Board Member Spotlight: Bob McDonaugh
Bob McDonaugh is the Administrator of Economic Opportunity. He brings a wealth of public and private development experience to the position. Prior to his positions with the City, Bob held a development position with Equity One, a publicly traded REIT, who owned and operated almost 200 shopping centers in the southeast. He was a development partner with Tampa based HuntDouglas Real Estate Services where he developed retail properties in Florida, Colorado and Arizona. Prior public sector experience included 5 years for the Port of Tampa as Manager of Real Estate. He also spent more than 8 years with CB Richard Ellis as a Downtown Tampa Specialist. He has lived in Tampa for over 40 years and has served as a volunteer for several area organizations including; The City of Tampa Variance Review Board, the Better Business Bureau, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Tampa Bay Little League. Bob is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in Economics.
Nominate for the Urban Excellence Awards
Do you know a business, organization, individual, event, and/or project that has made significant contributions toward Downtown Tampa? Consider nominating them for the 2018 Tampa’s Downtown Urban Excellence Awards! Nominations must be submitted by Friday, October 5 at midnight. All submitted entries will be considered on their merit. Nominations must be related to and/or located in Downtown Tampa and can be an individual, business, organization (for profit or not-for-profit), event, or project that:
A Nomination is not a vote, multiple nominations will not increase selection. All nominations will be reviewed by Jury Members. View all award categories. Please note the final deadline is Friday, October 5th, 2018. Winners will be announced on November 29th at the awards ceremony. Register today!
Share Your Thoughts on Tampa’s Downtown: Biennial Survey Now Live
The 2018 Downtown study is now live! In 2008, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched its first community study for residents and workers. The study and its findings have helped pinpoint and steer focus on the things that Downtowners value most. This has resulted in game changing initiatives over the years including increased river accessibility, new attractions, new modes of transit, the reopening and of the profoundly enhanced Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the addition of dog parks, credit-card friendly meters, new directional signage, new restaurants, and extended retail offerings and operating hours. Since the last survey, the special services district has expanded its boundaries; Downtown Tampa is continuing to grow and improve, and we want to hear from you! We value your input and need your help to understand what it is that you love, or what could be changed. Please take this 9-minute survey to share your feedback and pass the word along! Note: if you live and work in Tampa’s Downtown, please take the resident survey.
Today! Our Special Services District is Growing
On Monday, October 1, 2018, Downtown Tampa’s Special Services District (the “SSD” or “District”) expands for the first time since it was created in 1994. The SSD was created to provide enhanced safety, maintenance, business development, beautification, planning and urban design, transportation, marketing, and other management services (the “Special Services”) in Tampa’s Downtown. See the SSD Map. In 2017, property owners in Tampa Heights requested the provision of Special Services be extended into their area. In response to these requests and the growth of Tampa’s downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, City Council approved the expansion on Thursday, August 23, 2018. The SSD was initiated by property owners and is funded by a special assessment on properties located within the District. Through a contract with the City of Tampa, the Tampa Downtown Partnership provides the Special Services in the SSD. The District will continue to be funded in the same manner the SSD has been historically funded. The assessment formula for funding the District is based on relative property values. In 1996, property owners agreed to set the SSD rate to 1.1 mill or $1.10 per $1,000.00 of assessed property value.
Help us Celebrate the Holidays in Tampa’s Downtown
Help the Tampa Downtown Partnership spread holiday cheer with our newest endeavor, lighting up Curtis Hixon Park. Our goal is to immerse patrons in a 360-degree choreographed music and light show to your favorite holiday tunes. Do you want to be part of the magic? Contact Rachel Radawec at rradawec@tampasdowntown.com to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how you can be a part.
Exclusive Ticket Giveaway
We are teaming up with Stageworks Theatre to give away a set of tickets to see The Judgement at Nuremberg at 8pm on October 12th. To win, LIKE this Facebook post. A winner will be chosen at random an announced Tuesday morning! Called “A powerful work of art” by The Associated Press and “A magnificent re-enactment of the seminal trials of the modern era” by Newsweek, the Judgment at Nuremberg is the first play of Stageworks Theatre’s 2018-2019 season. The Florida Holocaust Museum will have an exhibition presenting information about the trials that will include docent stations at which attendees can view displays on the trials and receive educational information from the docents. Check out the full season line up at http://stageworkstheatre.org.
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 #TampasDowntown
Judgment at Nuremberg
Through Sunday, October 14 Stageworks Theatre This work from Abby Mann reenacts one of the most important trials in modern history. Ernest Janning, one of the most influential German legal minds of the pre-war era, and other influential Nazis face a military tribunal in the second wave of post war trials at Nuremberg. Issues at the forefront of this trial reverberate through history and challenge humanity to this day. For more information, go to Stageworks Theatre: Judgment at Nuremberg.
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta
Wednesday, October 3, 11am to 2pm Lykes Gaslight Square Looking for a larger selection of lunch options? Step outside for a meal in the park! Choose from a wide variety of local food trucks serving up all sorts of delicious culinary creations. You’ll have your pick of dishes from plenty of delectable kitchens on wheels! For more information, go to Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta.
Rock the Park
Thursday, October 4, 6:30pm to 9pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Listen to some great musical talent in a beautiful, relaxing setting. This month’s show features Sun Signs, Demo, and Jack Sprouse. With food and drinks on the premises and an always exciting vibe, this free concert is guaranteed not to disappoint. For more information, go to Rock the Park.
Tampa Bay’s Tailgate Taste Fest
Saturday, October 6, begins 3pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Attendees will have the opportunity to taste delicious tailgate treats from a variety of the Bay Area’s local restaurants as they compete to win the hearts and stomachs of local celebrity judges. In addition to filling up on the best tailgate foods that the Bay has to offer, attendees will enjoy live music, tailgate games and live showings of the day’s best college football games on two large LED screens. For more information, go to Tampa Bay’s Tailgate Taste Fest.
On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre
Pick of the Litter (2018) – Through Wednesday, October 3 Mean Girls (2004) – Wednesday, October 3, 8pm to 9:45pm Graphicstudio’s 50th Anniversary – Thursday, October 4, begins 7:30pm Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Friday, October 5 to Friday, October 12
Taking the Stage at the Straz Center
Music Faculty Recital – Tuesday, October 2, begins 7pm Hari Kondabolu – Friday, October 5, begins 8pm The Florida Orchestra – Bernstein’s Broadway – Friday, October 5, begins 8pm Silly Sam The Music Man – Saturday, October 6, begins 11am Straz LIVE! on the River – Open House Party – Saturday, October 6, begins at Noon Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour! – Sunday, October 7, begins 3:30pm Follies – Sunday, October 7, begins 2pm
Downtown Business Spotlight: Inkwood Books
Located at 1809 N Tampa St in the heart of Tampa Heights, Inkwood Books carries fiction, current events, kids’ books, biography, poetry, cookbooks, Floridiana, and more – plus unique cards and gifts. They have two great book clubs. The Teen Book Club meets the third Friday of each month from 6-8pm and offers a new selection from Contemporary to Science Fiction and Fantasy. Snack and drinks are provided as well as fun raffles. The Third Thursday Book Club is moderated by their very own local author and literary editor in resident, Lorin Oberweger. Wine always, good conversation always! You simply need to purchase the book at Inkwood to participate. Visit inkwoodbooks.com for more information.
Port Tampa Bay Housing Costa Rican Pineapples
For the first time, Port Tampa Bay is housing Costa Rican pineapples in its new on-dock cold storage facility. Port Logistics Refrigerated Services, which operates the state-of-the-art cold storage facility, received its first shipment of the pineapples on Sept. 22, according to a port announcement. Seacat Line delivered the refrigerated containers of fresh pineapples for customer Chestnut Hill Farms. The pineapples were shipped from the Port of Moin, Costa Rica to Port Tampa Bay aboard the new vessel M/V Juice Express. The port expects to see 20 to 30 container loads of pineapples every two weeks. “New Shipment Of Pineapples At Port Tampa Bay Opens Doors For New Facility” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Capital Tacos Teams Up with Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning fans who favor Mexican-style fare are in for a treat: the hockey team has teamed up with local-favorite Capital Tacos. Not only will Capital Tacos’ top-rated eats be available inside Amalie Arena, but every month this season the shop will host a team member’s taco creation on its menu. Right now, Capital Tacos has five full restaurants across the Tampa Bay area. But the new stand in Amalie means the growing local food chain will be able to reach millions of new customers who come through the arena for NHL games and concerts each year. Visitors to Amalie have been asking for tacos in surveys for awhile, according to Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. “Capital Tacos Team Up With Tampa Bay Lightning In Amalie Arena Deal” – Tampa Bay Times
TGH Readies New Hospice Unit
Tampa General Hospital is set to open a 8,500-square-foot, 16-room LifePath Hospice Unit on Oct. 1. The hospice unit, located on the fourth floor of the hospital’s east pavilion, will provide short-term, round-the-clock care for individuals who have terminal illnesses and require acute medical care. It’s another effort by TGH to set itself apart from the crowd, this time through end of life care. The hospital’s CEO told the Tampa Bay Business Journal it plans to add more space, break ground on new construction on the 25-acre campus and become more patient-centric. Within the hospice unit, there is a kitchenette, lounge and on-site laundry room for use by families and guests. “Tampa General Hospital Readies New Hospice Unit To Open In October” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Streetcar Extends Service Hours, Free Rides on Oct. 7
The TECO Line Streetcar System will begin offering free fares on Oct. 7. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority announced in June it was awarded nearly $2.7 million in grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation and would extend the TECO Line Streetcar service hours, increase frequency and provide free rides to customers for the next three years. The grant is aimed at boosting ridership along the 2.7-mile route through downtown Tampa and Ybor City. The streetcar had 26,112 riders in July, according to HART’s most recent data. The streetcar extension would also increase frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 and would provide extended service hours on nights and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and provide extended service hours throughout the week. Meanwhile, the FDOT-funded Streetcar extension study is currently in project development to pursue federal funding to provide additional service to Tampa Heights along Franklin Street. “Here’s When You Can Start Riding The TECO Line Streetcar For Free” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Water Street Tampa to Add Three Office Buildings
The 52-acre Water Street Tampa development downtown has to date been centered around new hospitality, institutional, residential and retail uses. But that focus is slated to change somewhat next spring, when master developer Strategic Property Partners LLC (SPP) embarks on the first of three planned office buildings that will add 1.06 million square feet to Tampa’s downtown in the first phase of the $3 billion project. In addition to Sparkman’s Wharf, a mixed-use project that will contain 180,000 square feet of new office space when delivered in mid-2020, SPP has unveiled plans for a pair of new towers rising 20 stories and 19 stories, respectively. To date, SPP has announced plans for a pair of new Marriott-flagged hotels, hundreds of residences, roughly a dozen restaurants at Sparkman Wharf and medical and teaching space within the USF Morsani project. In all, Water Street Tampa is being envisioned to contain roughly 9.5 million square feet of commercial and residential space downtown, in an area anchored by Amalie Arena, the Tampa Convention Center, the Tampa Bay History Center and other civic amenities. “Water Street Tampa Poised For A Trio Of New Office Offerings” – Business Observer
TBARTA Hires New Executive Director
David Green is the new executive director of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). The authority’s Governing Board chose Green Friday from a list of four candidates. Green most recently served as Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Richmond Transit Co., where he successfully launched a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route and helped the agency win a nearly $25 million federal grant. The board selected Green based on his “in-depth knowledge of the Federal Transit Administration funding process,” according to the agency’s announcement. Federal funding will be an integral part of implementing regional transit solutions, which the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott laid out as a priority for the agency during the 2017 Legislative Session. “TBARTA Taps David Green As New Leader” – Florida Politics
Hampton Inn/ Home2Suites to Open June 2019
Hilton’s first dual brand property in Tampa Bay is set to open in Tampa’s Downtown Channel District in June 2019. Located at 1155 East Kennedy Blvd., this urban retreat in the heart of downtown is just 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport and mere steps from Tampa Convention Center and businesses such as TECO, Bank of America, Sykes Enterprises, PNC and E & Y. Amenities include an onsite full-service Starbucks and 24-hour convenience shop, Studio and one-bedroom suites for extended stays, 2,000 sq. ft. of Tampa meeting space, 24-hour business center, and an outdoor rooftop pool complete with fire pits and terrace overlooking Downtown. This new hotel will soon be joining the Hilton Portfolio of Brands but is not yet accepting reservations. View more information.
Congratulations Florida Trend 500
Florida Trend recently released the 2018 Florida 500 issue that highlights the 500 most influential executives in different economic sectors throughout the state. The editorial selection of the 500 executives was based on extensive contacts in regional business circles, hundreds of interviews and months of research, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the people who really run Florida. The following members of Tampa Downtown Partnership were on the list:
Dr. Ron Vaughn – President, University of Tampa Bill Carlson – President, Tucker/Hall Rick Homans – President & CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership Craig Richard – President & CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. Chuck Sykes – President & CEO, Sykes Ed Armstrong – Shareholder, Hill Ward Henderson Rhea Law – Chair, Florida Offices, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Robert Grammig – Partner & Corporate M&A and Securities Practice Group Leader, Holland & Knight Bob Martinez – Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight Harold Mullis – President, Trenam Law Gary Sasso – President & CEO, Carlton Fields Randolph J. Wolfe – Partner, Foley & Lardner Ronald L. Weaver – Of Counsel, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson James L. Ferman, JR. – President, Ferman Group Paul Anderson – President & CEO, Port Tampa Bay James Nozar – CEO, Strategic Property Partners Larry Richey – Managing Principal, Florida, Cushman & Wakefield Dan Woodward – Division Vice President, Highwoods Properties Brett Couch – Head of Corporate Real Estate and Procurement, Regions Bank Jeff Vinik – Chairman, Tampa Bay Lightning Bill West – President & CEO, Bank of Tampa Nancy Tower – President & CEO, Tampa Electric Maryann Ferenc – CEO, Mise en Place Richard Gonzmart – President, Columbia Restaurant Group Paul Tash – Chairman & CEO, Times Publishing/Tampa Bay Times
Nominations Open for Hillsborough County Women’s Hall Of Fame
The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 2011 to honor and celebrate the achievements of Hillsborough County women who have made significant contributions in areas such as business, education, philanthropy, the military, and public service to improve the lives of residents of Hillsborough County. Nomination forms are available at HCFLGov.net/COSW or by calling Jim Taylor at (813) 276-2640. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2018. The Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for April 26, 2019, at the Doubletree Hotel Westshore in Tampa.
Port Tampa Bay Awarded Contract
For decades, officials at Port Tampa Bay have planned, worked and lobbied to draw up plans and line up the money for a major expansion of the Big Bend channel. On Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced the completion of a long-awaited key step: A $47.9 million contract to has been awarded to Great Lakes Dredge & Docks Co. to deepen and expand the channel. Work is expected to begin next month and take 11 months to complete. It is, port CEO Paul Anderson has said, “the largest project we have worked on at the port” and a legacy project that will create benefits at the port for generations to come. Port officials says expanding and deepening the Big Bend Channel, which connects to the main channel in Tampa’s harbor, will allow for larger vessels to dock along the channel and ease the movement of goods through the port to the Interstate 4 corridor. “$47.9 Million Contract Awarded For Port Tampa Bay’s Long-Awaited Project To Deepen And Expand Big Bend Channel” – Tampa Bay Times
Florida Aquarium Announces Sea Turtle Beer
Drinking beer can help save endangered sea turtles. Coppertail Brewing Co. partnered with The Florida Aquarium to brew the, “Sea Turtle Sour.” One dollar from every pint sold will help fund the aquarium’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate endangered sea turtles in Florida, and across the country, according to both companies. They said the goal is return healthy sea turtles to their ocean home. The Sea Turtle Sour is described as a sour wheat beer, brewed with key limes grown at The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa. The beer will be released on Friday during a launch party at the brewery. The party starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Coppertail Brewery Co. is located at 2601 East 2nd Avenue, across from the IKEA store. “Coppertail’s ‘Sea Turtle Sour’ Beer Created To Save Endangered Sea Turtles” – FOX 13
HART Awarded Public Service Commendation
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was honored with a Public Service Commendation for the Authority’s continued service of taking people to the places that enhance their lives. Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp presented the commendation, which highlighted the Authority’s exceptional commitment to serving the community, at the County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, September 20. Commissioner Kemp spoke on the vital role that HART has played in meeting the county’s growing transit needs. During her presentation, Kemp praised HART leadership and employees for their efforts and significant contributions to the Tampa community to improve mobility and accessibility throughout the County. She highlighted the recent achievements of thirteen HART operators, who achieved outstanding safety milestones in safe driving and service. Also, the latest August 2018 bus ridership numbers exceed one million for the first time since mid-2017. Read the full press release.
The Florida Chamber Foundation Plans for 2030
The Florida Chamber Foundation unveiled a set of goals Wednesday aimed at creating a robust, competitive and inclusive economy for the Florida of 2030, when the population is expected to have grown 24 percent to 26 million. The plan’s authors said they did three years of research and talked to 10,000 Floridians as they put together goals meant to be bold, not incremental, with a focus on changes that would affect all Floridians. “Florida Chamber Foundation Sketches 2030 Goals For A Florida With 26 Million People In It” – Tampa Bay Times
Chase to Open New Branches in Tampa Bay
JPMorgan Chase will open up to 35 new branches in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida over the next three years. This expansion is expected to create up to 200 jobs in the state. In Tampa Bay, Chase is planning to open two locations this year. In 2013, Chase began an aggressive retail push in Florida, building branches throughout the state. In the Tampa Bay region, there’s been little retail development in the last five years, but a credit tenant like Chase is one that can make new development — and redevelopment of prime corners in urban areas — possible. “Chase’s Renewed Retail Push In Florida Will Include New Branches In Tampa Bay” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
FEMA Rolls Out New Floodzone Maps
Thousands of Tampa Bay-area property owners could soon find themselves with new flood zone designations on their homes and businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has completed a years-long study to update flood zone maps in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. The maps represent the government’s estimate of flood risk on a parcel-by-parcel basis and ultimately determine what people pay for flood insurance. Emergency managers say it’s still too early to say how many property owners may be required to obtain flood insurance who don’t have it now. Nor can they say how many could see their insurance rates fluctuate due to a new designation, either higher or lower. “FEMA Rolling Out New Flood Zone Maps For Tampa Bay Counties” – Tampa Bay Times
Amazon’s Prime Now Delivers Whole Foods
Amazon.com will now deliver Whole Foods Market Inc. grocery staples — including wine, meat, seafood and florals — directly to homes in the Tampa Bay area. Amazon will now deliver Whole Foods Market items from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A membership to Amazon’s Prime program is required for Prime Now delivery. A move to online grocery shopping will affect commercial real estate. Physical grocery stores will be smaller and be built to accommodate delivery vehicles. Both Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. and Walmart Inc., the two dominant grocers in Florida, have invested heavily in online ordering infrastructure. Publix has a formal relationship with delivery service Instacart; Walmart is constantly expanding its online pickup options and delivers from a few stores in the Bay area via Uber. “Amazon Will Launch Whole Foods Delivery Via Prime Now In Tampa Bay” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Share-a-Bull Bikes Now Extend Off-Campus
The Share-a-Bull Bike program historically allowed students to make short trips across campus using shareable bikes, which can be found and returned to pre-designated areas. Since July 1, ownership of the program has transferred from USF to CycleHop, the largest smart-bike share operator in North America. In addition to more affordable pricing, students now have free rein access to the bikes on campus and also access to the bike share system in Downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg. “Operator Of Share-A-Bull Bikes Extends Off-Campus Access” – The Oracle
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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