Be a Volunteer at Riverfront Rock! To celebrate the opening of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, the City of Tampa, in conjunction the Tampa Downtown Partnership, will be hosting a weekend full of celebration. The two-days will host free family friendly park activation , iconic Tampa events like the Mayor’s Mac & Cheese Throwdown and the Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park, and a FREE concert by Third Eye Blind on Saturday. In order for all of this to happen we need your help. Click here to view the volunteer shifts we have available all weekend. Multiple options available. Help us spread the word. Sign up and bring a friend or bring your mom, to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend.
Save the Date, Annual Meeting 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, 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. Registration and an exciting keynote speaker to be announced soon!
Downtown Debriefing – The Hillsborough River: Downtown’s Connection Join us on Tuesday, May 22 from 7:30am until 9am for our final Downtown Debriefing Series being held at the Boat House in Julian B. Lane Waterfront Park. Attendees will hear about the activation of the waterfront and the importance the Hillsborough River plays in downtown development and the region. The Downtown Debriefing Series features eight breakfast events annually, focusing on important development issues that impact Downtown including topics such as the Downtown Residential Experience, the importance of smart planning, sustainability, arts & culture, transportation Initiatives, City of Tampa updates and other important issues. To register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=thrbnadab&oeidk=a07efcse5w2653aeab6
Welcome, New Board Members Tampa Downtown Partnership staff, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee wish to welcome the following to our Board of Directors; Abbey Dohring Ahern of the Dohring Group, Josh Christensen of Suffolk Construction, Tim Koletic of Fifth Third Bank, Owen LaFave of The Bank of Tampa, Dr. Charles Lockwood of USF Health, Barry Oaks of Cushman & Wakefield, Bryan Wilson of The Beck Group, and Jin Liu of Carlton Fields. Our Board of Directors represent significant downtown shareholders and help to guide the Partnership’s mission and strategic objectives. Learn more about our Board of Directors here.
Introducing our New Events Coordinator Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to welcome Ivy Niven as the Events Coordinator to the not-for-profit organization. The Events Coordinator is a new position at the Tampa Downtown Partnership reflecting the organization’s focus on developing quality events for its members, downtown stakeholders and collective community. “Our organization continues to evaluate the services and programs we offer,” said Lynda Remund, Acting CEO & President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’re excited to have a position that is dedicated to the day-to-day management of our events to ensure they maintain and build on the value our attendees have come to expect.” As Events Coordinator, Niven will be responsible for organizing events and meetings related to membership development and community engagement. She will coordinate and oversee all aspects of event planning, including signature events like the Annual Downtown Development, Annual Luncheon and Meeting, Debriefing Series, Urban Excellence Awards, and Member-Exclusive events. Read the full press release.
Lynda Remund Joins Downtown Assoc. Elite We are pleased to announce that Acting CEO and President, Lynda Remund, has been selected as one of the industry’s brightest professionals for the International Downtown Association’s 2018 Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. Remund is one of 30 senior staff members that hail from three countries and 21 provinces or states, including Cape Town (South Africa), Calgary (Alberta), Honolulu, New York City, Anchorage, Sioux Falls, Sacramento, Houston and Denver. This is the only program of its kind created specifically for urban place management professionals. The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program bringing together a cohort of International Downtown Association (IDA) professionals from within the urban district management industry. Remund and her fellows will learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships. “The International Downtown Association is looking to build the future of our industry, and these accomplished executives are the rising stars of our profession,” said David Downey, President and CEO of IDA. Read the full press release.
We’re Hiring – Join Us Tampa Downtown Partnership is looking for a detail-orientated person with sound judgement and a solid background in accounting with strong organizational skills to fill the role of Bookkeeper and Executive Assistant. This position requires strong reasoning skills and good analytical and problem-solving abilities. The Bookkeeper and Executive Assistant will perform administrative duties to support the President and CEO, manage the duties of the Administrative Assistant, as well as provide some human resource support. The Partnership offers fully paid Health and Dental benefits, Life Insurance, Paid-Time-Off, matching 401K, and a commuter parking allowance. View the full job description. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to Lynda Remund, Acting CEO and President.
The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa. Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list.
James and the Giant Peach Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 20 Stageworks Theatre When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach… and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities. Thanks to James’ quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. For more information, go to James and the Giant Peach.
RBG (2018) Friday, May 11 to Thursday, May 17 Tampa Theatre A pioneer for women in her career, a powerful voice for fairness in the workplace and in society as a whole, and a hero who, at the age of 85, has had a book published about her hardcore workout routine, RBG tells the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s rise to tremendous influence and leadership while also transforming herself into an unexpected pop culture icon. For more information, go to RBG (2018).
Riverfront Rock Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 Julian B Lane Riverfront Park Julian B Lane Riverfront Park will open to the public featuring a series of very special events and musical talent. This 25 acre park features relaxing water views, dynamic public art, sports fields/courts, picnic areas, and a large rowing center. Little visitors can enjoy the new playground and splash pad. In addition, this park will serve as one of the city’s premium event spaces, able to accommodate up to 16,000 people in a single lawn. From recreation to leisure, Riverfront Park has something for everyone! For more information, go to Riverfront Rock.
This Week at Amalie Arena James Taylor with special guest Bonnie Raitt – Saturday, May 12, begins 7:30pm
Taking the Stage at the Straz Center Spring Music Spectacular: Around the World in 90 Minutes – Tuesday, May 8, begins 7pm That’s the Spirit – Thursday, May 10, begins 6:30pm Evening of Dance – Friday, May 11, begins 6:30pm Nick Swardson – Friday, May 11, begins 8pm Always & Forever: An Evening of Luther Vandross starring Ruben Studdard – Saturday, May 12, begins 8pm Darci Lynne and Friends Live – Saturday, May 12, begins 7pm The Sandi Sylver Puppet Show – Saturday, May 12, begins 11am Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet – Sunday, May 13, begins 10am Mike Birbiglia: The New One – Sunday, May 13, begins 7pm
On Stage at Jobsite Theater 1984 – Through Sunday, May 20
Urban Lifestyle Challenges for Tampa Bay The hottest real estate markets today are in downtown urban cores in cities across the country, including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The situation poses challenges for communities competing for the best and the brightest in a global marketplace. As demand pushes rents higher and higher, young professionals and creatives — the very segment of the population that community and business leaders especially want to attract — risk getting pushed out of the market. Several developers and change-makers across Tampa Bay are seeking to address this issue. “Urban lifestyle challenge: Building sweet digs millennials can afford.”– 83 Degrees Media
The Florida Aquarium Ranks High Florida Aquarium was named No. 3 in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Aquarium. The Florida Aquarium was among 19 other aquariums nominated by a panel of experts to represent the best aquariums in North America. It was also the only aquarium representing Florida in the Best Aquariums category.
“To be nationally recognized in the top three is both exciting and humbling in view of the other world-class aquariums that were in consideration,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “This vote further signifies we’re doing our part to protect and restore our blue planet for future generations.” “See where USA Today ranks the Florida Aquarium among its peers.” –Tampa Bay Business Journal
Mayor Seeks Federal Funding for Stadium The Tampa Rays are hoping to build their new stadium in Ybor City. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn sent a letter this week to Florida Governor Rick Scott, asking the area be designated as an economic opportunity zone. The designation would allow some federal incentives to be used for stadium construction. The incentives would offer tax credits that would allow investors in the stadium to receive a federal tax reduction. “Buckhorn seeks federal incentives for new Rays stadium construction.” –WFLA
Low Vacancy Rates for Tampa Tampa’s office market has benefited from a relative lack of new construction and solid job creation over the past four years, which has whittled down vacancies, pushed up rents and added significant value for owners looking to sell to new investors.
Vacancy rate for Tampa Central Business District and Westshore submarkets at the end of the first quarter, mirroring that of the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg market for the first three months of 2018. At the start of 2013, the rate marketwide was 13.1%. “Tampa office vacancy at 6.7% at end of first quarter” –Business Observer
University of Tampa Plans Big Renovations The University of Tampa is about to kick off a major campus construction project.
The Riverside Center, built in 1962 on the Hillsborough River, will be renovated and expanded by 20,000 square feet, the university said. It will be complete for the Spring 2019 semester, though some elements will be ready by this Fall. City building permits peg the project costs at $12 million. “University of Tampa plans big renovation, expansion of Riverside Center”– Tampa Bay Business Journal
Bus Rapid Transit Discussion Heats Up The region’s vision for a tri-county bus rapid transit line has a problem: Hillsborough’s die-hard transit advocates don’t support it. Brian Willis, one of the region’s most vociferous transit supporters, said the 41-mile bus line connecting Wesley Chapel, Tampa and St. Petersburg doesn’t solve any of Hillsborough’s transit problems. Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, who also chairs the bus authority, is concerned that the project is tied to the interstate instead of extending transit options to local roads and neighborhoods. Hillsborough’s pro-transit forces stand alone in their opposition, leaving BRT without a key constituency. “Most want BRT. Hillsborough’s pro-transit supporters don’t.” –TBO
FDOT Scraps Some Toll Lanes After years of backlash over the Florida Department of Transportation’s plans to add toll lanes to I-275 through Tampa’s urban core, the agency has revised its plan to exclude toll lanes north of downtown. It was news celebrated in neighborhoods like Tampa Heights, Seminole Heights and Ybor City that could be impacted by highway expansion. Of the four options FDOT is considering for the downtown interchange, all call for right-of-way expansions ranging from 30 parcels to nearly 200 parcels. The least invasive option calls for elevated lanes. FDOT says the four downtown interchange options drastically reduce the right-of-way impacts. Transportation officials say the interchange needs to be updated to create better traffic flow. “FDOT Scraps Some I-275 Toll Lane Proposals, But Multiple Tampa Neighborhoods Remain Cautious” – 10 News
Mindful Development of Tampa Heights Inevitably, the steamrolling success of Downtown Tampa — parks, bars, residences, restaurants, boat taxis, the Riverwalk — is pushing north of Interstate 275 into Tampa Heights, known as the city’s first suburb. Its historic red brick streets are now officially the site of Tampa’s Next Big Thing. Now here’s the trick: not letting success get away from Tampa Heights when it comes to parking, walkability, traffic and noise. “Carlton: Tampa Heights is exploding! And we can learn from it.” –Tampa Bay Business Journal
WaVE Entrepreneurs In Residence Two well-known technology leaders in Tampa Bay have been named executive entrepreneurs-in-residence at Tampa Bay WaVE. In their new roles, Tony DiBenedetto, co-founder and former CEO of Tribridge, and Steven MacDonald, founder of myMatrixx, will work with some of the companies at WaVE, a Tampa nonprofit that services and houses startups. “When I think back to starting my company 20 years ago, I was always amazed by how much people are willing to help,” DiBenedetto said. “One of the unique characteristics of Tampa is how collegial it is and how much people will help you here.” What Tampa Bay WaVE’s newest mentors say about the area’s startup climate – Tampa Bay Business Journal
EDC Reports On Goals Progress The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. has almost met its annual goal for new job prospect projects, just five months into the year, CEO Craig Richard told the Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday. The county’s job creation arm has opened 75 new projects so far this year; its annual goal is 80. Projects are considered companies interested in moving to or expanding in Hillsborough County.
However, the EDC is behind in actual jobs created and capital investment. EDC projects have created 553 jobs year to date of the agency’s 2,700 job goal. That’s just 20 percent to goal nearly halfway through the year. Tampa Hillsborough EDC has plenty of leads, but a long way to go to meet a $134M goal – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Vology Hires Chief People Officer Managed IT services provider Vology, headquartered in Tampa, has hired Julie Clement to fill the newly created role of chief people officer. According to a press release, Clement will oversee talent acquisition, professional development, workplace culture and compensation, in addition to managing employee relations. Clement brings more than 25-years worth of experience in human resources to her new role at Vology. Previously, she served as vice president of solutions consulting at Greenway Health. “IT Services Firm Adds Chief People Officer” – Business Observer
Downtown Will Rock May 12-13 Downtown is ready to rock at a new celebration called Riverfront Rock on May 12 and 13. It is all in recognition of the reopening of the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Rachel Radawec of the Tampa Downtown Partnership was a guest on the ABC Action News Good Morning Tampa Bay Sunday Edition to talk about all the activities associated with Riverfront Rock, May 12 and 13. The festivities will include Mayor’s Mac & Cheese Throwdown, performance by headliner Third Eye Blind and reintroduction to the park for children and adults with many new playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, open spaces and picnic areas. Downtown Tampa to rock for the reopening of Riverfront Park May 12-13 – ABC Action News
Construction Spending Up in Tampa Construction spending in Tampa Bay increased by 24 percent in the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017. Total construction starts increased from $1.41 billion in the first quarter of 2017 to $1.75 billion in the first quarter of 2018, according to a new report from Dodge Data & Analytics. Residential construction starts increased 22 percent year over year to $1.45 billion. Residential includes both single-family and multi-family housing. Construction starts in nonresidential, which includes office, retail, hotels, warehouses, manufacturing, educational, health care, religious, government, recreational and other buildings increased 36 percent to $293 million. “Construction spending up in Tampa in 2018” – Tampa Bay Business Journal
Sykes Explains Tampa Bay Rays 2020 The Tampa Bay Rays 2020 nonprofit was created to rally the regional business community and solidify financial commitments and support for a ballpark in Ybor City. The Rays 2020 team is looking for businesses to support an effort without knowing exactly what a stadium will look like, let alone seat locations. Sykes believes, based on his own thinking, that should not be a hindrance. Here are 5 things Rays 2020’s Chuck Sykes wants business leaders to know – 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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