Lindsey Kimball joined the Hillsborough County Economic Development Department (HCEDD) in 2012. In her role as Managing Director, she oversees operations of the Department which include Corporate Development, Minority and Small Business Development, Competitive Sites and Redevelopment, Agricultural Development and Tourism Development. This includes assisting companies that are expanding or establishing operations in the County, supporting the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, increasing the utilization of minority businesses, and determining public investment in projects that increase the economic well-being of the County.
Prior to joining the HCEDD, she served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Infinity Global Solutions (IGS), a diversified economic-development and government-relations firm focused on commercial, industrial, retail, residential and transportation developments at the local, state, national and international levels. There she managed the economic development consulting practice of IGS, consulting with clients on strategic planning, identification of business targets, incentive and financing tools development, economic impact analysis, CRA studies and establishments, benchmarking and scorecard analysis, and facilitation of internal and community conversations.
Prior to IGS, Ms. Kimball was Business Development Chief for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) where she directed business recruitment, retention and expansion projects, downtown development initiatives and Cecil Commerce Center (former military base) redevelopment, and assists with overall strategy development for organization. In the past year, she was directly involved in the negotiation of and lobbying for a 25-year Master Developer Agreement with Hillwood, a Perot Company, to redevelop Cecil Commerce Center and invest approximately $1.3 billion in the site. For two consecutive years, her business recruitment projects won “Deal of the Year” from the Florida Economic Development including the recruitment of Deutsche Bank which added 1,000 new jobs and the recruitment of SAFT America which added 279 new jobs and more than $200 million in new capital.
Prior to joining the JEDC, Ms. Kimball held the title of Business Intelligence Officer for the Tampa Bay Partnership where she directed the Center for Business Intelligence, providing vital analysis and insight for marketing, business recruitment, public policy and leadership efforts. At the Tampa Bay Partnership, Ms. Kimball created the first “Regional Economic Scorecard” analyzing Tampa Bay and five competitor markets in five key economic driver categories. Prior to this, Ms. Kimball served with the City of St. Petersburg Economic Development Department and the Downtown Denver Partnership providing statistical analysis, marketing support and project management.
Ms. Kimball is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and holds an MBA from the University of South Florida, as well as, a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, both degrees with highest honors. Her work in the areas of economic development and marketing has been recognized through awards from statewide and regional economic development organizations. In 2010, she was named a “Top 20 under 40” in North America by the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network and a “40 under 40” in the Jacksonville region by the Jacksonville Business Journal. In 2011, the Northeast Florida Regional Council named Ms. Kimball as the “Outstanding Regional Economic Development Professional.”
She serves on the Executive Committee of the Florida Economic Development Council board and is former board member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Jacksonville, Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and the Jacksonville Humane Society Young Professional Group, the Pawfessionals. She is also a member of the IEDC and ULI.
On a personal note, she is a Tampa native who is thrilled to be back home, working to improve her community.
The sixth biennial Downtown Tampa resident and worker study closes on November 5th! In 2008, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched its first community sentiment study for residents and workers. The study and its survey findings have helped steer such game changing initiatives in downtown as river accessibility, the outdoor market, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Bay History Center, the extension of the TECO Line Streetcar System, the reopening and of the profoundly enhanced Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the addition of dog parks, new parking meters that accept credit cards, new directional signage, new restaurants and retail, and extended retail offerings and operating hours.
Since the last survey, the special services district has expanded the 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!
Join us on November 29th at Armature Works as we celebrate businesses, organizations, individuals, events, and projects that have made significant contributions toward creating a unique, vibrant, and diverse downtown environment – and have made a lasting, positive impact on Downtown Tampa. Kari Goetz, Vice President of External Relations for the Florida Aquarium, returns at Emcee for this fun and honorable event. Each year an awards jury representing a cross-section of Downtown constituencies selects award winners honoring the leadership, innovation, hard work, talent and community spirit. The evening’s program includes networking, dinner, and an awards ceremony where winners will be announced.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is now open so make your vote count! Vote here.
Register to join the celebration today!
MEET THE FINALISTS
Activating Spaces:
Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority Pocket Parks Phase 1 Street Car Live by GMF Downtown Crawlers
Arts & Culture:
Tampa Museum’s Love is Calling Exhibit The History Center’s New Pirate Ship Exhibit Pep Rally Inc.
Collaboration:
Street Car by HART 2018 Commuter Challenge Week Madame Fortune Taylor Bridge Historical Marker Ceremony and Unveiling
Experience:
Two Wheel Bike Valet Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Franklin Street Block Party 2018 Riverfest
Landmark:
Tampa Theatre Armature Works The Hall
Marketplace:
Don Me Now Duckweed Maven Market Channel District
Private Sector:
Wilson Company Collective – Gin Joint SHUFFLE – The Heights Shuffleboard Society Tampa Bay Fiber
Public Sector:
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park Florida Department of Transportation- District Seven Jackson Street Rampello K-8 Downtown Partnership School
Person of The Year:
Leo Rodgers Abbey Dohring John Bell
Join us at Amalie Arena for a discussion on Downtown’s growing sports community. Hear from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sports Commission, and the Tampa Bay Rays! Register here. Walk-ins welcome.
Hot breakfast and networking from 7:30am to 8am, program from 8am to 9am.
Speakers:
Steve Griggs CEO, Tampa Bay Lightning
Brian Auld President, Tampa Bay Rays
Rob Higgins Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Presentation by Mike Griffin on the Tampa Rays 2020 Stadium & the case for the Business community.
Members $30 Non-Member $40
Tampa Downtown Partnership is celebrating the 2nd Anniversary and the beginning of year-three service of the Downtowner program in the Special Services District.
To commemorate this occasion, the Partnership is hosting a press conference followed by a reception hosted by CW’s Gin Joint with a select group of stakeholders and members of the media.
The app-based, on-demand ride service is powered by 100% electric vehicles and is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, moving over 500 riders per day since it launched in October 2016. Growing ridership in the first year of the program led Downtowner to launch new tech advances and improve and increase its fleet of vehicles. In 2017, Chevy Bolts were added to the fleet to replace aging and less energy efficient GEM cars. “Combo-ing” was also added to reduce wait times. In 2018, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) loaned two Model X Teslas to the fleet through the end of their lease in March 2019.
The International Downtown Association presented the Tampa Downtown Partnership with the 2018 Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its work and initiatives related to the Downtowner ride program operating within Tampa’s Special Services District. The award was presented on Thursday, October 25th during the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce that they have been chosen as the recipient of the International Downtown Association’s 2018 Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its work and initiatives related to the Downtowner ride program operating within Tampa’s Special Services District. The award was presented on Thursday, October 25th during the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas.
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “The International Downtown Association sets the standard for excellence in our industry and we couldn’t be more pleased that the judges recognize the work we are doing in Tampa’s Downtown goes beyond those standards.”
The Award of Excellence acknowledges an exceptional response to an industry challenge and exceeds criteria set by a panel of industry-leading judges. Downtowner’s mobility service in Tampa’s Downtown was among ten qualified entries in the category of Leadership and Management. The category features unique organizational approaches and projects that improve the effectiveness of downtown management organizations and their role in the community.
“With the support of all our wonderful public and private partnerships the Downtowner was able to come to Tampa and change the way people think about getting around Downtown,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“Downtowner’s success is truly a collaborative effort and we’re proud to have been the catalyst to provide a micro transit solution in our Downtown.”
“Tampa Downtown Partnership’s project with Downtowner received the IDA Award of Excellence for uniquely implementing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Downtowner is a shining example of excellent urban place management delivering real value to the city and an exemplary response to a community challenge.”
“Tampa Downtown Partnership is committed to making Tampa’s Downtown a fun and exciting place to live work and play,” said Kress. “We understand that part of the experience is offering many choices to get around Downtown. This micro-transit service compliments the other options such as ride-sharing, biking, walking, and taking the streetcar or city bus.” Kress continued, “We’re proud of our involvement in making this transportation option happen for our Downtown and look forward to seeing how it will evolve.”
The app-based, on-demand ride service is powered by 100% electric vehicles and is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, moving over 500 riders per day since it launched in October 2016. Growing ridership in the first year of the program led Downtowner to launch new tech advances and improve and increase its fleet of vehicles.
“There’s so much going on, and the city and ridership has been so strong and supportive, we can’t wait to keep improving the way people move around downtown,” said Stephen Murray, CEO of Downtowner. “There are lots of people and organizations to thank for making this program a success, but we’d like to especially thank the Tampa Downtown Partnership.”
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Tampa Downtown Partnership is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Tampa, Florida and is a member of IDA.
Move over people, electric scooters are coming to downtown Tampa.
The city is seeking applications to select up to three operators to provide motorized scooter sharing services in designated areas in the city as part of a Shared Motorized Scooter Pilot Program.
“A few months back we were working on ordinance changes for a dockless bike program, but scooter companies kept approaching us. The mayor then shifted gears to start looking at the motorized scooters,” Transportation and Stormwater Services Department Director Jean Duncan said.
The program would run for a year and there would be 1,800 scooters placed in different areas throughout downtown with 300 being the maximum amount for the four designated sections. However, 600 additional scooters would be spread between E. Columbus Drive and MLK Boulevard.
Several major cities have started testing dockless electric scooter programs including Coral Gables, which was the first Florida city to launch a test program in August.
Tampa started advertising the request for proposals in mid-October. The deadline for companies to submit a proposal in Nov. 9.
These are the suppliers that have responded to the RFP:
Tampa is hoping to have the scooters as early as February.
The operators must have the ability to provide revenue share data with the city for future revenue sharing options between the operator and city; financial viability and stability, and adequacy of insurance; experience operating shared mobility device systems; and provide public education and engagement strategies for helmet use and road safety compliance among other items.
The motorized scooters are not legal to operate on public roads, because they cannot be licensed and registered as motor vehicles. However, people can ride the scooters on sidewalks and multi-use paths. The scooters can go as fast as 5 to 8 mph.
Due to this being a dockless program, the city is proposing to do 180 corrals, or painted areas, where the scooters could be placed.
“We decided if we don’t try this with a pilot program and have no limitation, the companies will come in and negative consequences happen such as safety issues,” Duncan said.
The mode of transit has caused issues in cities testing them.
For example, in North Carolina, Raleigh’s Office of Transportation Planning had tracked 33 complaints citing scooters blocking right-of-way, concerns about safety and issues of scooters being staged on private property.
“Tampa to see electric scooters zipping through downtown in new pilot program” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
Press Release received Friday, October 26 at 3:30pm
Strategic Property Partners, LLC, Ardent Mills, LLC, City of Tampa and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Announce Street Connection at Cumberland Avenue, Partnership for the Future of Downtown
Tampa, Fla. (October 26, 2018) – Strategic Property Partners, LLC (“SPP”) and Ardent Mills, LLC (“Ardent Mills”) in partnership with the City of Tampa and Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (“THEA”), are pleased to announce a partnership to create an expanded roadway network connecting Tampa’s Central Business District and Downtown’s Channel District. The City of Tampa has secured the rights to connect Cumberland Avenue from Meridian Avenue to Brorein Avenue, making an important link through the Water Street Tampa neighborhood and connecting to the downtown Tampa core.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “We have worked tirelessly to transform downtown Tampa into a thriving neighborhood where people can live, work and visit daily, and the City of Tampa appreciates SPP, Ardent Mills, THEA, and all of the other parties that were involved for their roles in reaching a consensus to ensure this needed point of connectivity.”
As of November 1, 2020, Ardent Mills, who operates a working flour mill on-site, will terminate leasing rights to the rail spur south of Cumberland Avenue, allowing for construction to begin on the street connection at Cumberland Avenue through Meridian Avenue. The City of Tampa will contribute $2.25 million towards securing the crossing rights.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with these great partners, allowing for new and improved roadway connections for all of our Selmon Expressway customers,” said Joe Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer of THEA.
The crossing, which will be open to the public and is on property owned by THEA, is part of a larger, three-acre parcel of land that SPP acquired from Ardent Mills for just over $13 million to eventually expand Water Street Tampa’s visionary, 50-acre mixed-use master plan.
“Water Street Tampa is being developed on the principles of connectivity and enabling walkability,” said James Nozar, Chief Executive Officer of SPP. “Restoring a downtown street network has been a priority of ours since we initially envisioned the creation of this transformative neighborhood, and the Cumberland crossing is an important milestone. With the acquisition of the property, we can now look towards the future and plan for additional points of connection for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.”
Ardent Mills, the premier flour milling and ingredient company, proudly serves grain-based solutions to Tampa and the State of Florida, as well as nationally. The transaction enables Ardent Mills to continue serving its Florida customers and the great region of Tampa from its current location, while building a new mill to serve its customers current needs and their future growth. Ardent Mills expects the new mill to be operational by 2021.
“We are committed to our expert Tampa team, the opportunity to continue to delight our customers, and serve our great neighbors in Tampa and Central Florida,” states, CEO Dan Dye. “We have enjoyed this privilege for more than three decades and look forward to supporting the Tampa community, Central Florida, and customers across the state for many decades to come with a new state-of-the-art mill capable of growing with our customers.”
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About Strategic Property Partners, LLC:
Strategic Property Partners, LLC (“SPP”) is a Tampa-based firm that is a partnership between Cascade Investment LLC, and Jeff Vinik. SPP is a fully-integrated commercial real estate company dedicated to creating and sustaining vibrant and enduring, high quality and experiential places. SPP’s first project, Water Street Tampa, is being developed on over 50 acres of land in downtown Tampa along the waterfront. The Water Street Tampa development project is revitalizing the currently underutilized tract of land to create an urban, mixed-use waterfront district consisting of approximately 9 million square feet of new commercial, residential, hospitality, cultural, entertainment, education, and retail uses, totaling over $3 billion in private investment from SPP. Integrating principles of walkability, sustainability, connectivity, design quality, and wellness, SPP will create, own and operate this new world-class neighborhood in Tampa, while also elevating the city’s national prominence. For more information on Water Street Tampa, visit www.waterstreettampa.com.
About Ardent Mills, LLC:
Ardent Mills is the premier flour-milling and ingredient company whose vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing its customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions. Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by more than 40 flour mills and bakery-mix facilities along with a specialty bakery, Ardent Mills Innovation Center and Mobile Innovation Center, all located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, Ardent Mills is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies. To learn more about Ardent Mills, visit ardentmills.com.
About Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority:
A public agency led by local citizens and operating with no tax dollars, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) provides safe, reliable and financially sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community. From being the owner and operator of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, to offering real-time testing and showcasing of connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle technologies, to the designing and operating the world’s first reversible all electronic toll road, THEA continues to drive the conversation on cutting-edge transportation solutions. For more information, visit www.tampa-way.com.
Bank of America Plaza in downtown Tampa will be the new corporate headquarters of the Mosaic Company, the first Fortune 500 firm to relocate to the Tampa Bay area.
The phosphate mining giant announced in May that it was moving its corporate offices from Minneapolis to Hillsborough County but the exact site had not been known until today.
Banyan Capital, owner of the 42-story tower at 101 Kennedy Boulevard, said Mosaic will rent 20,000 square feet on the 25th floor. The move-in date has not been announced nor has the number of employees who will work out of the space.
Mosaic is the world’s largest combined producer of potash and phosphates, two key plant nutrients, and its presence in Florida is huge, with 3,000 employees, 3,000 contractors and a Florida payroll of at least $465 million a year.
The corporate relocation to Florida will also give Mosaic better access to its business operations in South America.
“Mosaic picks Bank of America Plaza in downtown Tampa for HQ” – Tampa Bay Times
In one of the largest commercial real estate deals in Tampa Bay area history, Tampa City Center has been sold for a whopping $128.13 million.
The buyer is Alliance Partners, the East Coast operating arm of the Shidler Group, a commercial real estate investment, development and management firm based in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
“It’s really a huge statement on the confidence investors have in downtown Tampa,” said Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director Mike Davis. “It’s a giant bet made by a very savvy private equity group in downtown Tampa and it’s a lot of money to deploy in one asset.”
The Capital Markets Group of Cushman & Wakefield represented the seller, One Tampa City Center LLC. It is a joint venture between Carval Investors of Minneapolis and Mainstreet Capital Partners of Fort Lauderdale. It bought the asset in 2006 for $88 million.
Strong pricing exceeded seller expectations, Davis said.
The price per square foot was $171.
“Exclusive: Tampa City Center snapped up in $128 million deal” – Tampa Bay Business Journal (subscription required)
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.
Rock the Park
Thursday, November 1, 6:30pm to 9pm Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Listen to some great musical talent in a beautiful, relaxing setting. This month’s show features Have Gun, Will Travel, Somatic, and AYCH. 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.
The Revolutionists
Friday, November 2 to Sunday, November 18 Stageworks Theatre This stage production is a brutal comedic quartet about four very real women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror (1793-1794). Lauren Gunderson’s masterful script builds verbal anachronisms, meta-jokes, playful banter, and true historical events into a stirring finale as each woman faces her inevitable fate. In the end, it is a story of how important a woman’s voice can be, even in the darkest of times. A brave and blisteringly funny new work about feminism, legacy and standing up for one’s beliefs. For more info, go to The Revolutionists.
Passion at Pavilion
Saturday, November 3, begins 7pm Tampa Museum of Art Pavilion is the Tampa Museum of Art’s premier black tie event and a grand Tampa tradition. The gala celebrates its 33rd anniversary and continues to raise funds and awareness for the exhibition and educational programs presented by the Museum. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing at this black tie event. For more information, go to Passion at Pavilion.
Taking the Stage at the Straz Center
Edgar & Emily by Joseph Mcdonough – Through Sunday, November 4 mad Theatre presents 9 to 5 The Musical – Thursday, November 1 to Sunday, November 11 The Choir of Man – Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 The Florida Orchestra Disney in Concert – Tale as Old as Time – Friday, November 2, begins 8pm Straz LIVE! in the Park – Saturday, November 4, begins 4pm
On the Marquee at Tampa Theatre
Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour – Through Tuesday, October 30 PAUSE-O-WEEN – Through Tuesday, October 30 Beetlejuice (1988) – Monday, October 29, 9:45pm to 11pm Spirits of the Bay: Live Storytelling with Deborah Frethem – Monday, October 29, 7pm to 9pm It (2017) – Tuesday, October 30, 6pm to 8:15pm The Shining (1980) – Tuesday, October 30, 9:30pm to 11:45pm Halloween (1978) – Wednesday, October 31, 9:30pm to 11pm Free Solo (2018) – Thursday, November 1 to Wednesday, November 14, 7:30pm to 9:15pm Sing-Along The Greatest Showman (2017) – Saturday, November 3, 2pm to 3:45pm
This Week at Amalie Arena Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils – Tuesday, October 30, begins 7:30pm Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators – Thursday, October 31, begins 7:30pm Twenty One Pilots: “The Bandito Tour” – Saturday, November 3, begins 7pm
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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