans to be open in the fall. Irish 31, the Tampa-based chain of upscale Irish pubs, is planning a location in the heart of the urban core. Owner Jay Mize said Friday that he’s signed a lease for 2,800 square feet on the ground floor of Nine15, a 23-story apartment tower that opened in late 2017. His pubs average around $850,000 in construction costs, and he plans to be open in the fall. “Irish 31 to Open In Downtown Tampa” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Channel Club and Publix on Track for Fall Opening
A transformation is underway in the Channel District just south of Ybor City and east of Tampa’s downtown. Dominating the landscape is the 23-story Channel Club, a $90 million mixed-use project easily visible from the Selmon Expressway. The roof went on this month, and construction at the 37,000 square feet complex is on track for leasing, beginning in June and they hope to have people moving in by September when the Publix is also set to open. Construction began last September at Channel Club at 1105 E. Twiggs St. in this former warehouse district near Port Tampa Bay, which is transitioning into one of the Tampa Bay Area’s hottest urban scenes led by a residential neighborhood that is increasingly home to start-up companies, art venues and locally-owned restaurants, pubs and shops. The complex features 324 apartment units, a restaurant, fitness center, and hair salon, making it a “truly walkable community,” Stoltenberg says. “Channel Club, New Grocery Opening Soon In Downtown Tampa” – 83 Degrees
Tampa Bay Next Hosts Community Open House
On Thursday, March 8, Tampa Bay Next will be giving an update to the Downtown Tampa and Urban /core Area plan. Stop by anytime between 6:30pm and 8:30pm to ask questions, gather information or share concerns. The event will take place at Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave. Learn more about future changes proposed for roads, bike and pedestrian improvements, transit and more. For more information, visit tampabaynext.com.
Business Leaders Push to Move Rays to Ybor
Chuck Sykes, CEO of Sykes Enterprises and Ron Christaldi, Partner at Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, are the co-founders of Tampa Bay Rays 2020, a new organization that aims to build community and business support in bringing the Tampa Bay Rays to Hillsborough County. Christaldi and Sykes are former Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board Chairs and emphasize that a primary focus of the new organization is to garner business pledges for a new ballpark. Through an online petition, the group is also seeking community support in bringing the Rays to Ybor City. Visit the website to get more information and to sign the petition.
Going Car-Less Takes Planning
The annual commuter challenge asks drivers to leave the car behind for a week. Could you do it? Transit initiatives come and go with little success in this area, yet city planners and transportation agencies continue to envision a Tampa Bay filled with transit options. Last year was the first year of the Commuter Challenge and it was just the planning commission and its staff that participated. But it went so well that this year they were able to get folks from the City of Tampa, from Center for Urban Transportation at University of South Florida and members of the airport staff to ditch their car and find other ways to work. Melissa Zornitta, executive director of Plan Hillsborough, said going car-less for a week takes preparation. “Getting There: Can You Ditch Your Car for a Week?” – Bay News 9
Tampa Tests Self-Driving Vehicles
It stopped at red lights. It avoided a jay-walker. It yielded to another car. A self-driving vehicle seamlessly blended in with other traffic as it made its debut in downtown Tampa. “It did everything you’d expect a normal vehicle driven by a human being to do,” said Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority CEO Jeffrey Seward, who went for a spin. May Mobility, based in Michigan, brought the six-passenger vehicle to Tampa to test it out. HART wants at least five autonomous vehicles on the streets by the end of the summer as part of a test program. If it takes off, it could serve as another way to get around. “A Glimpse Of The Future: City Of Tampa Tests Self-Driving Vehicles” – News Channel 8
The $3 Billion Project Transforming Downtown
Despite experiencing above-average growth and being larger and denser than its Southern peer cities—including cities like Charlotte, Austin, and Nashville—Tampa has lagged in developing its downtown. With roughly 58,000 people moving to the city of Tampa in 2016 alone, the region stands out as an example of accelerating U.S. growth. New residents and employers are moving to the area and looking to rent office and residential spaces located in dynamic urban neighborhoods with exciting work-and-play amenities. SPP is focused on changing that with the construction of Water Street Tampa, an enormous $3 billion redevelopment project set to give an urban facelift to Tampa’s skyline and double the downtown area in size. Although cities across the United States are responding to increased demand in urban areas, the scale and diversity of Water Street are unparalleled. Nine million square feet will be developed into two hotels, along with 3,500 residential units, 1 million square feet of cultural and retail space, and 2 million square feet of office space to be spread out over 53 acres in 18 different buildings that sit right on the bay. “The $3 Billion Project Transforming Downtown Tampa” – Urban Land
Enjoy Good Coffee for a Good Cause
Where Love Grows is honored to be the recipient of proceeds from the No. 3 Blend, a charitable collaboration between Kahwa Coffee and three-time All-Star baseball player, Evan Longoria. Created to benefit local causes, 100% of profits from the sale of each bag online or in Kahwa locations will go to Where Love Grows from now until the end of March. Where Love Grows fights childhood hunger through a family dinner night program and mobile cooking classes. To learn more visit www.wherelovegrows.org.
Hillsborough County Offers Block Grant Scholarships
Achieving a higher education is an important life goal for young people and their families. Hillsborough County Social Services has partnered with the Community Action Board to offer scholarships for up to $5,000 to eligible students wishing to continue their education by attending an institution of higher learning. Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 school year will be accepted through Friday, March 30, 2018. Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may be awarded a scholarship. Application materials can be downloaded on the Scholarship Application page on the County website. Detailed instructions on how to apply can also be found on the page. Students may submit completed applications online, via mail, or deliver applications in person to any County Community Resource Center.
TMA Studio Registration Now Open Join the Tampa Museum of Art for studio art courses inspired by special exhibitions! Experience engaging small classes taught by professional teachers and active artists in the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Museum of Art studio courses, presented in partnership with Hillsborough County, begin the week of March 5. Session 2 multi-week classes include: Oil Pastel Exploration, Pursuit in Printmaking, and Jewelry for Beginners. Session 2 one-day workshops include: Calligraphy and Open Drawing Studio. Pre-registration is required for all studio program offerings. Visit TampaMuseum.org/TMAstudio for class descriptions, teachers, required materials lists and to register. For more information, contact us via email at Studio@TampaMuseum.org or call 813.421.8385.
Hill Ward Henderson Welcomes Shareholder
Hill Ward Henderson is pleased to welcome Trey Baldy as a Shareholder in the firm’s Corporate & Tax Group. Mr. Baldy’s practice is primarily focused on commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property transactions. Mr. Baldy is a veteran corporate attorney with significant experience in all aspects of asset-based, and cash flow financings, business acquisitions, and technology licensing. For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at www.hwhlaw.com.
Tindale Oliver Congratulates President and CEO
Congratulations to Tindale Oliver President and CEO, Steve Tindale, P.E, AICP. The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the professional institute of the American Planning Association (APA), announced that Steve has been elected to the College of Fellows of AICP. This recognition speaks to his accomplishments and contributions to the planning profession over the past 50 years. He will become a Fellow upon his induction during the 2018 Induction Ceremony in New Orleans on April 22, 2018.
ChappellRoberts Wins Top ADDY Awards
ChappellRoberts, the agency of record for regional, national and global clients including Florida Cancer Specialists, Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Feeding Tampa Bay and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, was recognized for its high caliber work across a diverse range of mediums and industries at the annual American Advertising Federation Tampa Bay Awards. The full-service, integrated agency won a Best of Bay award for print advertising along with seven other ADDY awards. The Best of the Bay is the competition’s top award in each category. The Florida Cancer Specialists Stories of Hope print campaign received the coveted recognition for its newspaper execution which was part of an integrated campaign that included TV, digital and out of home elements. The print campaign features the candid stories of cancer survivors and how Florida Cancer Specialists provided life-saving care and expertise. To view ChappellRoberts ADDY-award winning work, please visit http://bit.ly/2EKh7il.
Tampa Ranks in Best Cities Report
Bestcities.org ranks Tampa as 33rd in the top 100 of Places and 72 overall in the top 100 Cities Report. “It means their natural and built environment are both in synch: Tampa has great air quality (#8 in the world), pleasant weather in its 361 days of sunshine per year (#56), and sprawling, diverse parks (#45), including, of course, nearby beaches like de Soto Park and Clearwater Beach. Chief among the parklands is the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile continuous waterfront corridor along the banks of the Hillsborough River and the Garrison Channel. It’s bookended by the Florida Aquarium and the popular Ulele restaurant; in between, there’s the Tampa History Center, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the convention center, and other stops of interest that contribute to Tampa’s #54 ranking in Attractions. In early 2018, another park will be added to the mosaic of green spaces along the RiverWalk: The Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park’s 23 acres invite visitors to get onto the water, rather than simply admiring it, via row boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The shoreline provides plenty of waterfront entertainment spaces for landlubbers.” View Tampa’s ranking and the full report.
Southeastern Guide Dogs Silent Auction
Southeastern Guide Dogs Tampa are hosting a Walkathon to raise funds to help open new doors of independence for their graduates, and offer them the gift of the best guide dogs in the world. As with all of our Walkathon events, participants will enjoy a 3K walk, music, local vendors, our Southeastern Guide Dogs Gift Shop, Silent Auction and family-friendly fun! The event kicks off at Al Lopez Park in Tampa at 8:30am on April 14. Visit their Facebook event for more information.
Ford Launching Autonomous Delivery Business in Miami
Ford is laying the groundwork for its autonomous vehicle business in Miami, Fla. It’s a three-pronged approach that is still in its infancy, but includes a delivery pilot in partnership with Dominos and Postmates, testing self-driving cars around the city and setting up a fleet-management center. Without drivers, the company has to determine who or what will take on both the responsibility and the costs of maintaining these vehicles. Other companies have opted to work with car-rental companies with an existing network of locations. Alphabet’s self-driving arm, Waymo, for instance partnered with Avis — a deal that gives Waymo access to places to store their cars when they’re not in use, as well as a nationwide web of maintenance and repair shops. Apple, long rumored to be working on self-driving cars, struck a deal with Hertz. General Motors, on the other hand, operates its own car-sharing service called Maven that could serve the same purpose for its self-driving arm, Cruise. “Ford Is Setting Up For An Autonomous Ride-Hail And Delivery Business In Miami” – Recode
Tampa Citizens Review Board Launches Survey
The Tampa Citizens Review Board (“CRB”) invites members of the Tampa Bay community to give constructive feedback on the practices and performance of the Tampa Police Department. The anonymous survey is designed to collect information on the public’s experiences with the Police Department. It was created by the CRB in cooperation with the Policing Project. The survey can be found at TampaCRBSurvey.org. Responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on March 16, 2018. At the end of the public input process, the Policing Project will prepare a report for the CRB summarizing all of the feedback received. All members of the Tampa Bay community are encouraged to respond to the survey. “Tampa Citizens Review Board Launches Community Survey” – Tampa Bay Newswire
Save 35% on Cirque Du Soleil VOLTA
Only two weeks remain before the tents close at Cirque du Soleil in Tampa. Don’t miss your chance to see VOLTA live! Beginning Tuesday, you can purchase tickets to the show and save 35% on weekday shows and 30% on weekend shows. No promo code necessary! To take advantage – simply visit this link: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/tampa/deals
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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