Downtown Tampa’s Revolutionary “Micro-transit” Service Covers 88,500 Miles in Year One
TAMPA, FL (October 23, 2024) – Statistics released today show that in one year since its launch, the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s DASH service has transformed how people get around Downtown Tampa’s seven neighborhoods-with Driver-Ambassadors completing 30,000 rides and covering 88,500 miles in their iconic yellow Tesla Model Y SUVs.
Those rides include service after hurricanes Helene and Milton, when gas was scarce, and riders relied on the all-electric Tesla vehicles for vital transportation. [See new statistics below]
*** Video and Photos of DASH at This Link ***
New DASH Data
Since Launching on October 12, 2023
Services for Riders – Rides Completed: 30,004 – Total Passengers: 41,022 – Average Ride Distance: 1.07 Miles
Driver-Ambassadors on Patrol – Distance Covered by Driver-Ambassadors: 88,500 Miles – Driver-Ambassador Time in the Community: 23,140 Hours – Customer Satisfaction: 4.95 out of 5 Stars
DASH Details
Priced at $2 per person, DASH (Downtown Area Shared Hubs) rides are requested using the “DASH Tampa” smartphone app on an iPhone or Android phone. Uniformed, background-checked Driver-Ambassadors carry riders between around 20 hubs in Tampa’s Downtown while also serving as mobile “eyes and ears” for safety in the community.
“We’ve seen an increase in rides, month over month, since we launched DASH. The service is growing because people see how it can connect them to the places they need to go and to each other,” said Shaun Drinkard, Senior Vice President of Operations for the nonprofit Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“Our one-year statistics show how DASH is delivering as a great complement to all the other transportation options the Tampa Downtown Partnership advocates for every day, including the TECO Line Streetcar, HART buses, bikes, scooters, and more,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges.
DASH is a revolutionary “micro-transit” service that operates entirely within Downtown Tampa’s Special Services District. The app will pair up to four passengers to share each hub-to-hub trip. DASH operates Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m.
As we know, Hurricanes are to be expected every year in our state and in our city. We want to ensure that residents and visitors in Tampa’s Downtown are always prepared with resources that can assist them before and after storms impact our area. Please see the various resources below, where you can seek storm preparedness assistance, post-storm aid, and also ways to help those who may be severely impacted:
Use the HEAT map to pinpoint your exact evacuation zone and any new changes to local orders. To find your evacuation zone Click Here
The City of Tampa Hurricane Re-Entry Program is for residents and businesses in the areas most likely to be evacuated during a hurricane event. It is designed to make it easier for residents and business representatives to re-enter the area after evacuation orders have been lifted – and to prevent unauthorized visitors from entering the area. If you are in need of a re-entry hang tag please Click Here for more information.
Be sure to stay informed with the Alert Tampa emergency communications system:
Here are some ways to get connected.
-Follow @AlertTampa on Twitter
-Text TAMPAREADY to 888-777
-Text TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for alerts in Spanish
-Register at Tampa.gov/AlertTampa for voicemails and emails
View the Red Cross’ Hurricane Preparation Checklist:
Organizations that Offer Aid:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay
Salvation Army Tampa
Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter
Tampa Bay Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund
BELFOR Property Restoration
Florida Commerce
Tampa Bay Chamber Resources
IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Disaster Recovery Quick Guides
Federal Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Tips
Florida Commerce Disaster Planning Toolkit
Florida Disaster Fund
Solid Waste Collection & Storm Debris Collection
Residents that are ready for storm debris collection immediately may request collection by calling the City of Tampa Solid Waste Call Center at 813-274-8811 or submit a request online at tampaconnect.com. For customers requiring additional time for assessment and removal of vegetative-storm debris, and damaged household items, the official collection will begin on Monday, October 7. As of this date, call in requests will not be required. Crews will canvas each neighborhood within City of Tampa limits and collect storm related debris from the curb.
Beware of Contractor Scams
After a disaster, qualified contractors are usually in high demand. Scammers or unqualified out-of-state workers may take advantage of Floridians in need of expert service. If you have been approached to have work done on or at your home, you can check if that individual is licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or by going to myfloridalicense.com. See tips from the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers these tips when hiring a contractor.
City of Tampa Resident Damage Self Reporting Form
Residents can self-report damages to help prioritize the City of Tampa’s damage assessment operations using the Resident Damage Self Reporting Form. If it is an emergency situation, residents should always call 9-1-1, but for other non-life-threatening damages, residents can enter the information in the form. Go to tampa.gov/SelfReport to access the form.
Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM.
By Going Outdoors, “Office in the Park” Opens the Door to Fresh Ideas
TAMPA, FL (September 30, 2024) – For three days this week, a real, working office will spring up in the middle of Downtown Tampa’s Lykes Gaslight Square Park. As leaves drop onto their desks and commuters stroll by their cubicles, the staff of the Tampa Downtown Partnership will be working- and listening.
Office in the Park is a unique chance for people who live, work, and play in Tampa’s Downtown to share their thoughts on the city and its future.
October 1-3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., people can drop by the “office” to share their thoughts in several unique ways:
– Â A giant board will collect post-it notes with ideas and thoughts from visitors.
– Â The official Downtown survey, “Your Voice. Your Downtown.” will be available for attendees to give their feedback.
“We’re eager to gather genuine feedback and innovative ideas about Downtown Tampa, and engaging with the community is essential,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “As the voice of Tampa’s Downtown, it’s our job to bring people together to talk about the future.”
– Taking the “Your Voice. Your Downtown.” survey on site earns you a prize.
– You can also enter a raffle giveaway for a new office chair from Contract Furniture, the partner that is furnishing the pop-up offices.
– Kuducom is providing wifi for Office in the Park workers and visitors.
TAMPA, FL (September 19, 2024) – As Tampa’s Downtown continues its rapid transformation into one of the most dynamic urban centers in the country, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to announce its newBoard leadership for 2024-25, led by incoming Chairman Stephen Panzarino of AECOM. From the expansion of the DASH micro-transit service to the vibrant events that brought more than 300,000 people to Tampa’s Downtown this year, the Partnership has driven growth and connection at every turn.
“Our focus is on making Tampa’s Downtown a place where people can thrive – whether they come here to live, work, play, or learn. With our new Board leadership, we will amplify our efforts to serve as the voice for Downtown Tampa, build connections, and ensure our seven neighborhoods stay vibrant and welcoming for everyone,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Panzarino and his fellow officers were announced Thursday at the Partnership’s 38th Annual Meeting. He succeeds Jin Liu, who served as Chairwoman for the past year and will now transition to the role of Immediate Past Chairwoman.
Panzarino brings years of experience in architecture and urban development, making him a valuable asset to the Partnership as it continues to guide Tampa’s Downtown through an era of rapid change. “I am honored to lead at a time when the Partnership’s role as a convener and expert is more critical than ever. With so many innovative projects and public spaces coming online, we are committed to expanding our impact and ensuring Tampa’s Downtown remains a model for urban growth and community engagement.”
The Partnership’s 2024-25 Board officers include:
Additionally, the executive committee is rounded out by Abbey D. Ahern of Dohring Ahern Appraisal & Brokerage, Dr. Jason Collins, Ph.D, PE, AICP of ADEAS-Q, Michael English, AICP of JT3, LLC, Tim Koletic of Fifth Third Bank, Kimberly Madison of Strategic Property Partners, and Marshall Rainey of Burr & Forman LLP.
A Year of Growth and Impact
This past year, the Tampa Downtown Partnership made significant strides in shaping the future of the city’s urban center. With the introduction of the Downtown Area Shared Hubs (DASH) micro-transit service, thousands of residents and visitors enjoyed seamless, affordable transportation through Downtown Tampa’s Special Services District. The launch of DASH has not only added a new mobility option, but it has also strengthened community bonds, with Driver Ambassadors and their yellow Teslas becoming trusted fixtures within Downtown.
Neighborhood programs flourished, with more than 300 initiatives launched to spotlight the distinct identities of Downtown Tampa’s seven neighborhoods. A total of $40,000 in grant funding supported local businesses and community engagement, while new signage and wayfinding systems further emphasized each neighborhood’s unique culture.
“Our efforts this year have been focused on making sure the voice of the community is heard and reflected in the development of Tampa’s Downtown,” Hairston-Bridges said. “Whether it’s through transportation services like DASH or neighborhood programs that highlight our local businesses, our goal is to ensure Downtown grows in a way that benefits everyone who lives, works, or visits.”
Tampa’s Downtown also saw record-breaking attendance at annual events, drawing more than 334,000 people throughout the year. Signature celebrations like Winter Village and River O’ Green offered unforgettable experiences while bolstering the local economy.
View our 2023-2024 Year in Review.
TAMPA, FL (May 15, 2024) – Bringing a track record of strategically taking on the challenges facing modern cities, spurring smart Downtown growth, and collaborating with stakeholders across communities, Kenyetta Bridges has been named President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
For nearly two decades, Bridges has served as a key leader in one of America’s most dynamic Downtown success stories: the revitalization of Detroit, Michigan. With the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation – as Executive Vice President and later as Chief Operating Officer – Bridges and her team have spearheaded $3.8 billion in Downtown Detroit investment over the past five years, leading to approximately 10,000 new announced jobs, exciting world-class entertainment spaces, and fresh affordable housing options.
Bridges’ dynamic leadership style has brought together businesses, government, residents, community advocates, and other voices in coordinated efforts to enhance neighborhoods, attract innovative development options and employers, and support large-scale events such as the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bridges and her team successfully advocated for local and state legislation, incentives, and resources that enabled revitalization projects, including:
– The Future of Health premier academic medical center
– The District Detroit, composed of 10 new mixed-use residential and commercial projects
– Ford’s Michigan Central Train Station Innovation Hub
– The 12-story Hudson’s Block Transformational Project
– Redevelopment of the Michigan State Fairgrounds and the Detroit Pistons Headquarters
“Downtown Tampa is alive with energy and opportunity,” said Bridges, who will begin her new role on July 1, 2024. “I’m excited to join the leading edge of the wave of positive momentum that has brought Tampa’s Downtown and the region into the national and international spotlight as one of the best places in America to live, work, and play.”
“As our city booms, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has a vital role in building upon what we all love about this place-the characteristics that make our community special. Ms. Bridges brings experience that can elevate the Partnership as a partner in planning and executing Downtown growth,” said Stephen Panzarino, who served as Chair of the Search Committee for the organization’s Board of Directors, and is Regional Director of Architecture of AECOM’s East Region and Area Managing Principal of AECOM’s Florida and Georgia offices.
Bridges will add her dynamic leadership style and record of success to the Partnership’s existing award-winning slate of services, including its Clean and Safe Downtown efforts; cornerstone events such as River O’ Green, Eggsploration, and Winter Village; neighborhood enhancement and placemaking; marketing Tampa’s Downtown; and advocacy for transportation and other crucial Downtown interests.
Shaun Drinkard, who has been with the Partnership for 14 years and is serving as Interim President, will remain as a key member of the organization’s staff and continue to bring his expertise to the operational and functional areas of the Partnership’s many vital initiatives.
As a member-driven nonprofit organization, the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s mission is to be the steward of Downtown Tampa, while cultivating effective public/private partnerships to facilitate catalytic physical and economic development. The Tampa Downtown Partnership also administers the Special Services District (SSD) program through an annual contract with the City of Tampa.
“Our small but mighty team is truly among the best in the country. From launching the DASH hub-to-hub transit operation to adding a host of new activations across Downtown’s seven neighborhoods, anyone who interacts with Tampa’s Downtown has seen the benefits of their amazing work,” said Jin Liu, Chairwoman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Board of Directors, and a Shareholder with the law firm Carlton Fields and Chair of the firm’s Development Industry Group. “Adding Ms. Bridges to our fantastic staff will bring in another impactful individual with unique skills and experiences, and a passion for building communities.”
Bridges joined the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) in 2005, holding progressively more senior positions, ultimately becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2023. Before joining DEGC, Bridges served on the staff of Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) following various roles in the banking industry.
In the past five years, Bridges has been honored as a Women in Leadership Honoree for MichBusiness Women Thrive, a Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Vanguard Recipient, and named to Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Real Estate. She has served on multiple boards focused on economic growth in Michigan and beyond, and-for nearly 20 years-as a Think Detroit PAL Volunteer/Youth Program Coordinator. Bridges earned her Master of Administration and Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Administration from Central Michigan University.
View our 2022-2023 Year in Review.
Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Biennial Survey Takes Pulse of Fast-Growing Downtown
Download the full 2022 Worker and Resident Survey Report
TAMPA, FL (May 17, 2023) – Workers are not fleeing Downtown offices, but they do want more balance. The other thing they definitely want? More Riverwalk.
These new insights come from the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 2022 Downtown Worker and Resident survey, which gathered more than 2,000 responses to paint a picture of the city’s strengths and challenges. The Partnership will present its full survey results this Friday at its 27th Annual Downtown Development Forum.
Embracing Hybrid Work
For businesses in Downtown Tampa, fully remote work has dropped dramatically. But hybrid work-mixing time working in the office and time working at home-has continued to climb. In the new survey:
– Only 8% of Downtown’s workers fully worked from home in 2022, down from 28% in 2020.
– A rising number are using a hybrid model, climbing to 43% in 2022 from 34% in 2020.
Expanding the Tampa Riverwalk
No matter where a respondent lived or worked Downtown, they agreed: They want more Riverwalk.
– Nearly every respondent wanted to see the Tampa Riverwalk extended, with 93% of workers and 91% of residents supporting the idea
– The Tampa Riverwalk was listed as “Tampa’s Greatest Asset” by 37% of workers and 35% of residents
“This is bound to be one of the clearest messages from any survey we’ve ever done: People see the Tampa Riverwalk as a core amenity, a highlight of our city, and something they can’t get enough of,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership Interim President Shaun Drinkard.
Detailed Survey Results
Conducted every two years since 2008, this is the Partnership’s eighth survey, and it marks the first time the results can be broken out by Downtown Tampa’s distinct neighborhoods, such as the Channel District and Downtown River Arts District. New neighborhood-by-neighborhood details, along with insights into the desire for retail and dining, transportation options, business growth, parks and entertainment, and more will be revealed at Friday’s Downtown Development Forum.
The Downtown Development Forum has limited seats remaining; more information can be found at TampasDowntown.com.
TAMPA, Fla. – Family-friendly celebrations will bring All-American fun to several Downtown Tampa neighborhoods starting as early as 11 a.m. on July 4th as part of Mayor Jane Castor’s Boom by the Bay powered by TECO. The Tampa Downtown Partnership brings you this breakdown of all the places to have a blast before the fireworks go boom!
NOTE: TAMPA DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP STAFF ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS DURING THE WEEK LEADING UP TO THE EVENT
RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Boom Bar opens at noon; Entertainment from 4 to 8 p.m.
– Enjoy a family fun area, entertainment, music, delicious food trucks, and a cold drink from the Boom Bar!
The Boom Bar will feature the exclusive Boom by the Bay popsicle drink “Boozy Boom Pop” – a watermelon citrus pop taking a summertime swim in a Cutwater margarita or mojito- available throughout the weekend while supplies last.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Entertainment from 5 to 9 p.m.
– Catch live music from Jennifer and the For Reals on the Riverwalk Stage
TAMPA HEIGHTS
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works
Fireworks viewing 🎇
Entertainment starting at 3 p.m.
– Take in live music, a hot dog eating competition, a kid zone, food, drinks, and fireworks along the waterfront
Water Works Park
Entertainment starting at 4 p.m.
– Celebrate with food trucks, music, and a free public viewing area for fireworks along the Hillsborough River
CHANNEL DISTRICT
Star-Spangled Sparkman at Sparkman Wharf
Entertainment starting at 11 a.m.
– Be wowed by a water ski show, live music, food, drinks, and fireworks along the waterfront
TAMPA RIVERWALK, BAYSHORE, DAVIS ISLANDS, AND HARBOUR ISLAND
Bayshore Boulevard
Fireworks viewing for largest fireworks display 🎇
Entertainment starting at 7 p.m.
– Enjoy a variety of food trucks, DJs, and waterfront views of the largest-ever fireworks display along Bayshore Boulevard
Friends of the Riverwalk July 4th Boat Parade
Parade scheduled for 6 to 7:15 p.m.
– A patriotic parade of boats decked out in “red, white, and Bolts blue” will sail down Seddon Channel between Davis Islands and Harbour Island, then small boats will continue up the Hillsborough River to the bend at Armature Works
FOUR MORE BOOMIN’ NOTES FOR THE 4TH OF JULY
🕘 Fireworks Timing
All three Independence Day fireworks displays are scheduled for dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.) but may be slightly adjusted due to weather. Fireworks will not be seen from Curtis Hixon Park.
🚌 Getting to and Around Downtown
Use a bike, transit, or rideshare to get Downtown- or if you drive, plan to park only once. To get around once you’re Downtown, walk, use rental bikes or electric scooters, hop on the free TECO Line Streetcar, or take the free Bayshore shuttle to head to the largest fireworks display.
Car Parking
– All city-operated garages will be available, along with street parking and private lot options. City of Tampa parking garages (including the Fort Brooke garage) will cost $10 for the day.
– Attendees can also park in Ybor City and take the free TECO Line Streetcar to the festivities.
– Accessible parking is available at all public parking facilities.
Bike Parking
– Free bike racks are located throughout Downtown.
– Free bike parking will be available at Bayshore Boulevard near the Davis Islands Bridge.
🎇 Free Shuttle Service to Bayshore
Free shuttle service to Bayshore Boulevard will be operated by Jolley Trolley from 6 to 11 p.m. All shuttles are accessible and will run in a continuous loop.
Shuttle Stop Locations
– Fort Brooke Garage (intersection of Whiting St. & Franklin St.)
– Marion Street Transit Center (1211 N. Marion St.)
– Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (intersection of Ashley Dr. & Twiggs St.)
– Bayshore Boulevard (near Swann Ave.)
🚤 Even More Independence Day Fun
Most Downtown restaurants and activities will be open on July 4th- check ahead with a business to confirm, then make plans for dining, visiting a cultural attraction, hitting the water with a boat rental, and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🍴 Can I bring my own food and drink?
You are welcome to bring food and soft drinks to the Tampa Riverwalk, public parks, and Bayshore Boulevard. Please do not bring alcohol due to open container laws. Adult beverages are available from businesses and at Curtis Hixon Park. The Riverwalk cup program allows for people to consume alcohol in a Riverwalk cup while they enjoy the Riverwalk and adjoining areas. Grilling and other cooking is prohibited.
🐶 Can I bring my dog?
Please remember that the fireworks will be loud and may not be a good environment for your four-legged friends. Well-behaved pets that are kept on a leash are welcome on the Riverwalk and in public parks. Service animals are always welcome.
⛱ Can I bring chairs, umbrellas, or coolers?
Chairs and blankets, as well as small coolers, will be allowed in public parks and along Bayshore Boulevard. Please do not bring alcohol. Large umbrellas or tents will not be permitted. For security, all items are subject to search, and please don’t leave your belongings unattended.
View our 2021-2022 Year in Review.
Tampa, FL – With Tampa’s Downtown surging in activity and growth, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has named its new board chair and officers, marking the organization’s 36th anniversary. Incoming Board Chair Abbey Ahern brings a fresh perspective, becoming the first millennial to hold the position (Photo Link).
“We were able to maintain momentum for Downtown Tampa through the pandemic, working with all our partners, re-launching the programs people love. Now we’re continuing to support the energized and prosperous neighborhoods of Downtown,” said Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO.
“We’ve brought back events like River O’ Green and Fourth Friday, added smart kiosks to help visitors find their way, and hosted a worldwide conference of urban leaders. As more people than ever look to our region as a destination to ‘live, work, play,’ we are keeping Tampa’s Downtown at the forefront of that conversation.”
Among the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s highlights from the past year:
– IKE Smart City kiosks launched, giving visitors interactive access to information and directions – Served as worldwide host for the 67th International Downtown Association Conference – Winter Village brought record attendance with more than 26,000 skaters – Pressure washed 130 blocks of Downtown sidewalks and concrete spaces – River O’ Green returned with an estimated 16,000 attendees – The 26th Annual Downtown Development Forum returned in-person, gathering influential local leaders to discuss the state of Tampa’s Downtown – Developed new techniques to count bicycle and pedestrian users, leading to better future planning
The Partnership also announced today that Abbey Ahern would become the new board chair (Headshot Link). Ahern is the founding principal of the commercial brokerage division of Dohring Ahern Appraisal and Brokerage, which she launched in 2005. Ahern brings the viewpoints of a millennial and mother of young children to the position.
“I’ve grown up alongside Downtown. When I was a young adult, gathering friends to fill planters with flowers along Franklin Street, our community was also blossoming- and so many of the ideas and events that made that blossoming possible came from the Tampa Downtown Partnership,” Ahern said. “Serving as board chair and helping support their incredible work is so exciting for me.”
Ahern takes over as chair from Wells Fargo’s Jim Themides, who will serve as immediate past chair. Other executive committee positions include Vice-Chair Jin Liu of Carlton Fields, Treasurer Tim Koletic of Fifth Third Bank, and Secretary Stephen Panzarino of AECOM.
The remaining executive committee members are John Avlon and John LaRocca of Hillsborough River Realty/The Jeffries Companies; Dr. Jason Collins with Adeas-Q; Michael English from JT3, LLC; Kimberly Madison of Strategic Property Partners and David M. Mechanik with Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester, PA.
About the Tampa Downtown Partnership Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership-based not-for-profit 501(c)(6) comprised of companies, organizations, and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, Tampa Downtown Partnership serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning, and beautification.
TAMPA, Fla. – Next door to where the Lightning and Avalanche will square off in game four of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, June 22nd, a crowd will gather for a different Tampa-Colorado face-off. The stakes here are even bigger than a trophy: it’s about the future of Tampa’s growth and quality of life.
While Tampa has dominated hockey in the past decade – Denver, where the Colorado Avalanche play, has been a champion in urban development. This Wednesday, just hours before the puck drops, Denver’s visionary Downtown leader, former Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Tami Door, will be speaking to Tampa’s top minds about how Tampa and Denver have built similar quality of life success stories.
– The Lightning have three total Stanley Cup wins, while the Avalanche can only claim two
– Currently Denver is leading in areas like wages and lifestyle, according to Brookings:
– The Denver metro area ranks 11th in the US for an increase in average salaries, while Tampa Bay is 25th – For standard of living, metro Denver ranks 16th, with Tampa Bay at 44th
Door says when she looks at Tampa, she sees all the signs of where Denver was 10 to 20 years ago.
“Downtown Tampa is poised to be a premier example of urban growth and city building in our country. Strategy, leadership, and resilience will set the course to leverage all of the opportunities ahead,” Door said. “On Wednesday, I’ll be sharing insights and lessons learned from other Downtowns, including Denver, with Tampa leaders to support efforts to envision and create a Downtown that is primed to grow current businesses and create new industries, attract the future workforce, build inclusive and well-connected neighborhoods, and bring people together around a shared vision.”
Both hockey teams arrived in their cities at around the same time.
– The Lightning’s first season came in 1992
– The Avalanche moved to Denver from Quebec in 1995
To Door, this is another sign the two cities are on similar paths, and Tampa’s future will be bright if the city calls the right plays today.
“In terms of hockey, only one team can take home the Stanley Cup. But, when it comes to creating thriving Downtowns, I’m absolutely rooting for Tampa.”
WHO: Tami Door, President & CEO of Q-Factor and Lynda Remund, President & CEO of the Tampa Downtown PartnershipÂ
WHAT: Tami Door is the keynote speaker at the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 36th Annual Meeting & Luncheon
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, just across Thunder Alley from Amalie Arena (510 Water Street, Tampa, FL, 33602)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22 at 11:30am
Three local experts shared insights about the state of Tampa’s Downtown two years after the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic. They spoke on April 7, 2022, at the Partnership’s Downtown Debriefing Series, where 75+ guests gathered at the Hyatt Place/Hyatt House in Tampa’s Downtown.
Christine Howard, Partner with Fisher Phillips shed light on current labor laws related to the workforce returning to the office and the new normal of hybrid schedules, vaccines, and flexible policies.
‘The best approach to making a return to the office is to figure out what your company needs and what works for your goals and then make your plans. There is nothing legally that requires your workers to come back to the office.” Christine stated.
“Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will apply for employees asking for remote work, especially since there is a precedent when the employee did remote work for over a year. In addition, you will see wage and hour law claims due to the certainty of the number of hours worked, taking calls, and answering emails. For non-exempt employees, remote policies should be in writing that the workday ends at a certain time and that they should not be taking calls, etc. during non-work hours or more than 40 hours.”
—
Scott Garlick, Managing Principal at Cushman Wakefield, updated guests on the trends seen in commercial real estate as new projects are built in Tampa’s Downtown and companies are returning to their leased space.
“Tampa’s Downtown commercial real estate market is more active than ever, and the leading companies are the ones that are allowing a flexible work style but making the office part of the culture of the company,” Scott stated. “Workspaces will see more ‘hoteling’ desks and designated private spaces. A well-designed space with communal gathering spaces is now used as a talent recruitment tool.”
Cushman Wakefield recently brokered the deal with Reliaquest, a growing cyber security firm and a “culture-first” company with a young workforce. Scott shared that “(Reliaquest) relocated to Thousand & One in Water Street Tampa as a part of their headcount growth and their ability to brand themselves in a district. They are creating a first-class, state-of-the-art 21st-century office space to cultivate a live, work, and play environment for their employees and visiting team members.”
Wade Elliot, Vice President of Business Development at Port Tampa Bay, shared updates on the port’s expansion and response to supply chain issues around the globe. Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest and most diversified port, moving 33 million tons of cargo a year, and is connected to the I-4 corridor, with over 380 million square feet of distribution center space.
Wade shared why Port Tampa Bay is easing shipping delays and costs for the region, “You can drop cargo at Port Tampa Bay and truck it to Lakeland within a 30-minute drive, vastly saving companies money per shipment against other southern locations such as Savanah, GA.”
Wade also noted that the port’s expansion will have greater positive impacts, “Downtown Tampa will see more companies moving here and more office space as cargo capacity expands and streets like Channelside Drive receive improvements to make the pedestrian environments near the port and cruise terminals safer and more attractive.”
Learn more about the Downtown Debriefing Series and other networking and educational events by becoming a member of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to announce Tampa’s Downtown Eggsploration, a family-friendly egg hunt at Julian B. Lane Park on Saturday, April 16th.
Downtown’s largest egg hunt will start at 9am, as the Partnership distributes nearly 40,000 plastic eggs in the park. Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to participate, and each age group will be given a specific combination of eggs to find and redeem to win a prize. While supplies last, children’s prizes range from a small stuffed toy or gift certificate for free soft-serve ice cream from IKEA, as well as other spring-themed gifts. Participants 18 years old and over are eligible for a grand prize Downtown staycation.
All participants are encouraged to bring their own basket or take advantage of a bag decorating station (while supplies last).
The egg hunt will be broken up into two-time frames: 9-11:30am and 12-1:30pm and will pause from 11:30am to 12pm for resetting and restocking.
“We are so excited to start a new tradition with the largest egg hunt for all ages in Downtown Tampa,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “The beautiful Julian B. Lane Park is the perfect backdrop to bring families out for a day of fun!”
The celebration runs until 2pm and includes an Easter bunny photo opportunity, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Learn more at TampasDowntownEggHunt.com.
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TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership and City of Tampa’s popular monthly lunch event will be returning to Lykes Gaslight Park after a two-year hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  The Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta resumes tomorrow (Wednesday, March 2nd) for the first time since March 2020. Establish in 2011, the event features tasty treats from a variety of local food trucks monthly, as well as open seating at The Square at Lykes Gaslight Park in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown
The Fiesta begins at 11am and concludes at 2pm
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership announced the 2022 Urban Excellence Award winners last night at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Among the businesses, initiatives, projects, and individuals celebrated this year were Joe Waggoner, CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, named the Christine Burdick Downtown Person of the Year, and Kim Puleo winning the People’s Choice Award.
“All of our winners and nominees have played crucial roles in the growth and development of our beautiful Downtown over the past year,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “Being able to recognize their accomplishments and achievements is the least we can do to thank them for their contributions which will impact Tampa for years to come.”
A total of ten awards were handed out at the 2022 Urban Excellence Awards. Below is the complete list of winners.
Public Sector Project Award
Madison Street Park – City of Tampa Parks and Recreation & the Channel District CRA
Private Sector Project Award
Grand Central at Kennedy Courtyard Renovations
Downtown Collaboration Award
The Boulevard at West River by Related Group
Landmark Development Project Award
Publix Greenwise at Heron Water Street Tampa
Downtown Experience Award
Meacham Urban Farm
Activating Spaces Award
CRISP – MacDill Park Gold Star Memorial
Marketplace Award
Abbicreates Studio
Arts & Culture Award
Glazer Children’s Museum Camp Imagination
Christine Burdick Downtown Person of The Year Award
Joe Waggoner – Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Executive Director/CEO (Retired)
2022 People’s Choice Award Kim Puleo – 1205 on Franklin
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is excited to announce the River O’ Green Fest is returning after a 2-year hiatus! Presented by Grow Financial, the festivities will take place Saturday, March 12th in the beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
The free event kicks off at 11am, as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green for the occasion. Visitors can view the river along the Tampa Riverwalk near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
“We are so excited to re-start this wonderful Tampa tradition,†said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “We haven’t been able to host our signature event since 2019, so we know people are looking forward to putting on their green garb, pulling out their best Irish accent, and celebrating the holiday in the greatest city!â€
The Irish-themed celebration runs until 5pm and includes live entertainment, live music, food trucks, beer, and family-friendly activities.
The annual St. Patrick’s Day festival is brought to you by the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the City of Tampa.
“It’s been way too long since Tampa got its Irish on, so let’s get ready to shamrock and roll at River O’Green 2022. One thing we can all a-green on is that this town knows how to paddy,” said City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, featuring Downtown Tampa’s outdoor, real ice rink, is now open at Curtis Hixon Park.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa Bay Lightning CEO Steve Griggs and Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund officially kicked off the holiday tradition with a ribbon-cutting this afternoon.
New to the celebrations this year: A Tampa Bay Lighting-themed 360 degree holiday light show with illuminated trees synchronized to music.
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the Winter Village experience, and this will be our most memorable year yet,” said Shaun Drinkard, senior director of public programming and operations at the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’re excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Lightning this year! You will see a lot of new holiday decorations in honor of our back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions.”
Also, new this year, the festivities expanded at Lykes Gaslight Square Park. “Sweet Street at The Square” features Sweet Mama’s Ice Cream shop along with beautiful lighting, local shops, and activations every Sunday.
“We’ve grown the celebrations throughout Downtown Tampa and created a destination that everyone can enjoy for the entire holiday season,” said Lynda Remund, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’re also happy to support our small businesses who can help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.”
The 5,000 square-foot ice skating rink at Curtis Hixon Park is open 7-days a week. Tickets must be bought online in advance, and reservations are subject to weather and rink conditions.
Another fan-favorite, the Winter Village Express, has returned this year. The family-friendly excursion will take you from Downtown’s Whiting Station to Ybor and back on the TECO Line Streetcar. The one-hour trip features a holiday sing-along, holiday trivia, milk & cookies, and added surprises along the way. The Winter Village Express only runs on Sunday evenings.
“We are thrilled to bring back the Winter Village Express,” added Remund. “As we continue to return to normalcy, we are resuming some of the attractions people have grown to love and adding in new ones every year, while also keeping safety protocols in place to ensure everyone stays healthy this holiday season.”
There’s plenty to do at the Winter Village free of charge. Random Santa appearances will surprise families, and the Curtis Hixon Choo-Choo is sure to delight children. The 12-seat, three-car trackless train makes 10-minute loops around the park during the light show.
Shopping and dining offerings also turn the park setting into an outing for any age. For more information and purchase tickets for the ice rink and Winter Village Express, go to WinterVillageTampa.com
The mural on Kay Street was painted by local artists Illsol
Tampa, Fla. – Keeping with the Vision Zero theme of “Paint Saves Lives,” the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the City of Tampa are building on recent successful efforts that improve safety as well as aesthetics by unveiling new safety improvements and a ground mural on Kay Street in Tampa’s Downtown.
The mural by a local husband and wife team known as Illsol will be unveiled Friday evening following Fourth Friday.
Located on Kay Street between Florida Avenue and Tampa Street, the colorful mural is designed to help improve safety by enhancing the crosswalks.
“Through our safety initiatives, like Vision Zero, we’re making creative changes big and small that have a huge impact in protecting our pedestrians, calming traffic, and adding a touch of beauty to our streets,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “We are very excited to have this colorful new mural along one of our gateways into downtown and the Tampa Heights neighborhood.”
“The Kay Street is the latest mural we have commissioned that makes our Downtown more vibrant and inviting, but more importantly improves the safety of these key pedestrian crossings – making it a win-win,” noted Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund.
“Projects like the Kay Street & Franklin Street intersection improvements help us achieve multiple goals by bringing awareness to drivers that people on foot or bike may be crossing the street. This project also has a placemaking component that adds pride, vibrancy, and character to the Yellow Brick Row Business District,” added Alana Brasier, Vision Zero Coordinator for the City of Tampa.
Vision Zero is the City’s transportation safety effort to eliminate deadly and life-altering injury crashes by creating safer streets and providing safer options for getting around the City. In addition to Kay Street, similar murals and projects have been commissioned on Ashly Drive, Franklin Street, and several downtown parking garages and outdoor seating areas.
Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is giving away free, $5,000 grants to Downtown businesses for enhancements to their locations. The money from the Partnership’s Storefront and Sidewalk Cafe Grant Program is designed to support and encourage more investment in the street-level appearance of Downtown businesses.
“We have removed the matching component of these grants due to the hardships businesses have faced during the pandemic, ” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “Our hope is this infusion of cash will allow some to make improvements or additions businesses that were forced to pass on projects because of the economic struggles of the past year and a half.”
Eligibility requirements for those applying for a grant include:
Eligible improvements may include but are not limited to:
Based on review and approval by the SSD Advisory Committee, the maximum amount a business can receive is $5,000. The deadline for applying is Friday, August 20, 2021.
Grant applications can be found here.
Wells Fargo’s Jim Themides named new board chair
Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership celebrates its 35th anniversary today while naming a new board chair and officers.
“Thirty-five years ago, Tampa business and community leaders had a vision of improving our Downtown,” said Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO. “The seeds they planted by creating the state’s longest operating business improvement district have shaped, defined, and enhanced Tampa’s Downtown to the point where it is truly the epicenter of Tampa Bay. It is now a place where “live, work, play” is more than a phrase – it is a reality. And the Tampa Downtown Partnership has been a steady, driving force behind this transformation.”
Among the notable items the Tampa Downtown Partnership has been involved with since it was founded in 1986 include:
The Partnership also announced today that Wells Fargo Regional Vice President Jim Themides (Photo attached) would become the new board chair.
“I’m proud to become the board chair of such a vibrant organization that is committed to the success of Tampa’s Downtown,” Themides said. “The Downtown Partnership has had many successes over the last 35 years, and we hope to build upon those as we continue to collaborate with businesses and the City to make Downtown an even better place to live, work, and play,” said Themides.
Themides replaces Tampa Preparatory School’s, Kevin Plummer. Plummer served as board chair for two consecutive one-year terms.
Other executive committee positions include Abbey D. Ahern of The Dohring Group named vice chair, Tim Koletic of Fifth Third Bank named treasurer, and Jin Liu of Carlton Fields as secretary.
The remaining executive committee members are John Avlon and John LaRocca from Hillsborough River Realty/The Jeffries Companies, Dr. Jason Collins with Adeas-Q, Michael English with JT3, LLC, Mickey Jacob with Goodwyn|Mills|Cawood, Kimberly Madison of Strategic Property Partners, LLC and Dave M. Mechanik of Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester.
View our 2020-2021 Year in Review.
This Franklin Street Visioning Document outlines the results of a collaborative planning and design effort led by the Tampa Downtown Partnership to envision Franklin Street’s present and future role as a historic Main Street and critical north south connector in downtown Tampa.
This vision includes a recognition of the unique character of the Franklin Street Study Area, an analysis of ongoing redevelopment activity surrounding and influencing Franklin Street, and block-by-block recommendations that detail and categorize short, medium and long term goals that were identified by Tampa Downtown Partnership and stakeholders to assist in realizing Tampa’s vision for Franklin Street moving forward.
Download the full Franklin Street Vision report
A biennial survey of Downtown residents and workers reveals big love of the waterfront and a need for mobility options and more retail
Download the full 2020 Worker and Resident Survey Report
Download HCP Associates Condensed Presentation
TAMPA, Fla. – According to the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s biennial survey of residents and workers, the Riverwalk is by far Downtown Tampa’s greatest asset. The results of the 2020 survey will be presented virtually at the Partnership’s 25th Downtown Development Forum on April 7th, 2021.
Fifty-one percent of residents placed the Riverwalk as the top amenity, with the general waterfront coming in second at 17%. Workers gave the Riverwalk similar marks, with 42% saying it’s Downtown’s greatest asset and 18% citing waterfront access.
Both residents and workers identified retail as one of Downtown’s most significant needs, with residents making it their top priority and workers placing it number two behind parking.
Satisfaction with being able to get around on foot or via the streetcar has increased since previous surveys, with 57% of residents and 44% of workers saying they would still take the streetcar at the same frequency or slightly less if they had to pay a fare.
Both workers and residents say Downtown is not as accommodating to low-income individuals. Forty-five percent of Downtown residents make more than $150,000 a year, about three times Tampa’s median annual income.
Other statistics of note:
The Downtown Worker and Resident Study for the Tampa Downtown Partnership was established as a baseline study by HCP Associates in 2008, making this the seventh edition of the survey.
For the second time, residents outnumbered workers in the survey, this time by 21 percent, with more than 1,064 residents participating. In 2018, 10% more residents than workers responded to the survey, with 624 participating.
This year’s survey, conducted between November 2nd, 2020 and January 15th, 2021, included questions to assess the impact of COVID-19. Results show that despite the pandemic, satisfaction and recommendation levels remain high. Working from home has impacted both groups, with most participants expecting to continue post-pandemic in a hybrid work environment. The pandemic possibly affected satisfaction with events and access to museums, the theater, and attractions, but the use of parks and the Riverwalk has stayed the same or increased.
Previous studies resulted in enhanced accessibility to the river, more waterfront dining, events in the parks, new museums and attractions, extended operating hours for transportation and merchants, full-service grocers, and more.
New results from a biennial survey of Downtown residents and workers reveals a need for more retail
TAMPA, FL – In the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 2020 Downtown Worker and Resident survey, both residents and workers identified retail as one of the most significant needs in the city’s urban core, with Target as their top choice to fill the gap. The Partnership’s full survey results will be presented tomorrow at the 25th Annual Downtown Development Forum entitled State of Tampa’s Downtown, held virtually this year from April 7th – 9th, 2021.
Over 50% of residents said they’d like to see a large retailer Downtown. A majority, 40%, named Target as the big-box retailer they’d most like to see, with 33% of residents saying they would not like a big-box store in Downtown at all. Brands like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods came in at a far distant second place, earning only a nod from only 5% of survey respondents. Ninety-five percent of residents said they would use a grocery store if there were one, and the same number said they would use retail. Target fits both of those bills.
For Downtown workers, parking is the greatest need, with 31% saying it needs improvement. But retail came in at number two with 23% calling it insufficient – 35% of workers named Target as their first choice for a big box store Downtown. Publix and Walmart tied for second place at 5%.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership created a baseline in 2008 with its first survey of residents and workers. The study has been conducted every other year since making this the seventh survey. Previous studies resulted in enhanced accessibility to the river, more waterfront dining, events in the parks, new museums and attractions, extended operating hours for transportation and merchants, full-service grocers, and more. Registration for the Downtown Development Forum is still open, and more information can be found at TampasDowntown.com.
TAMPA, Fla. – Lykes Gaslight Square Park in Downtown Tampa has long needed additional park amenities and regularly scheduled programming. Today, the Tampa Downtown Partnership will begin work on a temporary public space activation and interactive community input campaign to help envision the park’s future located in the center of Tampa’s Downtown.
“Over the past decade, the Partnership has focused on activating public spaces like Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which has now become a year-round gathering place for Downtown workers and residents,” said Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “Activating Lykes Gaslight Square Park is the next step towards seeing these great public spaces reach their full potential.”
While the Partnership has long-term goals for Lykes Gaslight Square Park, the organization would also like to hear from those who live, work, and visit Downtown. Rather than a traditional public meeting or an online survey, Remund says the Partnership has opted to construct a temporary version of the potential park improvements for the public to experience and engage while given the opportunity to offer feedback.
In addition to a food kiosk, the Partnership will temporarily install movable tables and chairs, put up overhead lighting and offer music and other public space activities. The Partnership will also provide an on-site mobile office for public engagement during the trial period to gather feedback.
The Lykes Gaslight Square Park project will open in a few weeks and run for 90-days. During that time, various operating hours of the activation will be tested to determine if the public prefers breakfast, lunch, or dinner service or some combination of the three.
Tampa, Florida now ranks number one in the nation for number of Bicycle Friendly Businesses following the January 2021 awards by the League of American Bicyclists, the leading organization for bicycling advocates since 1880. There are 66 certified Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) in Tampa following the awarding of nine new businesses in 2021. Six businesses renewed and improved their level of certification.
The BFB program requires businesses to support and promote cycling to their customers, employees, and the community by providing bike parking, safety education, and promotions for retail customers who arrive by bike. The program was started locally by the Platinum-certified BFB, Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It was intended to support and encourage bicycling as a mode of transportation into and around the urban core,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning, Tampa Downtown Partnership.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership announced the 2021 Urban Excellence Award winners last night at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Among the businesses, initiatives, projects, and individuals celebrated this year were the Water Street Development with the USF Morsani College of Medicine/JW Marriott for Landmark Development Project and the City of Tampa’s Lift Up Local initiative for Public Sector Project.
“Each recipient has helped create the energy, excitement, and environment that has made our Downtown such a desirable place to live, work, and play,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “They’re ambassadors of Tampa’s urban core, and their contributions have helped transform Downtown into the thriving destination and economic driver it is today.”
A total of ten awards were handed out at the 2021 Urban Excellence Awards. Below is the complete list of 2021 winners.
Lift Up Local by City of Tampa
Embarc Collective Start-Up Hub
“Art on the Block” Unity Mural Day
Water Street Development | USF Morsani College of Medicine & JW Marriott
Pirate Water Taxi & Yacht StarShip
Sparkman Wharf
Don Me Now | Bubbly Barchique
David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts Performance Pivot
Ashley Bauman
People’s Choice Award Henry B. Plant Museum Victorian Christmas Stroll
Tampa, Fla. – Don’t have a ticket to the sold-out NFL Super Bowl Experience at Julian B. Lane Park in Downtown Tampa? Don’t worry; there are still plenty of ways you can soak up the Super Bowl experience during the days leading up to the big game.
“Downtown Tampa is the epicenter of Super Bowl LV excitement with activities, dining, and shopping leading up to February 7th,” said Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership’s President and CEO.
Among the activities that you can enjoy without a ticket are:
Reminder, masks, and social distancing are required. Plus, some locations where you don’t need tickets still require you to download the NFL OnePass App at NFL.com/OnePass to register and get a QR code for entry.
For more information, visit www.TampasDowntown.com and be sure to check out the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Interactive Map!
Installation of kiosks to begin in 2021
TAMPA, Fla. – IKE Smart City interactive electronic kiosks will be installed later this spring in the Downtown core that will provide directions and information about businesses, attractions, and public services.
“This is cutting-edge, smart-city technology that will provide immediate information about all of the wonderful opportunities Tampa has to offer, from restaurants and museums to parks and entertainment venues,” said Lynda Remund, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “The kiosks are easy to use and an excellent way to immediately learn about anything from nearby businesses to museums to public transit information.”
The kiosk program is expected to launch in 2021, but the public can get a sneak peek of an interactive kiosk at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park during the holiday season. Visitors of Winter Village have enjoyed using the technology to look up nearby businesses and even take holiday-themed selfies.
A total of 30 kiosks will be installed throughout the Downtown area. They will be installed in three phases. Plans call for most of the kiosks to be installed in Downtown areas near commercial and cultural destinations. The remaining will be installed in nearby communities.
The kiosks will not require any money from the City of Tampa or from local taxpayers. The program is funded entirely by IKE Smart City of Columbus, Ohio, which uses a self-sustaining business model. The kiosks have been installed in cities such as Baltimore, Denver, Cleveland, and San Antonio.
Like a smartphone, the kiosks have touchscreens that users scroll through to select their content. They can serve as free Wi-Fi hot spots and provide information about social services and job opportunities. There also is an emergency call system and ambient lighting to improve public safety. When not in use, the kiosks display general announcements to promotions from the arts community to commercial messages.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership and IKE are particularly mindful of public safety during the coronavirus pandemic. The touchscreens will be cleaned with disinfectant regularly.
They also are treated with a coating that studies show works with ordinary light to destroy 99.9% of viral and bacterial pathogens.
Downtown Dollar program starts Wednesday
TAMPA, FL– The Tampa Downtown Partnership will begin giving away $10 vouchers on Wednesday, December 2nd, that people can use at nearly 30 participating Downtown Tampa restaurants and retailers. Called the Downtown Dollar, the vouchers will be given away on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 11:30 a.m. at Lykes Gaslight Square Park.
“This has been a challenging year for small, local businesses, and this is one small way the Tampa Downtown Partnership can help,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “The Partnership will use Special Services District (SSD) grant funds for the Downtown Dollar program, and it is our goal to do this on the first Wednesday of every month for the next ten months.”
Although the vouchers will be handed out during lunchtime hours, they will be good for the following 48-hours and can be used for dine-in, carry-out, goods, and services.
The Partnership will have a branded display in the park where the vouchers will be distributed. A flyer listing all the participating restaurants will also be handed out on-site, or you can visit the project’s Facebook event page for a complete listing.
A total of 200 vouchers will be distributed each month.
The 2020 Downtown Worker and Resident survey is now live! In 2008, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched its first community study for residents and workers. The research and its findings have helped pinpoint and steer focus on the things that Downtown Stakeholders value most. The survey has resulted in game-changing initiatives over the years, including increased river accessibility, new attractions, new modes of transit, park activations and events, and comprehensive retail offerings.
This year, we need your feedback to help us navigate new horizons, including working for home trends and Tampa’s future as an emerging city on the rise.Participation takes just 8-9 minutes. In exchange for your time, there is a chance you could win a Downtown Staycation package. We look forward to receiving your feedback and appreciate the support.
**Note: If you live and work in Downtown Tampa, please take the resident survey.
TAMPA, Fla. – Keeping with the Vision Zero theme of “Paint Saves Lives,” the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the City of Tampa are building on recent successful efforts that improve safety as well as aesthetics by commissioning mural work on North Ashley Drive in Tampa’s Downtown.
Last weekend, local artist Meaghan Farrell Scalise, with Traditional and Digital Arts (Tada!), completed a Vision Zero mural entitled “Reflection Current,” which includes 40 touchpoints on the ground with a cohesive design. “The bright colors signify energy in movement, engaging one’s consciousness to the twists and turns in life’s ever-moving current, along with connectivity to each other.”, stated artist Meagan Farrell Scalise.
The project also includes decorative planters at each intersection and flexible delineator posts to enhance pedestrian safety. Ashley Drive was chosen as the location for this project due to its proximity to the Interstate 275 off-ramp and prominent features such as museums, parks, the Tampa Riverwalk, and the “Stay Curious” mural on the William F. Poe Garage.
“As an organization and community partner, we are committed to Vision Zero. We know the sense of place and meaning public art brings to our neighborhoods. Now we are utilizing it to make one of our Downtown’s key corridors safer as well”, said Lynda Remund, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced the City of Tampa’s commitment to Vision Zero in October 2019 at the National Safe Routes to Schools Conference. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
“Creating safer streets for all is one of the top priorities for Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow,” Mayor Castor added. “Street murals offer many benefits, including calming traffic, increasing pedestrian visibility, and adding a touch of beauty to our neighborhood streets. We are very excited to have this new artwork along one of our Downtown corridors. We are grateful for another opportunity to showcase local artists while enhancing street safety as a Vision Zero City. We look forward to many more collaborative projects with the Tampa Downtown Partnership.”
“As soon as drivers enter Downtown, we want them to have visual cues they have entered a vibrant urban core. Pedestrians will have more space, less crossing distance, and drivers should slow down,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning at the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
This project is funded by the Tampa Downtown Partnership with support from the City of Tampa.
IDA’s Value of Downtowns study to be discussed during Digital Downtown Debriefing today at 1pm
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa has a “strong” downtown that compares well to other emerging downtowns across the nation, according to a new report analyzing urban cores across the country.
The report (click here to read) by the International Downtown Association (IDA) concludes that emerging downtowns like Tampa’s have plenty of potential, with the relatively low property values compared to other urban places. That allows developers to get much greater return for their investment dollar.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership will hold a digital briefing on the report at 1 pm today with nationally renowned urban planner David Dixon. Dixon, the vice president at Stantec, was instrumental in developing the Water Street Tampa master plan.
Highlights from the report include:
– Tampa’s Downtown population grew 36% between 2000 and 2017, outpacing the 17% average for other emerging downtowns across the country. The residential sector ranks Tampa as one of the strongest emerging downtowns, based on its rate of growth and density.
– Downtown accounts for about 70,000 jobs, which represents 21% of the city’s jobs.
– Downtown land has an assessed value of more than $3.7 billion, or more than 12% of the total citywide value, even though downtown covers just 2.5 percent of the city’s land area. Downtown’s assessed value nearly quadrupled since 2000, while assessed values only doubled citywide.
– Downtown generates 28% of the city’s property tax revenues, and it drives even higher levels of private investment. The Water Street and Heights developments alone will account for an additional $4 billion in investment.
– The demographics of the study area underscore Tampa’s diversity. About 50% of downtown residents are white, 30% are black, and 20% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
– Renters occupy 80% of downtown housing units.
– The median income in the Channel District reaches a high $87,000.
– More than 40% of the downtown population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing both the city and regional rates.
– More than half of all outdoor events permitted by the city take place in and around downtown.
– Downtown’s most recognizable asset – for residents, workers, and visitors alike – is the Riverwalk.
– The report says additional investment in streetscape improvements – street furniture, shade trees, and ground-floor activity – as well as more transit that connects downtown to other parts of the city, would increase mobility options and make living and working downtown more sustainable.
In addition to Dixon, today’s Digital Debriefing will include a panel discussion with Tampa Downtown Partnership’s President and CEO Lynda Remund and downtown leaders from Charlotte, NC and Santa Monica, CA. Beyond the IDA report, the group will talk about how the coronavirus pandemic will forever change downtowns across the county.
TAMPA, Fla – The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Summer Series is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with free activities, including a giant 10,000-square-foot tent. It’s the perfect place to go to get out of the house and burn off some energy – all while protected from the hot Florida sun. While at Summer Series, you may also enjoy free WIFI provided by PBXChange and listen to local tunes streamed from Tampa’s Downtown Soundtrack on Spotify. Whatever Pops has also opened a storefront in the park for the Summer Series featuring handcrafted ice pops, drinks, snacks, and grilled cheese made with local Jamison B. Breadhouse bread.
“To help encourage kids to practice social distance while playing, we’ve incorporated a no-touch design to the project’s large ground mural,” said Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “The mural and table surfaces are coated with a new anti-microbial technology called Safe Shield, which was provided by one of our sponsors OAI Visual Branding.”
This year the colorful ground mural is themed to celebrate Port Tampa Bay featuring a folklore summer nautical experience. The mural includes seven different activities like hopscotch, mazes, and mirror games.
“Port Tampa Bay values its role in contributing to our community in meaningful ways,” said Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson. “This has become especially important as we all adjust to life during a global pandemic. The port is pleased to work with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to bring some safe cheer to our neighbors.”
The Summer Series tent is open to the public daily from dusk to dawn. The Summer Series runs until the Hillsborough County School District resumes classes on August 10th. This year the Tampa Downtown Partnership has teamed with the City of Tampa, Port Tampa Bay, and OAI to present its Summer Series while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation has again provided the giant tent.
Free concert series paved the way for other Downtown Tampa park programs
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s popular free concert series Rock the Park will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Thursday night (July 2nd). But instead of a concert at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa, the musicians will perform from a private location, and the public will be able to enjoy the show online.
“Rock the Park was one of, if not, the first public space programs at Curtis Hixon Park when it reopened in 2010,” said Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It truly paved the way for other activities and programs like Yoga in the Park, the Mayor’s River O’Green, Winter Village, and many others. It’s been a key part of the evolution of Tampa’s Downtown, and today, Curtis Hixon is the premier events park in the city, and Rock the Park led the way.”
Thursday’s concert begins at 7pm. Performers will include DJ Qeys at 7pm, Former Contenders at 7:35pm, and AKiKA the Band at 8:20pm.
To stream the event live, go to the Partnership’s Rock the Park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RockThePark.
Rock the Park is a free, monthly concert that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. The family-friendly event series started in 2010 and attracts hundreds of people each month.
Located in Tampa’s Downtown, the intersection mural supports diversity, inclusion, & equality
Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber has partnered with the Tampa Downtown Partnership for Pride Month to reveal the permanent intersection mural located in the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood of Tampa’s Downtown. The vision of the painting is to signify unity and to showcase our diverse community.
“At a time when we need to come together, we celebrate our community with the Pride Mural, signifying the unity of the LGBTQ+ community, with the Black Lives Matter Movement, people of color, and our Trans brothers and sisters. We honor each other and look to build a better future for generations to come,” said Justice Gennari, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.
Local artist Cam Parker was commissioned for the project. Cam has painted several murals in the Tampa’s Downtown, including in the Tampa Heights neighborhood.
The City of Tampa has proclaimed Saturday, June 27, as “Unity Mural Day.” Volunteers will be painting murals at five locations within the City of Tampa. In conjunction with the City of Tampa’s Lift Up Local and Vision Zero initiatives, street murals are a way to celebrate the unique aspects of neighborhoods, strengthen community bonds, and improve the safety and livability for our communities.
TAMPA, Fla – The Tampa Downtown Partnership celebrated its 34th year of Downtown innovation, growth, and inclusion by reflecting on accomplishments, welcoming a new slate of leadership, and setting the stage for future opportunities.
This year’s meeting looked a little different, as the event was live-streamed from the Tampa Downtown Hilton, with special guest Mayor Jane Castor noting during her remarks that the Tampa Downtown Partnership accomplished many successes this past year. The Partnership recently supported small downtown businesses during COVID-19 ‘safer at home’ orders via the Reinvestment and Relief (“REfund”) Grant Program with 50 grants of $1000 disbursed in under three days, as well as helping support Mayor Jane Castor’s Lift Up Local initiative. This past year the Partnership also launched Downtown’s first parking plan and the inaugural Boom by the Bay and New Yaargh’s Eve events, among other initiatives.
“The Partnership has been able to be very thoughtful and helpful to our Downtown during this time, and we are just getting started. I am energized to serve and lead the Partnership into the new decade and keep up Downtown’s momentum,” said Chairman Kevin Plummer.
A video reflecting on the past year is located here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFdAOo3ibY&t=2s
2020-2021 Officers
Chairperson: Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School
Vice Chairperson: Jim Themides, Wells Fargo Bank
Treasurer: Tim Koletic, Fifth Third Bank
Secretary: Abbey D. Ahern, The Dohring Group
Immediate Past Chair: Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, Goodwyn|Mills|Cawood
President and CEO: Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership
2020-2021 Executive Committee
John Avlon/John Larocca, Hillsborough River Realty / The Jeffries Companies
Jason Collins, Ph.D., PE, AICP, Adeas-Q
Michael English, AICP, The Dikman Company Tyler Hudson, Gardner Brewer Martinez-Monfort
Kimberly Madison, Strategic Property Partners, LLC
Dave M. Mechanik, Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester
2020-2021 Board of Directors
Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay
Haley R. Ayure, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Josh Baumgartner, Tampa Electric
Christine M. Burdick, Emeritus Board Member
Josh Christensen, Suffolk Construction
Randy Coen, Coen & Company
Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay
Robin Delavergne, Tampa General Hospital
Joseph Deluca, Tampa Bay Times
Brian Fender, Grayrobinson
Keith G. Greminger, AIA, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.
Thomas N. Henderson III, Hill, Ward & Henderson, PA
Rebecca Hessinger, Hillsborough County
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)
Gregory Kadet, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Michael Kilgore, Columbia Restaurant Group
Melanie Lenz, Tampa Bay Rays
Judith Lisi, David A. Straz, Jr. Center For The Performing Arts
Jin Liu, Carlton Fields
Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health
Joseph D. Marshburn, Bank of Tampa
Leroy Moore, Tampa Housing Authority
Julius Nasso, Related Group
Barry Oaks, Cushman & Wakefield
Stephen Panzarino, AIA, NCARB, AECOM
Kevin Preast, Tampa Bay Lightning R. Marshall Rainey, Burr & Forman LLP
Craig J. Richard, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
Dr. Bob Rohrlack, CCE, Tampa Bay Chamber
Neale Stralow, VHB Robert G. Stern, Trenam Law
Christine Turner, Chappellroberts
Braxton Williams, PNC Bank
Bryan Wilson, The Beck Group
Kendall Wilson, Holland & Knight
Andy Wood, The Florida Aquarium
Andrea E. Zelman, City of Tampa
Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., the Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. To this day, six of the Columbia restaurants are still owned and operated by the founding family, including The Columbia Cafe located in the Tampa Bay History Center downtown. With a rich history and incredibly flavorful menu, The Columbia Cafe has become a mandatory stop for visitors who want to truly experience the taste of Tampa.
“One of the most picturesque dining spots on the downtown Tampa waterfront, the cafe has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Garrison Channel separating downtown from Harbour Island. The cafe serves the most popular dishes from the restaurant’s flagship in Ybor City, including the Original 1905 Salad and chicken and yellow rice. The cafe also serves cocktails, beer and wine, including the Spanish cava sangria made tableside” – Tampa Bay Times
This week the Columbia Restaurant was kind enough to share their family recipe for Picadillo with us. We hope you all enjoy making this delicious dish at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday.
What you’ll need:
2 pounds of lean boneless beef (preferably chuck), trimmed of excess fat and ground 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1 cup of onions, finely chopped 2 teaspoons of garlic, minced 2 large green peppers, finely chopped 1 teaspoon of oregano 2 teaspoons of salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 4 bay leaves 6 medium-size ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely chopped (or 2 cups canned whole tomatoes, drained and chopped) 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 cup small pimento-stuffed green olives 1/4 cup seedless raisins 1 tablespoon of white vinegar 1 cup of burgundy
Traditionally, picadillo is served with fluffy white rice and, when available, fried ripe plantains.
Bamboozle Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in Tampa’s Downtown. Known for its fresh rolls and pho soups, this isn’t your ordinary Vietnamese restaurant. As founder, Lynn Pham has stated, Bamboozle Cafe’s focus is “giving the community an affordable and healthy lifestyle option” and we are ecstatic about featuring them this week as they are certainly doing that and so much more. This week Bamboozle Cafe was kind enough to share their delicious “Vietnamese Haas Avocado Smoothie” recipe with us. We hope you all enjoy making this delectable drink at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday. Cheers!
What you’ll need: Ice Blender Measuring Cups Knife/tool to slice avocado Ingredients listed below
Ingredients: Makes one 16 ounce smoothie Half fresh haas avocado 2 oz Half & Half 1 oz Condensed milk 2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) 1 cup Ice 2 oz Unsweet green tea (or water)
Vegan option: Substitute half & half and condensed milk with 3 oz soy milk or almond milk.
Oxford Exchange is one of the premier restaurants in Tampa’s Downtown. Known for its elegance, the restaurant opened its Champagne Bar late last year and has been debuting new cocktails ever since. This week Oxford Exchange was kind enough to share their delicious “French 75” recipe with us. We hope you all enjoy making this refreshing drink at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday. Cheers!
Hendricks Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup and Chandon Brut
What you’ll need: Ice Coupe Glass Shaker Lemon peel (as a garnish)
This week the Columbia Restaurant was kind enough to share their famous Red Sangria recipe with us. We hope you all enjoy making this delicious drink at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday.
What you’ll need: 1 packet of the Columbia Restaurant Sangria Mix 1 750 ml bottle of Red Wine – they use a Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1 bottle of Brandy – they use the Torres 5 Brandy 1 Orange 1 Lime 10 Cherries Pitcher Knife to cut up fruit Wine glass Ice
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, located at the Tampa Convention Center, is known as a bastion of summertime indulgences. Customers not only have their pick of fresh seafood, steaks and sushi but are right in the heart of downtown, close enough to walk to places like Amalie Arena or The Florida Aquarium. This week Harpoon Harry’s Crab House was kind enough to share their fan favorite Crab Stuffed Shrimp recipe with us. We hope you all enjoy making this delicious dish at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday.
What you’ll need: All ingredients listed below Large baking pan Knife to create slit in shrimp Mixing bowl
Ingredients: 4 servings 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and a slit cut to hold stuffing 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat 1/2 stalk of celery, finely minced 1 small shallot, finely minced 1 clove of garlic, minced 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp sour cream 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning 1/2 tsp black pepper and salt 1 tsp hot sauce such as Franks brand 2 tbsp butter, melted 1/8 cup white wine 4 slices of bacon, cut into pieces 1/2 cup shredded cheese (They use mix of pepper jack, sharp cheddar and Italian four cheese blend)
Grants handed out in less than three days
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Downtown Partnership has handed out 50 grants totaling $50,000 under its recently announced Tampa’s Downtown Reinvestment and Relief Fund (“REfund”) Grant Program. The money, which does not need to be repaid, was given to businesses in the Downtown Tampa Special Services District impacted by COVID-19.
“In less than three days, we had almost 75 businesses apply for a grant under the REfund program,” said the Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “I think that speaks to the financial hardships that businesses are experiencing because of the pandemic, and we must do our part to provide a bit of relief to these locally-owned restaurants, art galleries, retail stores, and others that make up the fabric of our Downtown.”
The grants can be used for lease or mortgage payments, utilities, supplies, and administrative expenses deemed critical for business operations and for equipment or programs needed to assist the business with a transition to temporary digital services.
Grants applications were considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and distributed until the funds were depleted. Payments were distributed directly to the eligible applicants with less than a week turnaround time to help expedite payments to the businesses.
Things are changing every day so please check with each location directly to confirm their current options. It is best to make reservations whenever possible due to limited capacity. We will do everything we can to keep this list updated with the most current information.
Please be aware that the City of Tampa’s Lift Up Local initiative has closed some streets in order to provide additional outdoor seating and overall space. Streets closed in the downtown area include:
American Social – Now open at limited capacity. Armature Works – Now open at limited capacity. Please check each vendor’s website for current menu options and hours. Bamboozle Restaurants – Now open at limited capacity. Bavaro’s – Now open at limited capacity. Butter’s Burgers – Now open at limited capacity. Big Ray’s Fish Camp at The Sail – Now open at limited capacity. Cafe Dufrain – Now open at limited capacity. Cafe Hey – Now open at limited capacity. Cena – Now open at limited capacity. Columbia Cafe – Now open at limited capacity. Online reservations are required. Dio Modern Mediterranean – Now open at limited capacity. District Tavern – Now open at limited capacity. Eddie and Sam’s NY Pizza – Now open at limited capacity. Florida Aquarium – Now open at limited capacity. Online reservations are required. Ginger Beard Coffee – Open for takeout Harpoon Harry’s Crab House – Now open at limited capacity. Hattrick’s Tavern – Now open at limited capacity. Holy Hog Barbecue – Now open at limited capacity. Jackson’s Bistro – Now open at limited capacity. Malio’s Prime Steakhouse – Now open at limited capacity. Maloney’s Local Irish Pub – Now open at limited capacity. Moxie’s Cafe and Catering – Now open at limited capacity. Oxford Exchange – Now open at limited capacity. Pour House – Open for takeout SoFresh – Now open at limited capacity. Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar – Now open at limited capacity. Sparkman Wharf – Now open at limited capacity. Please check each vendor’s website for current menu options and hours. Splitsville – Now open at limited capacity. Tampa Pizza Company – Open for takeout and delivery Taps Restaurant Bar & Lounge – Now open at limited capacity. Ulele – Now open at limited capacity. Urban Cantina – Open for takeout and delivery Watervue Grille – Now open at limited capacity. Yeoman’s Cask and Lion – Now open at limited capacity.
Stay safe and enjoy!
40% shift to virtual and online operations
TAMPA, Fla. – More than 90% of Downtown Tampa businesses say COVID-19 has had a “high” impact on their finances, workforce and overall operations according to a survey conducted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership. More than 40% of the business owners who responded also said they can only sustain their current level of service until the end of May.
“I think the results show just how dire the situation is for some of our Downtown businesses, but it also underscores how many operators are adapting by redirecting resources and efforts to online sales,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO, Lynda Remund.
In fact, more than 40% of respondents say they have been shifting to virtual or online operations. “This is the first time we’ve done local delivery and we will continue to do this in the future,” one owner wrote. “We had always thought about offering this service to the community and now we see how easy it’s been. Kind of a blessing behind the scenes!”
Others say they are now offering online art sales, streaming movies, and providing online educational content for kids and families. A physical fitness business said it rented out 41 of their indoor cycling bikes and launched an on-demand streaming platform for yoga, toning, and cycling classes. One business owner said he was even taking the opportunity to remodel.
Among other survey findings:
The Tampa Downtown Partnership survey of its members was taken between April 8-22. Nearly 50 Downtown businesses responded.
Dear Tampa’s Downtown Community:
Given the current situation with COVID-19 and following the advice of public health experts along with city, state, and federal officials to limit face-to-face interactions, Tampa Downtown Partnership staff will be working remotely, effective immediately and continuing through Tuesday, March 31st. We will reevaluate the situation at that time and continue to take every precaution to keep our Board, members, and general public safe and healthy.
We will continue to be available to serve you via email and phone. Please visit our website, www.tampasdowntown.com for a full directory of staff members. Our website and social media platforms are continuously being updated with links to resources related to COVID-19. If you do not yet follow us on social media, you may find us as @TampasDowntown on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The services of Tampa’s Downtown Clean Team and Guides continue at this time . They have been briefed on best practices to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. The Guides are currently gathering data on the operations, services, and specials being offered by Downtown merchants and restaurants and we are making every effort to reach out and promote these businesses. Be on the lookout for these features in Monday Morning Memo and on our social media platforms.
As we continue to monitor the daily evolution of the COVID-19, stay healthy and be well.
City of Tampa COVID-19 FAQ
Supporting our Downtown Businesses
Staff Contact Page
Safety and wellness are always the top priorities to everyone here at the Tampa Downtown Partnership. We will continue to closely monitor the latest developments with Coronavirus and cooperate fully with recommendations from public health officials. The primary objective is that we all take appropriate personal steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our entire community remains healthy.
The City of Tampa website gathers and updates useful information about COVID-19 regularly.
Ways to Support Tampa’s Downtown Community As we all adjust to re-scheduled events, re-align our working arrangements, and rearrange travel plans, we encourage you to continue to support your favorite small businesses even if you cannot visit them physically by doing the following:
At this time the Tampa Downtown Partnership will remain open and Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team continue with operations per usual with additional safety precautions to support the Downtown community through our services. In addition to ensuring that Tampa’s Downtown remains well maintained, managed, and safe, our Guides are collecting up-to-date information from our local restaurants and retailers.
Please make it a priority to take all health and safety precautions you can to protect yourself and others in our community. Downtown Tampa depends on community support to thrive and our small businesses are a vital component of our economy year-round. We want to ensure their continued success while maintaining all appropriate public health safety measures.
For questions, send us an email.
The State of Florida, City of Tampa, and Hillsborough County have all declared a state of emergency to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Governor of the State of Florida has asked that local governments limit or postpone large events or gatherings. This will affect many of the following Downtown arts/cultural venues and events in the coming weeks. This list will be regularly updated as new information is reported.
Armature Works: Closed, no date posted for re-opening Embarc Collective: Closed, no date posted for re-opening Florida Aquarium: Closed until March 29th Florida Orchestra: Suspended all performances until April 5th Glazer Children’s Museum: Closed until March 29th Henry B Plant Museum: Closed until March 30th Jobsite Theater: Closed, no date posted for re-opening Scarfone/Hartley Gallery: Closed until April 15th Stageworks Theatre: Closed, no date posted for re-opening Straz Center: Closed, no date posted for re-opening Tampa Bay History Center: Closed through March 30th Tampa Museum of Art: Closed through March 29th Tampa Theatre: Closed until end of March
*All dates are subject to change
Event Information https://www.tampagov.net/special-events-coordination/event-status
Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village market helps local businesses launch and thrive
TAMPA, Fla. – The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and if you’re looking to buy local on Small Business Saturday, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has a one-stop shop for you.
Visit the Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and check out holiday gifts from ten local boutiques all in one spot. In addition to the shopping, you can enjoy Tampa’s only outdoor ice skating rink, specialty drinks and treats, a light show to holiday music, and much more to get you into the holiday spirit.
“The Tampa Downtown Partnership helps to create fun experiences to grow local businesses downtown. We’ve spent countless hours organizing this year’s Winter Village, which will bring thousands of visitors downtown to support the unique shops and restaurants that make Tampa so vibrant,” said Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO.
Not only does the Partnership’s Winter Village help downtown shops reach new customers, it also gives entrepreneurs a chance to test their business ideas. For example, Modern Paws was a pop-up shop at last year’s Winter Village, but after seeing a strong demand for their specialty pet products at the holiday market, the owners opened a boutique shop downtown.
“Seeing small businesses get their start with the help of the Tampa Downtown Partnership is a rewarding part of our job. There is nothing better than having these types of success stories,” Remund said.
Small Business Saturday is expected to be a big hit. Last year, U.S. shoppers spent a record $17.8 billion on that day alone, and this year, the National Retail Foundation is expecting holiday sales to increase up to 4.2 percent due to the booming economy.
After you finish your shopping on Saturday, you can watch “The Muppets Christmas Carol” movie on the Great Lawn of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for free. The movie will start at 7 p.m. and it’s made possible by the support of the F.E. Lykes Foundation.
You’ll have until January 5 to enjoy Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. For a full list of holiday events all season long visit WinterVillageTampa.com. Follow @WinterVillageTampa on Facebook and @WinterVillageTampa on Instagram for updates and alerts.
Meet the people behind Downtown Tampa’s boom
TAMPA, Fla. – As Downtown Tampa experiences an economic boom, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is honoring those who are adding to the momentum. At its annual Urban Excellence Awards last night, local businesses, organizations and leaders were recognized for their positive impact on Downtown.
“More people than ever are choosing to live, work and play downtown. This type of growth wouldn’t be possible without our amazing, diverse community,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership CEO Lynda Remund. “The Urban Excellence Awards is our opportunity to say thanks to the trailblazers and champions who contribute to the vibrant future of Tampa’s Downtown.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership’s CEO Lynda Remund took the stage at the Tampa Museum of Art along with Hillsborough County Schools Spokesperson Grayson Kamm to announce 2019’s Urban Excellence Award Winners in each category.
“Both the nominees and winners of this year’s Urban Excellence Awards are helping to foster both economic investment and quality of life downtown. The Tampa Downtown Partnership is the glue that holds everyone together. We’re celebrating as a community what we can achieve by fostering a shared vision for Downtown,” Kevin Plummer, Chairman for the Tampa Downtown Partnership said.
Finalists are chosen through a three-step process. First, the Tampa Downtown Partnership invites the public to submit nominations for each category. When the nomination period closes, each submission is considered based on the criteria set within each category. Finally, a panel of jurors representing a cross-section of downtown constituencies evaluate the nominations on a scale of 1-10 based on the criteria and their relation to six topics; innovation, creativity, engagement, sustainability, advancement, and impact.
2019 Winners:
This award recognizes a person, organization, business, project or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to a Downtown space or has created a more attractive pedestrian atmosphere, and commercially vibrant environment through activities, street level store front improvements or design elements.
This award is presented to an organization, event or initiative that has had a significant and lasting impact on downtown’s arts and cultural life, stimulates economic growth, encourages tourism and enhances downtown’s cultural image.
This award recognizes a group partnership that has made a unique, positive contribution to Downtown; and has been responsible for a project or program that has complemented the work of the City of Tampa and the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
This award is presented to an event, entity or idea that involved people in or exposed them to a positive Downtown experience, thus enhancing their enjoyment while visiting the area.
This award recognizes an iconic building that serves as a magnet to attract people to Downtown by improving the physical environment or by enhancing the economic, cultural or social well-being of the area.
This award is presented to a person, business, project or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to the Downtown marketplace or has improved Downtown by contributing a new or unique retail experience.
This award recognizes a private sector project that has made a positive and significant contribution to Downtown; and has demonstrated a commitment to assist in revitalizing the Downtown area.
This award recognizes a public sector project that has made a positive and significant contribution to Downtown; and has demonstrated a strong impact in revitalizing the Downtown area.
This award is presented to a nominee who receives the most votes via on online submission by the general public.
This award is presented to an individual that has made a positive and significant contribution to Downtown; has added to the Downtown visitor experience and/or that has demonstrated strong leadership in revitalizing the Downtown area.
All entries are considered on their merit. Entries may include Downtown Tampa or center city individuals, businesses, organizations, events, or projects (public or private) that:
Awards Jury:
Sean Baraoidan, Real Building Consultants
Frank Grebowski, European Wax Center
Jennifer Malone, Hillsborough County Planning Commission
Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School
Special thanks to our sponsors: FH Events, Mighty Fine Design Co., Carlton Fields, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, 13 Ugly Men Inc, David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts, Kimley-Horn, Liberty Group, Related Development, and The Wilson Company
View our 2018-2019 Year in Review.
Bob Buckhorn’s successor – who’s also a Tampa native – reflects on the city’s remarkable run, as well as work yet to be done.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership annual meeting and luncheon, held June 19 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, included remarks from Tampa’s former police chief and recently elected mayor, Jane Castor.
She proved that public safety still weighs heavily on her mind when she repeatedly used the word “firearms” instead of “fireworks” when referring to the city’s upcoming Boom by the Bay Fourth of July celebration. The malapropism elicited chuckles from both the crowd and the slightly flustered mayor herself.
So Castor has some work to do to live up to former Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s finely tuned ability to turn a phrase. But give her time. As Buckhorn’s handpicked successor, Castor knows not to mess with the formula that fueled Tampa’s run of success during her predecessor’s two-term tenure.
“We have undergone an incredible transformation over the last decade, thanks to organizations like the Tampa Downtown Partnership,” Castor says. “It’s exciting that we are attracting so many businesses. Downtown is on fire, and we’re on so many lists now; it’s just incredible.”
A Tampa native, Castor marveled at how far Tampa has already come and how poised it is to compete for talent and business. “This city is going to grow more in the next 10 years than it has in my entire lifetime,” she says.
However, citing the lack of affordable housing that’s been a byproduct of Tampa’s economic growth, Castor says development must be more “thoughtful” in the future.
“It’s something we need to pay attention to,” she says. “We have one opportunity to create the city that we all want to live and work in, a city that we are going to be proud to pass off to the next generation. The last thing we want to do is push people out of the city of Tampa because of rising housing costs and stagnant wages.”
by: Business Observer
In retrospect, Tampa Housing Authority officials acknowledge that 2010 was probably not the most opportune time to begin an ambitious vertical reworking of Central Park Village, a 28-acre tract containing substandard and arcane public housing.
But nearly a decade after the housing authority and joint venture partner Banc of America Community Development Corp. began infrastructure work, the rebranded Encore! neighborhood is celebrating the completion of four residential buildings.
Two of the four buildings – with more than 660 units overall and names like The Ella, The Trio, The Reed and The Tempo – are dedicated to senior housing, while the other two comprise families. Each has ground-floor retail space and residents with a mix of incomes. In the case of The Ella and The Reed, 70% of the units are devoted to affordable housing.
Central Park Development Group LLC, a Banc of America-led entity, also is offering lots for sale to third-party developers with the goal of adding market-rate apartments, retail space, hotel rooms and offices within the $425 million project.
“We’re all trying to be at the forefront of what makes a community vibrant,” says Jim Cloar, vice chairman of the Tampa Housing Authority.. “And right now, we’re at a point where we’re looking at additional opportunities for outside developers to come in and build upon what we’ve done to date.”
In all, Encore! – the name is an homage to the musical heritage of the neighborhood, where Ray Charles recorded his first song and legendary jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington performed – has entitlements in place for 1,500 residential units, 300-plus hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet of retail space and up to 180,000 square feet of office space.
Cloar and Eileen Pope, a Banc of America senior vice president, say one of the priorities is attracting a grocery store of roughly 36,000 square feet to the area.
The authority and Banc of America have retained commercial real estate brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield to sell lots in Encore!, which are being priced starting at $46 per square foot, or just over $2 million an acre.
In all, 12 buildings are planned for the property. Vertical development began in 2011 on the seven-story Ella, while Tempo, another seven-story structure with 203 units, was completed last month.
Pope and Cloar note that three of the undeveloped sites within Encore! are currently under contracts of sale to national developers who plan to build market-rate apartments or a hotel. All three sales are scheduled to be completed by mid-2020.
Cloar, a former Tampa Downtown Partnership head who was appointed to the authority by then-May Bob Buckhorn in 2011, says Encore! has numerous advantages in its favor.
Chief among them is price, especially as compared to sites in downtown Tampa.
“We have lower land costs, and access to affordable housing grants and low-income tax credit programs,” Cloar says. “That allows developers to build at a lower cost and charge rents or rates that are less than elsewhere in the market.
“Housing affordability is certainly a concern in Tampa and elsewhere, but we think we can help fill that niche.”
In-place infrastructure also gives Encore! an edge. Beginning in 2010, the authority and Banc of America began installing streets, water and sewer lines, a central chiller plant, solar panels for electricity and storm water capture systems.
“We’re pad ready,” Cloar says.
Encore! also could benefit from trends toward re-urbanization, the economic development momentum that Tampa has fostered over the past decade, and from the fact that the property is both a designated brownfield and in a Qualified Opportunity Zone.
With that latter distinction, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency will reduce mortgage insurance application fees and provide other incentives.
“We could not have foreseen how much growth would occur in Tampa in such a short period,” says Pope, who’s firm, a for-profit entity that is a subsidiary of Bank of America, has revitalized public housing sites in Baltimore, Chicago and St. Louis, among other places.
“The City of Tampa has been a very interesting success story, and the city staff has been ideal to work with,” adds Pope, whose firm has injected roughly $150 million in equity into Encore! “You don’t see that everywhere.”
But perhaps Encore!’s biggest advantage is a location near four thriving areas – Tampa’s central business district to the south; the $3 billion Water Street Tampa development downtown, to the southeast; Ybor City, just to the east; and SoHo Capital’s Tampa Heights project, to the northeast.
“If you look at an aerial photo,” Pope says, “Encore! is the big hole in the donut. Everything around it is moving forward. Our idea was we wanted to be a catalyst. We’ve seen elsewhere around the country that when there’s an area in, or near, a downtown, that no one wants to be in, if we can come in and put money into it, people notice.”
Among those to have noticed is the Urban Land Institute, which has cited Encore!’s mix of uses and income, its walkable streets and its sustainable development.
Such citations are in stark contrast to the way Central Park Village had been viewed for decades since the authority took it over in the 1940s.
Cloar calls it “one of the worst examples of a public housing development.”
“It was typical of its time,” he says. “But ultimately, it became a spot you wanted very much to avoid, an area that had systematic design problems like a lack of through streets and walls that were intended to aid privacy but also bred crime.”
That reputation has been among Encore!’s biggest hurdles, Cloar says.
“People remember Central Park Village,” he says. “We have to remind them constantly that what we’re doing is not public housing, and it’s not homogenous. The variety is enriching.”
“Two years ago, I would have said we have yet to get over the stigma of Central Park Village,” says Pope, whose company began working on the project in 2006, shortly after a master-plan redesign was completed.
“But I think now we’re on the cusp of that attitude being gone,” she adds. “And ultimately, we don’t want to forget the history completely. There were a lot of good things that happened there over the years.”
Among the good things to come may be Encore!’s designation as one of the first urban, master-planned projects in Florida to receive LEED neighborhood development certification for its environmental initiatives and efforts at sustainability.
And if all goes according to plan, build out at Encore! will occur around 2026.
“I see Encore! as uniquely positioned to be a home run,” says Bob Abberger, a former executive with developer Trammell Crow Co. in Tampa and a former executive with Strategic Property Partners, the joint venture that is developing Water Street Tampa.
“Its time has come,” adds Abberger, who today works as a consultant with RRA Development LLC, a firm he formed in 2016. I think it’ll end up being one great little neighborhood, and that, in turn, is what makes great cities – their neighborhoods.”
Link to original article
Tampa Downtown Partnership celebrated another monumental year of growth and change by reflecting on accomplishments, welcoming new leadership, and setting the stage for future opportunities at the 33rd Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, June 19, in the Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel.
“I am especially proud and honored to lead the remarkable staff at the Partnership. Together, we’ve made great progress in our 33rd year and I’m excited to carry that momentum forward,” said Lynda Remund, President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Everyday the Partnership staff works tirelessly to go above and beyond the standard for excellence in urban place management, and today we celebrate all of the progress made throughout this year.”
2018-2019 Highlights
This year, Head of School for Tampa Preparatory School, Kevin Plummer, becomes the Chairman for Tampa Downtown Partnership. He replaces Mickey Jacob, Principal at BDG Architects after completing two terms as Chairman.
During his first address as the Partnership’s Chair, Plummer presented the room of over 500 stakeholders, members, and elected officials with two challenges. “The first challenge is to fully embrace the genius of the ‘and,'” said Plummer. “I want you to think just for a moment what it would mean if the metric of success was defined by what was best for you and your company and Tampa.”
Plummer continued, “My second challenge. At the end of our lunch, find one person in this room you don’t know, exchange contact information and on July 4th, contact one another and wish each other well and happy Independence Day and perhaps share some time at Boom on the Bay. Our passion for Tampa and continuing to build relationships and understanding will fuel the future of our city.”
Mayor Jane Castor also spoke at the luncheon, commenting on the key accolades the city has recently acquired as one of the safest cities and one of the best places to do business. Both show that Downtown is a place poised for greatness.
Keynote speaker for the event, Tim Tompkins, CEO of the Times Square Alliance, closed out the luncheon by encouraging the audience to have authentic and local conversations, be ready for change, and to learn how to nurture and tap into our differences to make Tampa a better place. Often Tompkins compared the work his team at the Times Square Alliance was doing in New York to the work the Tampa Downtown Partnership is doing in Tampa. “You have the momentum,” said Tompkins, “you just need to decide where to take it.”
2019 – 2020 Officers
2019 – 2020 Executive Committee
2019 – 2020 Board of Directors
According to the latest results of a biennial survey, the long-awaited completion of the Riverwalk and Tampa Heights have spurred unprecedented growth in the number of people who make downtown Tampa their home.
The report, the Biennial Downtown Worker and Resident Study, has assessed the mindset of the city’s downtown residents and workers since 2008, when it was first conducted. The 2018 survey, orchestrated by HCP Associates on behalf of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, reveals the urban core’s impressive gains as a live-work-play destination.
Chief among the finds: sustained uptick in long-term residents. The percentage of survey respondents who’ve lived in their current residence for more than five years has doubled since 2010, from 18% to 36%. Half live in condos or lofts; 29% in apartments; 16% in single-family homes; and 6% in townhomes, the report shows.
Also surprising, 96% identify downtown Tampa as their primary residence, while the population is a diverse mix of socioeconomic and demographic groups. A little more than half, 53%, identify as middle class; 39% as upper class; and 8% as working class. Age-wise, 26% are millennials; 41% are Gen Xers; and 33% are baby boomers.
Some 80% of residents who responded to the survey are college graduates, while 49% are married. Most do not have children; however, 34% report owning dogs and 14% have a cat.
The survey also looked at downtown Tampa’s liveable shortcomings. Grocery shopping was the leading area of insufficiency, with 61% of respondents saying they needed more options. Also, 67% of survey respondents who work in downtown Tampa say the area doesn’t have enough places to shop for casual clothing.
Link to article.
TAMPA (FOX 13) – Three years ago, David Buck was just another homeless man seen in the area around Ybor City.
“I had zero hope, I had already given up,” Buck told FOX 13.
But some prayerful counseling helped him realize it was time to make a change.
He knew that he couldn’t have success at anything unless have gave up drinking. So that’s where he started.
“Three things happened to me in three days,” he said. “I got sober, I got a place to live, and I got a job.”
And that job on the Clean Team for the Tampa Downtown Partnership puts him in a unique position to give back to the Tampa homeless community he came out of.
“It gave me a spark of hope,” he said.
Buck now walks his beat doing clean up and counseling. He said he never wanted a handout from anyone.
“I have to put the work in. Nobody’s getting me up in the morning, I’m getting myself up to go to work, to take two buses,” he explained. “It’s not about me liking it, it’s about what’s necessary.”
So he spreads his success story with other homeless people he runs into in the downtown area.
“It’s about overcoming and not settling for where you’re at,” he said.
With the start of hurricane season fast approaching June 1, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is hosting a team of emergency experts for its Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting June 5 at TECO Hall.
If you’re wondering what a direct hurricane hit would be like in downtown Tampa, just ask Lynda Remund, President and CEO of the Partnership.
“If we had a direct hit, the first four floors of the office and residential towers would be under water. That’s pretty significant when you think about that,” says Remund, who has seen plenty of hurricane seasons in her 19 years with the downtown organization.
Fortunately, Tampa hasn’t had a direct hit since 1921, but after watching the devastation and increased intensity of hurricanes in the past decade, there’s a greater sense of urgency for both businesses and residents in downtown Tampa and across the area to be prepared.
The problem is, “people don’t start preparing until we have an impending storm,” Remund says. “It’s really important that we prepare now. It’s never too early to start preparing.”
The event will feature local emergency and rescue experts from the Tampa Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Departments, Hillsborough County Emergency Management, Hillsborough County Rescue and Tampa Electric Company. Brian LaMarre, Meteorologist-In-Charge at the Tampa Bay Area Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service, will be there to help paint a picture of how different scenarios could impact Tampa’s downtown.
New re-entry program
Panelists will discuss the biggest change for hurricane preparation, which involves the updated City of Tampa Re-Entry Program.
The program is designed to streamline the process for residents and key personnel returning to an area to assess damage after a catastrophic event.
To prevent gawkers and potential criminals from entering an area after evacuation orders have been lifted, public safety officials will screen vehicles returning to the impacted area. Those vehicles with hang tags displayed will be waved through, avoiding potentially long lines.
The city recently mailed vehicle hang tags to homeowners in areas most likely to be evacuated, as well as business members of the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Westshore Alliance. This includes those in zip code areas 33602, 33605, 33606, 33609, 33611, 33616, 33619, 33629, and MacDill Air Force Base. Hang tags have also been provided to apartment management offices. Residents and businesses can order additional hang tags for $5 through the City of Tampa.
With increased hurricane activity, Remund says she’s noticed business leaders are more engaged and aware. One indication is the preparedness event has sold out in recent years.
“The awareness is there for the business community. Over the years I’ve seen them step up to the plate and I’m seeing them have their emergency procedures in place now,” she says. The key is to “have their emergency preparedness statements in their manuals and relay this to their tenants: ‘Should this happen, this is what we’re going to do.’ The business has to be prepared and know if we shut down this is how we’re going to handle it.”
In addition to the event, residents and businesses can sign up for the Downtown Security Network email alerts and find quick links to hurricane preparedness tools here.
Find more tips to get ready for hurricane season in Tampa Bay.
By Christopher Curry
TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2019) – The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s latest snapshot of downtown shows a growing urban core with a bustling waterfront and a demand for more shopping options.
The survey of downtown workers and residents, which Tampa firm HCP Associates conducts for the business group every other year, shows a significant 32 percent jump in the number of residential units downtown — from 5,709 to 7,546 — in a span of two years. The increase in occupied residences is more pronounced — a 39 percent jump from 4,908 to 6,818.
The survey shows more people setting up roots downtown. Forty-five percent of the residents surveyed say they have lived downtown less than four years. That’s a decrease from 50 percent in 2016 and matches 2008 for the lowest percentage of the last decade. On the other hand, 36 percent of residents say they have lived downtown at least five years. That’s the highest percentage of the last decade and a sign that the city’s central business district is growing more residential. As new amenities such as parks and dog parks cater to residents, satisfaction with living downtown is growing. Ninety-six percent say they would recommend living there.
A demographic breakdown shows the residential base is predominantly middle class and upper middle class. Ninety-two percent of the residents living downtown make $50,000 or more and 39 percent make at least $150,000. Only eight percent make less than $50,000. The cost of living downtown is also a concern. While the quality of housing receives high marks, the largest percentage decrease in satisfaction with the downtown experience from 2016 to 2018 is the affordability of housing, with a nine percent drop.
Downtown dwellers are fairly diverse by age and education. Thirty-three percent of residents are 55 or older, 41 percent are 35 to 54, and only 26 percent are 34 or younger. Eighty-percent have at least a college degree. The vast majority — 90 percent — say they moved downtown primarily for the urban lifestyle.
The nearly 1,200 residents and workers surveyed say the Riverwalk is the area’s greatest asset and attraction, followed by waterfront access in general and parks. The Riverwalk was also the greatest asset two years ago, but it scored even higher this year.
Rating their downtown experience, residents, and workers gave high marks for walkability, a feeling of safety and the variety of things to do after work or school. The growing range of restaurant and drinking options also got high marks.
The survey also shows an unmet demand for more retail options, including grocery stores, among both residents and workers. Sixty-one percent say grocery options were insufficient.
“The survey really revealed that workers are looking for retail,” says Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “You have that captive audience of about 70,000 workers downtown. We need to start looking at capitalizing on that for retail. I know rooftops are very important and often drive retail. But the survey also revealed that workers are looking for that in downtown.”
A Publix grocery store is slated to open at the base of the new Channel Club apartments in August 2019. The new store is designed to cater to urban dwellers accustomed to living in a walkable neighborhood not far from Water Street Tampa.
On transportation, the vast majority of respondents say they get around by foot (88 percent) or their personal vehicle (85 percent). Among workers, transit, congestion, and affordable, accessible parking are areas needing improvement.
Remund says the expansion of the TECO Streetcar should improve transit service for workers as the system grows to have more commuters. As for traffic, while some respondents desire increased multi-modal options for biking, walking, or transit, others say bike lanes are underused and aggravate congestion and parking issues by removing travel lanes or parking spaces.
The survey describes parking as a “tense” issue.
“Workers feel that they pay too much, they believe that the parking lots are owned by a monopoly, and they express concern about the parking situation worsening as lots are purchased for further high-rise development,” the report says.
This is the sixth Downtown Worker and Resident Study that HCP Associates has conducted for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. Remund says the survey measures the pulse of workers and residents on their experiences downtown to see areas for improvement.
Past surveys have helped bring about improved access to the Hillsborough River, waterfront dining, more public events in parks, new museums and attractions, and extended operating hours for transit.
Read the full article at 83DegreesMedia.com.
By Richard Danielson
TAMPA, Fla. (April 12, 2019) – Residential living in and around downtown Tampa is booming, according to a new survey from the Tampa Downtown Partnership, with more apartments and condominiums, high rates of occupancy, much love for the Riverwalk and much desire for more stores, bars and restaurants. Here are highlights from the survey, which reflects the perceptions and expectations of 1,190 downtown workers and residents:
Growth in the number of downtown residential units, from 5,709 in 2016 to 7,546 in 2018
Residential occupancy rate in 2018
Residential units under construction in 2018
New residential units proposed in 2018
26 percent – Channel District
20 percent – Harbour Island
19 percent – Downtown core
10 percent – Tampa Heights
The rest are scattered in areas on the edge of downtown.
Live in condominiums or lofts. Another 29 percent are in apartments, with smaller numbers in houses or town homes.
Are college graduates.
Have no children.
Are 35 to 54 years old, 33 percent are 55 or older, and 26 percent are 34 and younger.
Make $150,000 or more a year. 53 percent make $50,000 to $150,000 annually, and 8 percent make $50,000 or less a year.
Instead of cat fights and petty jabs, Wednesday night’s forum with Tampa’s mayoral candidates focused on building a city with transportation options, affordable and accessible housing and a vibrant economy.
Hosted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership at Tampa Heights’ historic Rialto Theatre, all questions were related to Tampa’s urban core, which is made up of downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.
The biggest topic was transportation, which gave political newbie, Topher Morrison, a chance to shine. Morrison gave up his car nine years ago in an effort to reduce his carbon footprint. Judging by the applause, that earned him some major points.
“For me, this isn’t something that’s a political statement,” Morrison said. “For me, this is something personal. I understand how hard it is to use mass transit in this city to get around.”
The transportation theme didn’t work out so well for others.
Ed Turanchik was once again asked about the of All for Transportation referendum, a 30-year, penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase to help ease congestion by paying for roads, buses and mass transit. He was the only candidate who voted against it and the only candidate who didn’t slam Stacy White, the county commissioner who filed a lawsuit against the $15.8 billion transportation sales tax.
In response, Turanchik claimed that he did not speak against it. However, a Facebook post from December says something different. “It’s time for sober, clear, and legally sound analysis of the legal challenge filed today of the All For Transportation penny sales tax…” The Dec. 4 Facebook post reads. “There is no room for political grandstanding on this issue. The financial risks are huge.”
(Isn’t social media great?)
A new face at the forum was Dick “Dickie” Greco Jr., who filed for mayor Jan. 11, just a week before the qualifying period ends.
“Some people say it’s late,” Greco said. “It’s never too late to do the right thing.”
Like father, like son – his father Dick Greco served as mayor from 1967 to 1974, and 1995 to 2003. But Greco Jr. didn’t harp on his father’s legacy. He spoke about his time as a Hillsborough judge giving homeless people charged with code violations a chance to get back on their feet.
A side element of the transportation issue that came for the candidates was sidewalks, and for good reason; students in Tampa who live within two miles of their school aren’t eligible to ride the bus, and some Tampa sidewalks have holes, ditches or just don’t exist. Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Jane Castor all echoed one another’s comments that safe routes for children walking to school are a top priority. If elected, Suarez plans to implement a sidewalk selection survey in which residents would be able to let the government know where they need sidewalks.
Both Castor and Cohen mentioned that Tampa has the highest rate of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths in the U.S.
David Straz, instead of talking about transportation, mostly talked about how much money he has. (He’s not lying.) His opening comment started with: “Well, you’ve heard of the Straz Center…Some of you may have seen my name on the side of the building at the University of Tampa.” And in his closing comments, he ended with: “Most of my colleagues on the stage here have never signed the front side of a check.”
Humble or not, his point was that he knows how to handle a big budget.
Candidates LaVaughn King and Michael Hazard were not in attendance at Wednesday’s forum, although King was expected to attend.
By: Anna Bryson, Creative Loafing Read the story
As the race to replace term-limited and popular Mayor Bob Buckhorn gathers speed, the themes dominating the campaign have become clear: unclogging the city’s gridlocked streets and finding a way to keep the state’s third-largest city affordable.
At Wednesday evening’s forum at the restored Rialto Theatre, seven mayoral candidates took turns offering their solutions for those problems, from promising to create a less car-dependent city to creating incentives for developers to build affordable housing for the city’s workers.
And unlike previous forums in recent days, sparring was replaced by policy discussions.
It was occasionally wonky, but never nasty.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership hosted the seventh forum, and most of the questions during the 90-minute event focused on downtown concerns. But the candidates were determined to widen the scope. East and West Tampa were praised and promised more attention. A booming downtown was celebrated, but rarely without a nod to needed development elsewhere.
Still, candidates displayed their downtown cred. Small businessman Topher Morrison said he hasn’t owned a car in nine years and lives in the high-rise Element apartment tower downtown. City Council member Harry Cohen mentioned his father’s ownership of a drapery business on Franklin Street. Former county commissioner Ed Turanchik took credit for getting a hockey arena built in Channelside. And retired banker and philanthropist David Straz pointed out that his name adorns the city’s downtown performing arts center and a building at the University of Tampa.
It was Straz who also repeatedly said the urban core’s prosperity needs to spread to the city’s more hardscrabble neighborhoods, saying downtown should be “sharing the prosperity with our neighbors.”
“They have been seriously neglected in the last few years,” Straz said.
In fact, city budget data shows investment in neighborhoods has grown under Buckhorn from $12.4 million in his first budget as mayor in 2011-12 to as high as $34 million two years ago (excluding the $35.5 million cost of renovating Julian B. Lane Park.) The current budget has $15.9 million allocated for neighborhood projects.
It wasn’t just Straz who said the city’s focus should turn outside a celebrated downtown that has seen national recognition bestowed on the Riverwalk, the Armature Works and other recent big-ticket development.
City Council member Mike Suarez said his priority would be to bring “equity and diversity” to the mayor’s office.
Cohen, who qualified late Wednesday, said neighborhood parks need more attention. And Morrison pledged to live for a year in East Tampa if elected.
Wednesday also marked Dick Greco Jr.’s first public appearance as a mayoral candidate. The retired Hillsborough judge didn’t dwell on his famous father, former Mayor Dick Greco. Instead, he focused on introducing himself to voters as a compassionate judge who helped the homeless in his courtroom before retiring in 2017.
So why did he join the already crowded mayoral race as the ninth candidate just days before the deadline to run in the March 5 election?
“For me it was the right thing to do,” the younger Greco said. “It is never, ever, for any of us, too late to do the right thing.”
Candidates LaVaughn King and Michael Hazard did not attend Wednesday’s forum.
Most of the candidates stuck to familiar talking points about the city’s transportation and affordable housing challenges.
Turanchik, who voted against the one-cent transit tax approved by voters in November, said he hadn’t spoken against the proposal before the vote. In fact, he had been critical of the proposal at an early mayoral forum in October.
He didn’t miss an opportunity to tell the large crowd about his transportation plan, which would use trams, hybrid diesel trains and more buses to ferry residents quickly around the city.
“It’s time to go,” Turanchik said. “You need a mayor who knows how to go.”
Former police chief Jane Castor reminded the crowd of her record reducing crime. She also said she would focus on fixing streets first, saying she knew it “was not real glamorous.”
She also responded to a question about the lack of retail in downtown as a problem that would be solved by bringing in housing and jobs.
“The retail will follow,” she said.
Suarez, speaking about the mayor’s role in transit policy, suggested why the race is so competitive: Tampa’s next mayor has a big microphone.
“The mayor of Tampa is the single-most important political position in the region,” he said.
Charlie Frago, Tampa Bay Times Reporter View the story
Seven of the nine candidates running for mayor of Tampa discussed issues important to the city’s downtown core in a forum Wednesday, striving to make a name for themselves in a crowded field.
Tampa Downtown Partnership hosted the public events at the Rialto Theatre in Tampa Heights, asking questions related to the city’s future like transportation.
“For me, this isn’t something that is a political statement. For me, this is something that’s personal. I understand how hard it is to use mass transit in this city,” said mayoral candidate Topher Morrison, who is a small business owner.
Every candidate stressed the importance of connectivity with cars, bikes and buses.
“When people get to downtown regardless of how they get there, they have to be able to be able to find another mode of transportation to move within the downtown core,” said City Council member Harry Cohen, who is also running for mayor. Cohen currently represents District 4.
“What we’ve done for years and years and years and decades is not going to work anymore with that we’re talking about here. We need a cultural change,” said mayoral candidate Dick Greco Jr., who is a former judge and whose father is a former mayor of Tampa.
With the transportation tax now approved, former Tampa police chief Jane Castor and former county commissioner Ed Turanchik said what they would improve if elected as mayor.
“Currently, our roads are on a 75-year repaving and All For Transportation put that automatically to 25. So, that’s first and foremost. And like Harry (Cohen), I would have a comprehensive sidewalk place,” said Castor.
“We’ll procure the midtown line within 6 months of being mayor, going to work with HART to do it. We’ll have that open and running in three years. We’ll cut a deal with CSX in a year,” said Turanchik about his plan to expand transportation in the city.
And it’s not just how you get around town, candidates like city councilman Mike Suarez touched on the parking issues and philanthropist David Straz on pedestrian safety.
“Instead of a developer paying $40,000 per parking space to build, have them reduce the number of parking spaces and have those dollars they were going to spend on parking spaces go into providing transportation,” said Suarez. He currently represents District 1 on city council.
“The kids are walking in ditches to get to school, waiting in ditches for the bus. That must be fixed immediately,” said Straz.
Some candidates were asked about the issue of affordable and attainable housing and how they would solve the city’s lack of affordable housing downtown with developers.
“When we give a bonus density to a developer, we need to demand that part of what they provide in return is affordable and attainable units,” said Cohen.
“We’ll allow you to go up to higher densities. We’ll give you relief from your parking requirements, but the exchange for that is going to be income restricted,” said Turanchik.
Other candidates were questioned about aspects of quality of life in the city. Castor talked about what Tampa could do to enhance public spaces.
“We can look at green space, greenways to connect some of these neighborhoods so that we can have pedestrians and bicycles use those and keep the vehicles off of them,” said Castor.
Straz said some neighborhoods need more investment to share in the city’s prosperity.
“We spent $35 million on a park, and in the process, we have neglected west Tampa and east Tampa,” Straz said.
Suarez stressed how to keep downtown Tampa attractive for work and play.
“What’s important is not just what we’re going to we’re going to do with the entertainment value of downtown. How do we make sure that people want to live there?” said Suarez.
For Greco and Morrison, they believe the mayor could influence education for the city’s families.
“We’ll not convince people with families to move to a downtown area if they don’t have convenient schools,” said Greco.
“Mayors set a tone for a city to follow. I want to set a tone where we reward vocational educational training as much as we do academic training,” said Morrison.
Every candidate has until Friday, January 18 at noon to qualify via petition or fee and get their name on the March 5th ballot.
By: Briona Arradondo, FOX 13 News Link to story
Lisa and Ben Prakobkit’s dog, Koko, did not react well to the flea, tick and heartworm medication the vet prescribed when she was 6. The chocolate Labrador retriever/German shorthaired pointer mix suffered seizures, a known side effect. Appalled that they weren’t fully informed about such potential issues, the Prakobkits decided to become more educated consumers.
Their journey lead to the Modern Paws, a Tampa, Florida-based small business that sells natural products, including food and supplements, for pets. Such foods have helped the now 11-year-old Koko manage her seizures.
The Prakobkits launched The Modern Paws as an online-only store in April 2015 to test-drive their holistic and natural pet foods shop, with an ultimate goal of a brick-and-mortar store. The last weeks of 2018 saw them putting the final touches on that dream, readying their store to open.
One of the key moves that shifted them out of the crowded Internet shopping space and into their permanent physical location: Establishing a pop-up store in a container-based holiday market, which allowed them to further test the market.
“The pop-up helped us get to go where we needed to go in the long run,” Ben says.
Exactly a year since they launched online, the Prakobkits leased a small 200 square-feet space at Duckweed Urban Grocery, a Tampa store, and sold products through that outlet as well, attracting a small and loyal clientele.
But it was when the Prakobkits launched a pop-up retail shop at Tampa’s Downtown seasonal Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park in 2017 and 2018 that the promise of a much larger business became apparent.
The Modern Paws pop-up set up shop in a PODS container, one of 10 that PODS for Business donated to the Tampa Downtown Partnership to form the Winter Village. The PODS container pop-up helped the Prakobkits with business visibility and building their customer base. Thanks to that opportunity, the husband-and-wife team spent the last weeks of 2018 polishing the final steps, like walk-throughs, to open a location of their own in Tampa’s Channel District.
“Pop-ups are a great way to test offline retail as they allow retailers to explore the waters without committing to the high fixed costs associated with running a more permanent retail store,” says Ani Collum, retail strategist and principal at Trade Collective, a commerce consultancy. The short-term nature of the lease – the Winter Village runs approximately seven weeks – is also an attractive proposition.
It was precisely these factors that attracted the Prakobkits to setting up the Shops of Winter Village. “It definitely helped us to start small and take the necessary steps forward,” Ben says. The couple plan on keeping both the online and the brick-and-mortar locations going concurrently.
“Pop-ups give an e-commerce retailer a chance to interface directly with customers, all of them, not just the ones that are able to find their website or directed through ads,” says Deborah Kravitz, cofounder and president of Provenzano Resources Inc., a firm that offers specialty retail leasing services.
Indeed, finding new and growing audiences for their business has been one of the biggest advantages of Winter Village, say the Prakobkits.
“By setting up a pop-up shop in a venue that brings hundreds of thousands of people per season, we have been able to get in front of thousands of people who may never have found us otherwise,'” Ben says. “Even if they didn’t buy anything from us, just getting our branding out in front of them was huge.”
Even if the transition from online to pop-up worked well for the Prakobkits, it is not always easy, says Collum. For one thing, there is the merchandising.
“In an online setting, the presentation of the product is the same, whether you have two units or 100. The customer still sees it as the same story, regardless of quantity. In offline retail, the way inventory is merchandised and the levels in which it is stocked can greatly impact consumer behavior,” Collum says.
The Prakobkits were all too aware of this challenge. Having set up the small shop at Duckweed, they knew how to merchandise in a small space, and they set up shelving and arranged their product displays in their PODS container for maximum impact. A large sign on the container was visible from a distance.
Kravitz cautions that the short-term appeal of pop-ups might not always translate to long-term success.
“An online retailer might have immediate success with a pop-up, but then realize that was due to influencers, or the immediacy of purchasing their product. That does not always carry over on a long term retail location, as the need to ‘buy now’ is gone, and inventory needs to be deeper and perhaps broader,” Kravitz says.
To distinguish their store from the rest of the pack, and to encourage customers to visit instead of buying online, the Prakobkits understand that their brick-and-mortar store will have to be a destination, selling more than just product. Plans are underway for spa-like grooming and dog wash stations and a Doggy Raw Bar with pet food available a la carte.
“We’re really excited about it and know that no one else here in Tampa offers such a store,” Ben says.
The couple is grateful for the PODS-sponsored Winter Village that offered the last stepping stone to a permanent retail location. Incubating downtown businesses through the pop-up format is one of the many goals of the Winter Village project, says Kelsy Van Camp, Director of Marketing and Communications at Tampa Downtown Partnership
“Lisa and Ben did phenomenally well,” Van Camp says. “Their pop-up in Winter Village gave them the confidence they needed and to see that there really was a market ready for what they were selling.”
The Tampa City Council will consider changing some of its parking requirements for developers at a meeting on January 10.
Supporters of the proposal say it would help boost the city’s housing stock. The proposal would amend the language of a city ordinance that requires each residential unit in downtown Tampa to have an off-street parking space. Mickey Jacob with BDG Architects is Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. He said the requirement makes it a lot harder for developers to build housing because they need the space and funds to create parking for every potential resident.His firm wants to build more “micro housing” downtown. Micro housing is a term for small condos and apartments that allow city-dwellers to trade space for cheaper rent or a short commute. This type of housing is increasingly popping up in major cities across the country as high rents make it harder for middle- and low-income residents to afford a standard urban home.
Jacob and other supporters of the amendment want the Tampa City Council to change the rule so dwelling units that are 580 sq. ft. or less would only require half a parking spot. “That’s a 50 percent reduction, that just made a lot of our projects more affordable to build,” Jacob said. Some worry that the change could make parking more challenging in Tampa, forcing residents in micro housing developments to take up street parking if they couldn’t find a spot in their building. But Jacob argues many of the people who would find micro housing attractive are the type who would willingly give up their car if they were able to get to work and stores through other means like public transit or walking.He said downtown Tampa is well on its way to accommodate that, but added that there needs to be significant transit improvements in the region to make it easier for residents who don’t work in the urban core to commute. Jacob hopes funding from the sales tax increase that went into effect Jan. 1 for transportation projects will eventually help.
The Council unanimously approved the proposal during its first-reading in December. Since it’s a text amendment and not a new measure, Jacob said the change could go into effect very quickly if approved on Jan. 10.
Jacob was a guest on a Florida Matters show on alternative housing, part of the week-long “Growing Unaffordable” series WUSF aired in December.
By: Stephanie Colombini WUSF Public Media – WUSF 89.7
The magic of the holidays is about making dreams come true and at the outdoor ice skating rink in Winter Village, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is working to make sure visitors with all different abilities can experience something special.
The rink is a place where you’ll find grand gestures like proposals and family reunions. But if you look a little closer it’s the smaller moments, like a simple helping hand, that can make a big difference.
“I had to come back out here at least one more time,” Henry Spells told ABC Action News Reporter Kylie McGivern when they met at the rink.
Spells is a big hockey fan, rattling off his favorites players – including Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov.
A year ago, Spells came to Winter Village’s ice skating rink.
“I rubbed my hand on the ice, I was like…I wonder if I could ever, you know, think about sled hockey or whatnot,” he said.
Or maybe, even a step further.
“Ice skating like a regular, normal person,” Spells said, sitting on a bench a the edge of the rink.
You see, Spells walks with the help of a cane. This year, he found he doesn’t need it. Not on the ice.
“I let go of the wall and of course KJ had me the whole time and we were out in the middle,” Spells said of Kenandrae Telfair, who works at the rink.
Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming & Operations, with the Tampa Downtown Partnership, says this is what it’s all about.
“Whether it’s turning off the sound and creating a calm environment…they accommodate disabilities of all sorts,” he said of the contractor, Ice Rink Events. “Including anybody in a wheelchair, they will coordinate with the family to actually bring the wheelchair on the ice and the staff here will bring them around.”
Jill Bosack brought her 5-year-old son with autism for the first time and was able to learn the times it would be less crowded.
“There are many people that are on staff that are here to help with people that have needs,” she said. “It’s just so nice to be able to have everyone together and to have him be able to be with other children who are participating in the normal activities that children should participate in, in the holiday season.”
Spells wants to inspire others with disabilities to live fully.
“Don’t let nothing stop you from doing what you do. I mean go big. Go beyond yourself. And for those other people that are sitting at home, just saying, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do this, I can’t do this.’ Well they’re going to be wrong.” Spells said. “I can’t have people sitting at home, I really can’t.”
Winter Village will be open until 6:00 Christmas Eve and reopen at 4:00 Christmas afternoon. After that, Winter Village will be open from 10:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night until Jan. 5.
By: Kylie McGivern ABC Action News
By Kelsey Sunderland
TAMPA (November 6, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership has announced the 2018 Urban Excellence Awards finalists.
This year’s finalists are:
Activating spaces
Arts and culture
Collaboration
Experience
Landmark development
Marketplace
Private sector
Public sector
Christine M. Burdick Person of the Year
The awards, which celebrates businesses, organizations, individuals, events, and projects that have made significant contributions toward Downtown Tampa, will announce the winners Nov. 29 at Armature Works.
By Cathy Salustri
TAMPA (December 4, 2018) – Duckweed. The streetcar. Love is Calling at the Tampa Museum of Art. Each of these things helps make downtown Tampa… well, excellent. The Downtown Tampa Partnership’s Urban Excellence awards recognizes people, places, things and ideas like these, as they did last Thursday night at their annual awards ceremony.
Here are the finalists for the Urban Excellence awards, with the winners in italics:
Activating Public Spaces “recognizes a person, organization, business, project or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to a Downtown space or has created a more attractive pedestrian atmosphere, and commercially vibrant environment through activities, street-level storefront improvements or design elements,” according to the press release. Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority Pocket Parks Phase 1 Street Car Live by GMF Downtown Crawlers
Arts & Culture award goes to “an organization, event or initiative that has had a significant and lasting impact on downtown’s arts and cultural life, stimulates economic growth, encourages tourism and enhances downtown’s cultural image,” the press release says.
Tampa Museum’s ‘Love is Calling’ Exhibit The History Center’s New Pirate Ship Exhibit Pep Rally Inc.
Downtown Collaboration is for any group partnership that’s been able to make a sustained difference in downtown Tampa (uh, in a good way). Streetcar by HART 2018 Commuter Challenge Week Madame Fortune Taylor Bridge Historical Marker Ceremony and Unveiling
Downtown Experience is for an event, business, person or concept that’s provided people with a positive experience in downtown Tampa. Two Wheel Bike Valet ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ Franklin Street Block Party 2018 Riverfest
Landmark Development goes to a building one could call a flagship type of building, the sort of place that draws people to downtown Tampa. Tampa Theatre Armature Works The Hall
Marketplace award goes to a new retail space that’s made a positive difference in downtown Tampa. Don Me Now Duckweed Maven Market Channel District
Private Sector is like marketplace, but need not be retail. Wilson Company Collective – Gin Joint SHUFFLE – The Heights Shuffleboard Society Tampa Bay Fiber
Public Sector is not unlike the private sector award, only for public entities. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Florida Department of Transportation – District Seven Jackson Street Rampello K-8 Downtown Partnership School
Christine Burdick Person of The Year goes to a person who’s enriched the downtown experience. Leo Rodgers Abbey Dohring John Bell
https://www.cltampa.com/news-views/local-news/article/21035261/here-are-the-winners-of-tampa-bays-urban-excellence-awards
By Veronica Brezina-Smith
TAMPA (December 4, 2018) – For the first time since the transportation penny sales tax passed, the organization that will receive $126 million per year as a result of it has discussed it.
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority provided an overview of the charter amendment and sales tax revenue use, one that Hillsborough County residents voted on to help fund the region’s transportation projects.
The new 1 percent sales surtax is in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax, making it the highest in the state.
The sales tax is expected to raise $280 million that will be used to reduce congestion, especially as the population will grow by more than 700,000 people in the next 30 years, create a more efficient neighborhood bus service and ensure funds are spent properly.
HART will see 45 percent of the $280 million collected through the sales tax, or nearly $124 million for this coming year.
“It doubles our operating and almost quadruples our typical capital improvement program over any given five-year period of time,” Interim CEO Jeff Seward said.
“Something I tried very hard to do these past 30 days was managing expectations,” Seward said, explaining how people on the street would question how HART would spend the money.
The funds though will be managed through a 13-member oversight committee that still needs to be formed that will monitor the funding from the sales tax. The committee will be made up of citizens, experts, an attorney, land use or real estate expert, and an accountant. The members must be appointed by various entities such as HART, Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, cities and others.
“As you may recall, during the budget discussions in September, I brought up my recommendation to move forward with a financial planning firm to be able to help us prepare for this. We did not move forward with it at that time not knowing whether or not the referendum would pass; now we know. At this moment I am bringing on two firms,” Seward said.
One of the firms is CliftonLarsonAllen, which will assist in the facilitation of moving HART from a single fund revenue and expenditure structure to a multi-fund structure.
The other is the financial advising firm Public Resources Advisory Group, which will assist in developing short- and long-term cash flows, financial models, debt and bond capacity models and will assist in any short-term financing they may engage.
“When we do start to get those more concrete plans, we will have a true foundational element to base upon it, not speculation of what we think we’re going to get.”
The interim CEO also said HART will focus on enhancing its fixed routes and on two major projects:
Whether the referendum passed or not, Seward said HART was going to move forward with the construction of the project.
“However, the referendum has changed the scope of that. So instead of looking at just an isolated section of our property, we are now looking at a blank slate of the 21st Avenue property, looking at how we can reconstruct that entire layout to accommodate the future expansion of this organization without having to go buy very pricey real estate elsewhere in Hillsborough County,” Seward said.
HART is also in conversations with the school board and city of Tampa about available sites around that area it can reconstruct for staging areas.
“We never had money to buy adjacent property; now that has changed,” Seward said
He also has his eye on the University Mall that’s going through changes.
“My staff has known during the last 12 months, I have very much wanted to address our University Area Transit Center issues. That is not a very pleasant transfer center or site. These changes coming to the University Mall area can very much benefit HART,” he said, stating how there could be a new transfer station or intermodal center there.
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/04/heres-what-the-hillsborough-transit-authority.html
TAMPA – Now that the transportation referendum for the penny-sales tax increase has passed, projects that have sat on the shelves and ones that are in need of more funding may possibly be part of the Hillsborough County bus transit agency.
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority will see 45 percent of the $280 million collected through the sales tax, or nearly $126 million per year.
One of the services is the Downtowner, the electric shuttle that carries about 500 passengers a day and operates through the Channel District, River Arts District, the University of Tampa area and more recently into Tampa Heights.
The private-public partnership includes the Tampa Downtown Partnership, the city and HART.
However, Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said the partnership is speaking with HART about that service being under its wing.
“We’re talking with HART about potentially absorbing the service under their umbrella as first-mile, last-mile service for downtown,” Kress said during the Dreamit x Bisnow Innovation Summit that took place earlier this month.
“We’re ready to hand off our baby to a new parent; HART seems logical,” she told Tampa Bay Business Journal after the event. “It’s a little daunting each year to raise $1 million in the private-public sector to keep this going,” she said, adding how the service is thought of as a micro-transit service that should belong to a transit agency.
HART has not yet responded to the TBBJ for further comment.
Another project is the proposed ferry that would connect southern Hillsborough County to MacDill Airforce Base. That project been put on pause after the Hillsborough County Commission voted 6-1 on Nov. 8 to stop its public-private partnership with ferry operator HMS Global Maritime and the South Swell Development Group for providing the service.
The unexpected vote was due to concerns over the costs of docks, cost for the land, concerns for the Schultz site due to its environmental protection, and the referendum, as some members thought the project could eventually operate under HART.
“This is a transit project and if it proceeds, I feel it should be under the purview of HART particularly since the referendum passed,” Commissioner Ken Hagan said during the meeting.
The board accepted that the contract would be terminated and that they would encourage HART to take the reins on the project.
Although these projects could fall under HART’s umbrella, a 13-member oversight committee still needs to be formed that will monitor the funding from the sales tax. The committee will be made up of citizens, experts, an attorney, land use or real estate expert, and an accountant. The members must be appointed by various entities such as HART, Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, cities and others.
The organization is expected to be formed at the beginning of 2019.
https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/11/13/these-projects-may-go-under-harts-umbrella-to.html
Ice skating, shops, drinks and treats, classic holiday films, choreographed light-show, sand sculpture, and a winter-themed Streetcar experience come to Tampa’s Downtown beginning November 16
TAMPA (November 2, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership officially kicks off the holiday season on November 16 with the opening of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Downtown Tampa’s only outdoor ice rink welcomes families and friends to share in this holiday tradition along the Tampa Riverwalk and Hillsborough River as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages.
“Active and vibrant public spaces are essential components to a thriving urban community. Winter Village Tampa is a premiere example of placemaking efforts at its best from the Tampa Downtown Partnership,” says Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “The collective schedule of fun programming, food and beverage, and retail staged in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park creates an impressive opportunity to showcase social and economic strengths in Downtown Tampa.”
During its seven week installation, Winter Village will feature 10 boutiques from local craftspeople and purveyors as well as specialty drinks and treats to complement the 5,000 square feet of real ice.
New this season, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is introducing a 360-degree choreographed light display that pairs with your favorite holiday sounds creating a holiday experience like no other. The Partnership is also bringing a bit of the beach to Downtown Tampa with a holiday sand sculpture crafted by local artists Sandtastic, who are featured in the Clearwater Beach Sugar Sand Festival.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is also bringing back two experiences introduced last season through strategic partnerships with Tampa Theatre and TECO Line Streetcar.
Shown in the Great Lawn of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa Theatre will present “Home Alone” on Winter Village’s opening night, Friday, November 16, and “The Santa Clause” after Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Friends of Tampa Recreation on Friday, November 30. The support of the F.E. Lykes Foundation makes the screenings possible.
“Last year during our six-week closure for restoration work, we were so excited to be able partner with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to present our holiday classics on the big screen as free family movies at Winter Village,” said John Bell, President and CEO of the Tampa Theatre. “Thanks to the generosity of the F. E. Lykes Foundation we look forward to returning to Winter Village and the City of Tampa’s Tree Lighting this year with two free screenings for the entire family under the stars. The experience of thousands of people coming together to share a beloved holiday movie outdoors on a giant screen is a simply magical.”
The TECO Line Streetcar has renewed the partnership with Tampa Downtown Partnership to offer a holiday experience aboard a themed Streetcar with the Winter Village Express. Riders can board the Winter Village Express at the Centro Ybor or Whiting Station during select Sundays between 3pm and 8pm to enjoy treats, music and activities during the non-stop ride.
“The Winter Village Express is a really creative opportunity to have holiday fun with kids on the streetcar and we’re excited to be a part of the enjoyment for a second year,” said Michael English, TECO Line Streetcar Board President. “It is our goal to connect Downtown and Ybor City in meaningful ways.”
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park is also the site of Tampa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30, Santa Fest on December 2, Winter Wonder Ride presented by onbikes on December 8, a viewing spot for the Lighted Boat Parade on December 22, and many more holiday experiences.
“Winter Village brings an element of surprise with a real outdoor ice rink under palm trees and the pleasant temperatures of a winter Florida night,” says Drinkard.
Visit WinterVillageTampa.com for more information including hours of operation and ticketing. Follow @WinterVillageTampa on Facebook and @WinterVillageTampa on Instagram for updates and alerts.
About the Tampa Downtown Partnership
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)(6) comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, Tampa Downtown Partnership serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.
ST. PETERSBURG (October 31, 2018) – The Cross-Bay Ferry returns to Tampa and St. Petersburg Thursday afternoon with plans to run Tuesdays through Sundays for the next six months, but organizers and local officials want something more far-reaching and regular.
“This next phase, we hope, is going to be a bridge” between “a seasonal service and a permanent ferry service that connects our communities,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman said Wednesday.
Organizers hope for 40,000 passengers between now and April 30. That’s about what they got during a pilot project two years ago, but some things have changed since then.
For one thing, fares are cheaper this time: $8 one-way for adults, or $2 less than in 2016, $5 for seniors, active or retired military service members and college students and $3 for children 5 through 18 when accompanied by a parent. For another: This winter the ferry will run more often in the evening, and not at all on Mondays, when the boats were mostly empty. Organizers hope the later hours allow and encourage passengers to cross the bay, go out for dinner or watch a Tampa Bay Lightning home game, and catch the boat home that evening.
THE PLAN: Cross-Bay Ferry returns Nov. 1 with lower prices and later voyages
“We’ll probably try it,” said downtown St. Petersburg resident Rory Carney, 36, who stopped by the dock Wednesday with his daughters Ella, 6, and Mara, 3. “It’s probably not something we would do super often, but maybe to go get dinner or lunch or have an activity day with the kids.”
Because of construction on both sides of the bay, the ferry also will have new locations for its docks.
In St. Petersburg, the ferry will dock at the North Yacht Basin on Bayshore Drive NE near Straub Park. Passengers who buy a ferry ticket can park for free in the SunDial garage at Second Street and Second Avenue N. In Tampa, the ferry will dock behind the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive.
“Our goal has always been to ensure that once people get off the boat, there’s some ways to move them around, since they won’t have their car with them,” said Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
In Tampa, ferry riders will be able to step off and take the TECO Line Streetcar for free, rent a Coast Bike, hail the recently expanded Downtowner electric shuttle service, or head out onto the Riverwalk. In St. Petersburg, the free Looper trolley bus runs right by the dock.
Since the end of the pilot ferry service in early 2017, Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp said, “people would grab me and say, ‘Commissioner, when’s that ferry coming?’ ” She understood exactly how they felt.
“This is something that Atlanta doesn’t have and Charlotte doesn’t have and Denver doesn’t have,” she said. “We need to make sure this not just the start, but we need to keep it year after year and we need to make it grow. We need to have a regional ferry system here.”
Ferry operator HMS Ferries of Seattle will collect ridership data that could help gauge the market for commuter ferry service between southern Hillsborough County and MacDill Air Force Base – a trip that can take the better part of an hour in by car, but 13 minutes by boat.
The service’s six-month run is being supported with $150,000 each from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and the Florida Department of Transportation.
“We’re fully on board,” said David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department Transportation district that covers the Tampa Bay area. The agency has set aside funds “so we can continue to be partners in the future and make sure that this isn’t just a one-year type of service.”
“We’re seeing a lot of people want to move to Florida,” Gwynn said, “and we’ve got to find ways to move people. It can’t all be on the roads.”
https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/Cross-Bay-Ferry-relaunches-on-Thursday-amid-hope-for-something-more_173113124
Each year an awards jury representing a cross-section of Downtown constituencies selects award winners who have made significant contributions that have made a lasting and positive impact on Downtown. Awardees are honored for their leadership, innovation, hard work, talent, and community spirit.
The finalists by category:
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
About the Event:
The Urban Excellence Awards event gives the downtown community a fun and social occasion to recognize the pioneers, trailblazers and Downtown champions that have contributed to the success, transformation and revitalization of Tampa’s Downtown. This event celebrates the extraordinary people, businesses, programs and projects that make downtown a great place to live, work and play.
November 29, 6-9pm, Armature Works
Register here
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF HIGH SPEED RAIL
October 17, 2018
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization representing businesses, residents, and merchants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership urges the Florida Department of Transportation to select a winning bid and finalize a lease agreement by year’s end for the lease of publicly-owned right-of-way for the private investment of passenger rail service between Orlando and Tampa.
A robust intercity passenger rail service between Tampa and Orlando would strengthen and enhance Florida’s position as a global leader in tourism, business investment, and job growth. It would also connect these two major markets and provide seamless integration of employment, entertainment, education and tourism opportunities, as well as provide connectivity to Brightline’s existing and anticipated footprint in South Florida and Orlando.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is particularly encouraged by the opportunities for transit-oriented development that will occur in Tampa and potentially elsewhere along the I-4 corridor resulting from the successful deployment of intercity passenger rail service, further bolstering our regional economies.
Despite our region’s growth, Tampa Bay lacks transit options and regional connectivity. Your commitment to selecting a winning bid and finalizing a lease agreement by end of 2018 will ensure that Tampa Bay is on the fast track towards economic prosperity.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Chairman
Linda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Acting President & CEO
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TAMPA BAY RAYS 2020 EFFORT
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization representing business, residents, and merchants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership offers full support of the Tampa Bay Rays 2020 effort to bring baseball to Tampa.
Representing over 225 member companies, 8,100 residents, and 66,500 employees, the Tampa Downtown Partnership believes that the Tampa Bay Rays enhance the community, and like the other local professional sports teams, we recognize the role sports play as a regional economic driver and asset.
We believe that the Ybor City site location is the best possible location for a new state-of-the-art ball park. A new ballpark will help enhance the urban core and allow Tampa Bay to continue to compete with other communities throughout the country as an ideal location for businesses and talent. The Ybor City location will be easily accessible for the entire region and provide an opportunity for more fans to support baseball and the surrounding businesses.
Recognizing that the input from the business community is key to Tampa Bay Rays 2020, the Tampa Downtown Partnership encourages our members and stakeholders to join us in supporting this effort. Our members and their employees are asked to show their support by signing the petition at Tampabayrays2020.com and by considering their commitment to the team through tickets and sponsorships.
As a community, we understand the importance of support. We encourage other business and community organizations throughout Tampa Bay to do the same by showing their support for bringing the Tampa Bay Rays to Tampa.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION TAX REFERENDUM
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization representing business, residents, and merchants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership offers full support of the one-half percent sales tax referendum to better fund Hillsborough County Schools.
Representing over 225 member companies, 8,100 residents, and 66,500 employees, the Tampa Downtown Partnership believes that investing in education is important for our community and our future.
The new funding is necessary to pay for major repairs and to prepare Hillsborough County Schools for the growth in student population.
As a community, we understand the importance of support. We encourage other Tampa business and community organizations to show their support for Strengthen our Schools by voting yes to the one-half percent sales tax referendum for Hillsborough County Schools on November 6
For details on the 1,785 specific projects that would address deferred maintenance and air conditioning replacements, improve safety and security, and upgrade classroom technology to prepare students for the modern workforce, see the attached flyer or visit the district’s Education Referendum website at hillsboroughschools.org/referendum
TAMPA – Whether by water or land, residents and visitors will have easy access to the growing Tampa Heights area. Starting Monday, Tampa’s Special Services District is expanding to include the area just north of downtown.
“Now that downtown is growing in the adjacent urban neighborhoods are growing and becoming more popular, the expansion of the district made sense,” said Shaun Drinkard with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It will offer some of the services that we provide within the district into Tampa Heights area as well.”
Those services include the bus, water taxi, bike share and the Downtowner — an app-connected electric vehicle offered free of charge. It will take travelers to places like Waterworks Park, and foodie hot spots like Amarture Works and The Hall on Franklin.
The owner of The Hall on Franklin, which is a sort of collective eatery that opened about a year ago, says having more transportation options will help with the growth in visitors they’ve seen over the last 12 months.
“We’re probably getting 60,000 people a month, and that creates challenges: parking, safety,” said Maureen Ayral. “Without that transportation source it creates more traffic and parking congestion.”
But it goes beyond getting customers in the door.
“It’s also the guidance, and the mentoring that we know we’ll receive from the partnership,” added Avral. “They’ve already worked with us on assembling our voice. It’s a win-win for the city of Tampa.”
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is celebrating the Special Services District expansion into Tampa Heights! The expansion tour kicks off their first day of service TODAY!
Listen to the interview on 970 WFLA. First aired October 1st, 2018 at 8:30am.
TAMPA – Tampa’s downtown is expanding across the Hillsborough River and into Tampa Heights.
The Downtown Partnership special taxing district made the leap official Monday with the start of the new fiscal year and the collection of revenues from commercial and residential property owners in the rapidly developing Tampa Heights neighborhood.
Rick Fernandez, president of the Tampa Heights Civic Association, welcomed the expansion – especially for the free Downtowner shuttle it will bring, as well as street-cleaning crews employed by the partnership and the pith-helmeted, yellow-shirted, tourism ambassadors.
“Anything that connects Tampa Heights and downtown in this seamless way is a good thing,” said Fernandez, who attended a morning tour of the district for the media, city and partnership officials. The tour floated and rolled from Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park to the dining and entertainment areas Armature Works and the Hall on Franklin.
Fernandez and others hope the added services the taxing district will make possible can help tear down a cultural wall between residential Tampa Heights and downtown that was erected in concrete nearly 60 years ago with the construction of Interstate 275.
The district’s expansion is “something great cities do,” said Mickey Jacob, the Downtown Partnership’s chairman. “This is the first step.”
The expanded district enables “urban pioneers” in Tampa Heights who are seeking a funkier vibe to “maintain that special character in their neighborhood,” said Bob McDonaugh, the city’s top economic development official.
“It’s connecting it to downtown,” McDonaugh said, but not absorbing Tampa Heights into the skyscrapers that define the area to the southeast. “There’s a difference.”
The City Council approved expanding the district earlier this year.
Founded in 1994, the district assesses property owners $1.10 per $1,000 in taxable property value, bringing in about $2.5 million a year. Earlier this year, partnership and city officials estimated that expanding into Tampa Heights will bring in another $44,000. The boundaries are North Boulevard on the west, Palm Avenue on the north and Central Avenue on the East.
TAMPA (September 12, 2018) – On Monday, October 1, 2018, Downtown Tampa’s Special Services District (the “SSD” or “District”) will expand 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.
“Tampa Heights is an important gateway into Downtown Tampa with its own eclectic vibe and personality,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We are looking forward to bringing our full suite of services to this area just north of Downtown.”
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 Tampa Heights North Franklin Street business district, the Yellow Brick Row, is eager for its October 1 st inclusion into the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s SSD expansion. This revitalized business community looks forward to working together with the Partnership to improve the design, safety, beautification, and accessibility for the varied destinations, celebrations and events Yellow Brick Row continues to host,” said Maureen Ayral, property owner of 1701 N Franklin St. in Tampa Heights, home to The Hall on Franklin and the Hip Room Dance Studio. “Tampa Heights is proud to share with their patrons the many benefits and economic vitality that accompany the SSD expansion. With the support of the Partnership, this emerging urban cultural and community corridor will continue crafting its vision that defines the Heights District’s unique character.”
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 set the SSD rate to 1.1 mill or $1.10 per $1,000.00 of assessed property value, which it remains at today.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is backing the All for Transportation referendum that, if approved, would levy a 1 percent additional sales tax on non-medical, non-food goods to fund transportation and transit improvements.
The nonprofit organization works to cultivate public and private collaboration to increase economic development in downtown Tampa. The group represents 225 member companies, 66,500 employees and 8,100 residents.
Its green light on the transportation referendum is a win for campaign organizers. The group’s advocacy could help expand support for transit funding outside the downtown core because it has broad reach through its membership.
“The Tampa Downtown Partnership believes it is time for Hillsborough County to invest in funding measures that will offer a variety of transportation and transit options to be made available for our citizens. ‘All for Transportation’ is a long-term investment that provides the funding, planning and implementation strategy to take aggressive and responsible action on transportation issues that will improve the quality of life in our community,” the group wrote in a statement.
The Partnership based its decision on nurturing the live-work-play ideals important for downtown commerce, living and recreation. The Partnership’s board unanimously voted to support the referendum during a meeting this week.
The group is asking its members, community stakeholders and partners to support the measure as well.
The All for Transportation initiative would raise $289 million a year with 45 percent going to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority for increased transit options including a more robust bus network and new, fixed guideway transit. The other 55 percent would go to Hillsborough County and the three cities within the county for use on road projects including pedestrian and bike lanes and trails, traffic technology to reduce congestion, road and bridge repairs and complete street projects.
The revenue could not be used for road widening projects, according to the ballot language.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF “ALL FOR TRANSPORTATION”
AUGUST 23, 2018
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Dowtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization representing business, residents and merchants, we act as an advocate for the Downtown community, including over 225 member companies, 8,100 residents, and 66,500 employees.
Increased investment on transportation initiatives helps support the live, work, play, and learn environment the Partnership works so diligently to foster. To address the challenges of transportation we face in our community, at the Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors meeting held on August 21, 2018, the Partnership’s board of Directors unanimously voted to support the citizen-led “All for Transportation” referendum that will be placed on the ballot this November. This Hillsborough County Charter Amendment will implement a 1 cent sales tax for 30 years to fund transportation projects in Hillsborough County. The details of the investment plan are outlined at www.allfortransportation.com and the Partnership strongly encourages our members, community stakeholders and partners to support the efforts of the “All for Transportation” Campaign.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership believes it is time for Hillsborough County to invest in funding measures that will offer a variety of transportation and transit options to be made available for our citizens. “All for Transportation” is a long-term investment that provides the funding, planning and implementation strategy to take aggressive and responsible action on transportation issues that will improve the quality of life in our community.
TAMPA (July 5, 2018) In partnership with Symphonic Distribution, the Tampa Downtown Partnership announces the release of six public playlists on music streaming service Spotify. Spotify users can now access playlists for signature Downtown experiences for living, working, playing, and learning in Tampa’s downtown.
“We are really excited to be partnering up with the Tampa Downtown Partnership and providing the soundtrack for Downtown Tampa,” said Janette Berrios, Director of Marketing for Symphonic Distribution. “After moving our operations to the downtown area, we quickly realized that there is a great opportunity to connect this vibrant and dynamic area with the music that is being created in it,” said Berrios.
The music featured in the playlists will include music from the best up-and-coming Tampa musicians, indie music from around the globe and some local favorites, including musicians who play during the monthly Downtown music series, Rock the Park which is celebrating its 8th anniversary on July 5.
“The Tampa Downtown Partnership is honored to celebrate the 8 year anniversary of Rock the Park. This celebration means we’ve completed nearly 100 free concerts for the public to enjoy at Curtis Hixon Park. The community gathering not only celebrates the local and regional music scene, but local food and businesses as well,” said Shaun Drinkard, Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “One great example is our recent partnership with Symphonic Distribution which is headquartered in Downtown Tampa, FL and has offices in major music markets throughout the world,” said Drinkard.
Rock the Park is among the six playlists curated by Symphonic. Others include Yoga in the Park, Tampa Riverwalk Run, Zumba in the Park, Study Sessions, and Pre-Game Party — a tribute to Tampa Bay Lightning fans.
“We hope that listeners discover and experience the diversity, culture and incredible talent that our Tampa Bay area has to offer,” said Berrios.
To view all of the playlists, visit Tampa Downtown Partnership’s profile on Spotify at downtowntampamusic.com, choose your favorite playlist, and enjoy.
About Tampa Downtown Partnership
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)6 comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown. Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, Tampa Downtown Partnership serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.
About Symphonic Distribution Symphonic Distribution is a 100% independent music distribution and marketing company founded by music producer Jorge Brea in 2006. Headquartered in Tampa, FL with offices in major music markets throughout the world, Symphonic provides thousands of new and established record labels, managers and individual artists with global digital music distribution to hundreds of retail and streaming platforms, as well as playlist pitching, release promotion, and a comprehensive suite of label services.
Artists and Record Labels that have had their content distributed through Symphonic Distribution include: Bassnectar, deadmau5, Waka Flocka Flame, Datsik, The Movement, Tommie Sunshine, Richie Hawtin, Play Me Records, Moody Recordings (Bad Boy Bill), and many more of various genres and music focuses.
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Back then, little thought was given to how pollutants such as motor oil, pesticides and fertilizers were impacting the river’s health. Those pollutants can harm fish and wildlife and foul water quality.
But as the Hillsborough River plays an ever greater role in the growth of downtown Tampa, the challenge of keeping it healthy is more important than ever.
And that can be difficult, said Shawn College, team leader for the Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission, who spoke Tuesday at a Tampa Downtown Partnership panel that discussed the river’s role in the region.
“Vast areas of the river are surrounded by developed areas, like neighborhoods, where water washed from the roads finds its way into storm drains without treatment,” said College, who also is executive director of the Hillsborough River Board. “Little by little, the City of Tampa has been trying to address that issue, but it’s a big issue to tackle.”
Since much of the land around the river was built before modern stormwater rules were implemented, it’s difficult to make those improvements, College said. That’s why areas that are seeing recent development, such as the new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, are seeing stormwater upgrades.
Instead of vertical seawalls, the park uses enhanced seawall techniques such as planting aquatic vegetation, which helps to filter out pollutants. Planners also installed layered rocks, known as rip raps. These are broken, recycled concrete or limestone that helps cover exposed soil, which protects shoreline erosion while providing a semi-natural habitat for fish and wildlife.
When it can, the city also installs what is known as baffle boxes along the river, which are concrete or fiberglass structures that remove sediment and suspended particles. These boxes also contain trash screens that collect garbage and other larger material.
“Any additional vegetation or change to help mitigate pollutants entering the river is a good thing,” said Sam Elrabi, the director of water management at the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission. “Some are better than others, but on a small scale, any interceding technique can help the quality that winds up in the river itself.”
The EPC monitors point-source discharges directly into the water and does not regulate stormwater permits. However, Elrabi said water quality has improved in the last 20 years, and is much better than nearly 40 years ago, when less water reached the lower Hillsborough River near the downtown area, causing the water to be stagnant.
In 2007, the city and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which regulates water use in the region, reached an agreement on a plan to restore the lower river’s ecosystem by pumping water to the river from various springs, including Sulphur Springs and the Blue Sink area, as well as the Tampa Bypass Canal.
The project also modified an existing dam and pumping station to manage the minimum daily water flow from the springs off Nebraska Avenue, to the base of the dam at Rowlett Park.
That project, College said, drastically improved the health of the river.
“The river is healthy right now, but there are always opportunities for improvement,” College said. “We are seeing manatees, dolphins all the way to the upper part of the river, near the dam. So the major issues have been addressed. Now it’s time to get the low-hanging fruit.”
The blue-and-white yard signs are flying off give-away tables. The car flags, too. And a big blue banner proclaiming “Go Bolts!” now hangs from the city’s Municipal Office Building downtown.
It’s Stanley Cup playoff time in Tampa.
On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the New Jersey Devils to open the first round of the National Hockey League’s second season.
After the lunchtime rush Tuesday, David Mangione paused a moment to make a prediction about how Hattricks Tavern — the 21-year-old “original Lightning bar” in the shadow of Amalie Arena — would look in 48 hours.
“People will start to arrive 31/2 hours before game time,” said Mangione, the tavern’s managing partner. “Every seat will be taken. The line will stretch out the door.”
Mangione expects that kind of business for weeks to come. This year’s Lightning squad reminds him of the 2004 Stanley Cup champions.
“Best team in the East. This is a very similar type of situation,” Mangione said. “Especially since they didn’t make the postseason last year, the anticipation level is high to amp it up and get after it.”
On Monday, Mayor Bob Buckhorn stood in the bucket of a Tampa Fire Rescue ladder truck and pulled out wire clippers to release and unfurl the team banner in what has become a City Hall tradition.
Lowered back to earth, Buckhorn, clad in a Lightning jersey (#58, “The Mayor” across his back), said April is the month his city gets serious about hockey.
“This town will be wearing blue for the next couple of weeks,” Buckhorn said. “Who would have thought 20 years ago that Tampa would become a hockey town?”
The StubHub online ticket service reported late Monday that the average price for a ticket to Thursday’s game was $113 with more than 1,700 seats remaining. More than 60 percent of sales have been to Florida residents. Just 6 percent came from New Jersey and New York.
Three years ago, when the Lightning battled the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup final, the team made national news by refusing to sell tickets to out-of-state fans and forbidding rival fans from wearing their team’s jerseys in some parts of the arena.
Those policies have been relaxed for this year’s playoff run.
Still, fans sitting in the high-priced and highly visible seats in the Vology Loge, Lexus Lounge and Chase Club section are prohibited from wearing opposing logos, said Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett.
And any Devils fans in those sections thinking about ripping off their outerwear, Superman-style, to reveal the black and red underneath, take heed: If you bare Devils gear, you’ll be asked to check it. The Lightning will even provide alternate shirts.
Still, in a message sent to fans, the team didn’t completely stamp out displays of out-of-town passion.
“Those guests can still access the clubs, enjoy the game with you and even cheer for their team,” the statement read.
The previous policy preventing ticket sales or resales by season ticket holders to rival fans has gone by the boards, Wickett said.
“We don’t need to do it. We have more season ticket holders than ever before,” he said.
The Lightning has sold out 148 straight games, including the playoffs, and counts nearly 15,000 season ticket holders among the 19,092 seats in Amalie Arena.
Having a playoff team is good for Tampa and a great opportunity to show off the city’s booming downtown, said Lynda Remund, chief executive officer and president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“We’ve got Water Street, Armature Works and Julian B. Lane park and the Rays possibly coming to Ybor,” Remund said. “All four corners are coming together.”
The lunchtime crowd at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square on Monday wore plenty of blue and white, but no one was more decked out than David Ferguson.
The 28-year-old Publix cashier from Clearwater took a day off to attend the festivities downtown, wandering among the cornhole games and merchandise give-away booths.
“I needed a new yard sign and I’ve got to be here for the playoff energy,” said Ferguson, clad in a Lightning jersey and wraparound reflective sunglasses, and cradling a large plastic hammer — a “Thor” hammer, to be precise.
A fan from as far back as he can remember, Ferguson carries the hammer to the dozen or so games he attends each year but leaves it in his car. It’s not allowed inside Amalie Arena.
Ferguson will be wielding his good-luck token with confidence this playoff season. He’s convinced the Lightning is going to win its first Stanley Cup title since 2004.
About 20 men donated $20 to have their whiskers shaved at Monday’s event so they could get their “playoff beards” started — a tradition among players and fans.
Shirley Vereen, 57, a county worker from Tampa, stopped by to grab some freebies, including a Lightning place mat destined for her floors to protect them from whatever splashes or spills out of the bowls of her terrier mix Taz.
“How do you not support this?” Vereen asked. “How many cities have a hockey team?”
Shaun Drinkard brings 8 years of placemaking experience to his new role
TAMPA (April 6, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the promotion of Shaun Drinkard to Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations. On the heels of announcing a new Director of Membership and appointing Lynda Remund as Acting President and CEO, this announcement is the latest in a series of exciting staff assignments.
In his new role, Drinkard will lead district operations which includes the Downtown Guides and Clean Team program as well as all public programming within the Special Services District (SSD). In February, Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking an expansion of the SSD which will include Tampa Heights, Water Works Park, and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The proposed boundary will be approximately 1,200 acres with 15 public parks. The current boundary is approximately 890 acres with 12 public parks.
“Shaun has been a critical component to activating our riverfront and interior Downtown public spaces,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “His passion for creating memorable experiences and ability to bring together all the players to make these events happen has put Tampa on the map as a fun and vibrant city that boomers to GenXers and millennials want to live, work, play, and learn.”
Joining the Tampa Downtown Partnership in 2010 as the Director of Placemaking, Drinkard has been instrumental in bringing monthly and annual programs to Downtown Tampa including Rock the Park, a free monthly music series, and Winter Village, an eight week holiday experience featuring waterfront dining, ice skating, and holiday shops in Tampa’s Downtown. Taking a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces, Drinkard’s hands-on approach quickly evolves visions into implementation strategies.
“Downtown Tampa is changing and the Tampa Downtown Partnership is evolving to become a more nimble and relevant organization to address the issues facing Downtown,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Shaun has the experience, network, and proficiency to manage the growth of our special service district and our free public events.”
Shaun received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University in 2004. In 2017 he was selected as one of the industry’s brightest professionals by the International Downtown Association to participate in their prestigious Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. He stays involved in the local community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts where he served as the 2013 Festival President.
TAMPA (April 4, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynda Remund, SHRM-CP, as Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. The Executive Committee’s unanimous decision places Remund in the Partnership’s top leadership role for a one-year term in a transformative and exciting time of change for both the Partnership and Tampa’s Downtown.
“After taking the reigns as Interim President and CEO in January, Lynda has distinguished herself by truly embracing her leadership qualities,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Her ability to support and lead a collaborative work environment while effectively managing the Partnership’s strategic initiatives has proven to myself, the Board and staff that Lynda is the best person for this role.”
In her role, Remund manages the Partnership’s organizational structure, vision and mission, facilitates the corporation’s strategic initiatives, and works with Downtown stakeholders to ensure Tampa’s urban core is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Recognizing the growth of Tampa’s urban core, Remund led efforts to expand the Special Services District (SSD) into Tampa Heights and in February the Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking the boundary expansion. The approval marks the first change in the SSD boundaries since its creation in 1994.
“I’m very excited about the momentum we’ve had and the direction the Partnership is heading,” said Remund. “I’m honored to serve as the Acting President and CEO for the Tampa Downtown Partnership and am energized to work with our staff, Board, and Executive Committee on executing our vision and mission as laid out in our strategic initiatives.”
Remund joined the Partnership in 2000 as the Director of District Operations providing her with significant experience and knowledge of Downtown Tampa. She holds a SHRM-CP certification in human resources, is currently a member of the International Downtown Association and serves on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, as well as the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Committee.
TAMPA (March 29, 2018) — Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to welcome Lindsey Parks as the Director of Membership and Programming to the not-for-profit corporation.
Parks brings over nine years of experience in membership relations, special event planning, project management, government relations and community affairs to her role. Prior to joining the Partnership, Parks held the role of Project Manager in Ballard Partners’ Tampa office where she worked on notable projects like the opening of the Deputy John Kotfila Memorial Dog Park in Downtown Tampa’s Channel District.
“We are so excited to have someone with her energy, experience and strong relationship-building skills on staff and focused on our Membership and Programs,” said Lynda Remund, Acting CEO & President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “With a fresh set of eyes and proven proficiency in events and customer relationship management, we are confident Lindsey will bring the Partnership to new levels of efficiency and relevance in today’s Tampa Downtown market.”
As Director of Membership and Programming, Parks is responsible for the acquisition and retention of members as well as overseeing events and meetings related to membership development and engagement of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Officers.
“What really drew me to the position was the opportunity to work with the Partnership’s existing members and supporters to provide quality membership and programs,” said Parks. “I’ve been attending Partnership events for years and am really looking forward to enhancing our processes.”
Mickey Jacob, Board Chair for Tampa Downtown Partnership, believes Parks’ position will lead to further growth and impact the corporation has within Downtown and regionally. “The Tampa Downtown Partnership has historically been an organization that brings together downtown stakeholders to address issues and implement solutions for our urban core,” said Jacob. “With Lindsey focused on developing the membership base and engaging the new businesses coming to our area, the Partnership will continue to be an organization addressing change and acting as a conduit for thoughtful action.”
By: Karen Kress, AICP Published by 83 Degrees
“Motivating, Safe, Scenic, Pleasant and Introspective” were the words my colleagues at the Tampa Downtown Partnership used to describe the new way they used to travel to work during Commuter Challenge 18.
I threw out the challenge to them thinking it was a long shot, but was pleasantly surprised when every one of our small team agreed to participate. I think we covered all the mode choices between us including bus, bike, walk, carpool and even telework (working from home). I was able to try them all myself throughout the week.
I have to admit it was pretty easy for me, but I “talk transportation” for a living so have a leg up. I already regularly carpool with my next door neighbor who also works downtown. I used to ride the bus pretty often and love how much extra time it gave me to read. I had the advantage of choosing between 3 routes so if I missed one it was a short wait for the next.
Although I love to ride my bike (and do frequently for quick trips around downtown), I find the 7-mile ride into work much more enjoyable than the return trip. The Heights really are uphill from downtown! I found that it takes me almost exactly as much time to bike as to use the bus. It is astonishing how many people I say good morning to when not driving solo in a metal box.
Growing up in suburban Ohio, I don’t remember even seeing a city bus. After college I moved to Boston and paid $27 a month for unlimited rides on their extensive “T” subway system. My car literally sat for weeks at a time. Parking downtown was astronomical and the culture seemed to be to take the train in, so that’s what I did.
Upon moving to Florida, my husband and I were a “one-car family” for about 1.5 years. He biked to grad school and I carpooled with a neighbor to my job. Twenty years later, we are fortunate to be able to afford two cars and can’t imagine how hard things would be managing our full-time jobs and the busy schedules of our 3 kids with only one.
We have worked hard at the Tampa Downtown Partnership to offer a variety of ways to move around downtown once there. We helped bring the Coast bikeshare and Zipcar carshare programs, placed over 200 bike racks, advocated for safer walk and bike conditions and raised the money to start the Downtowner free ride service. We offer free bike valet at most large public events and work closely with HART on improving downtown circulation. We even started a free guided walking tour program 10 years ago that teaches people interesting facts while demonstrating how safe and quick it can be to get there on foot.
Our growing number of downtown residents wants an urban experience of “live, work, play.” They are not paying premium rents or mortgages to have to drive their cars short distances. Although our mode choices aren’t perfect, I think people may be surprised that a HART bus route (with free wifi) may get them to work pretty easily or it might be as quick to bike into work as driving. With tight parking availability and rising prices there has never been a better time to explore options and experiment a bit. All the growth Tampa has experienced leads us to feel that we live in a “big city” now. Our travel behaviors also need to adapt.
I’d like to thank Plan Hillsborough for their leadership and inspiration in spearheading Commuter Challenge 18 during the week of Feb. 19-23. As a Planning Commissioner and employee of the nonprofit dedicated to improving downtown, I was thrilled to participate.
TAMPA (February 22, 2018) — On Thursday, February 15, 2018, Tampa Downtown Partnership received approval from City Council to proceed in seeking an expansion of the Special Service District (SSD) into Tampa Heights.
“This first step is a milestone in bringing our services to the businesses and residences of Tampa Heights,” said Lynda Remund, Interim CEO and President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Tampa Heights is becoming an important gateway into Downtown Tampa with its own eclectic vibe and personality and we are looking forward to bringing our full suite of services to this area just north of Downtown.”
Many property owners and residents were in attendance at the City Council meeting to show their support of the expansion.
“I am thrilled to have Tampa Heights business and property owners earn the recognition from City Council with their positive vote to expand the SSD north to Palm Ave, along Franklin and Tampa Streets, and Florida Ave.,” said Maureen Ayral, property owner of 1701 N Franklin St. in Tampa Heights, home to The Hall on Franklin and the Hip Room Dance Studio. “This is a win for all of the hard work our community has done to preserve and adapt historic buildings, attract restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and retail, as well as young start-up business along the Franklin Street corridor. This City Council vote supports the belief that the Public-Private Partnerships thrive in Tampa, connecting City resources with optimistic individuals and investors who are eager to take risks and create positive change in our neighborhoods.”
The next step in the process is for the Tampa Downtown Partnership to receive approval in August when the organization goes before City Council to renew the SSD, with the expanded Tampa Heights boundaries included.
Upon approval, a non-ad valorem special assessment will be placed on property owners within the new boundaries, and renewed for those already in the SSD boundaries. The assessment is $1.10 per $1,000 in assessed value from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office. In FY2018, the SSD budget was $2.45 million. The proposed expanded district would add approximately $44,000.
TAMPA, Fla. — Leave your car at home, and try another mode of transportation for a trip, a day, or the week, and see benefits of avoiding traffic, burning calories and saving money, Plan Hillsborough and the Tampa Downtown Partnership said.
Plan Hillsborough and the Tampa Downtown Partnership are hosting The Bay Area’s Commuter Challenge Week, running February 19 — 23.
This comes as Bay Area residents are seeing an extra 24 percent added to their travel times due to congestion, according to the TomTom Traffic Index Study.
The evening commute can also be a nightmare, with congestion adding as much as 60 percent more travel time to a resident’s commute, according to the TomTom Traffic Index Study.
Sara Grossbarth, a producer with ABC Action News, opted to take the Commuter Challenge, taking public transportation from her neighborhood in Hyde Park to work at the news station, located across from Raymond James Stadium.
The normally 10-minute drive would now take about 45 minutes by bus, according to GoogleMaps.
Grossbarth started the challenge by walking 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop. After getting on the #7 bus, it took her to the Marion HART Transit Center, where she and reporter Lauren Rozyla realized they had gotten on at the wrong side of the street, adding an extra 30 minutes to their commute to work.
After a 20-minute bus ride, Grossbarth got off the bus and walked another 10 minutes to work. She ended up walking an extra two miles more than she normally would.
Leaving at 7:45 am, Grossbarth and Rozyla ended up back at the news station at 9:30 am.
While they were definitely later than expected, Grossbarth said she still does see the benefits of using public transportation. She lived in New York and Chicago for many years and is used to using buses and trains to get around.
“Certainly if you are commuting every day it give you time on the bus to get something done, get some work done, take a little time to yourself,” Grossbarth said.
However, people opting to take public transportation in the City of Tampa may face big challenges getting from place to place.
Former Chief Executive Officer Katharine Eagan told ABC Action News that she felt the bus system didn’t serve enough people in the Hillsborough County Area because the system didn’t have the money to better flood the area with public transportation options like buses.
“It’s not that transit is not attractive, it’s that an underfunded bus system has a hard time being competitive,” Eagan told ABC Action News on November 2. “That’s just the reality of it.”
Recently she was forced to overhaul the area’s bus routes in order to maximize efficiencies, which meant cutting some routes that riders relied on.
However, the Tampa Downtown Partnership maintains there are still a lot of benefits to leaving the car at home, whether it’s to take the bus, walk or bike to work.
“The Downtown Partnership wanted to partner with Plan Hillsborough on this commuter challenge because many people don’t realize how well-served downtown Tampa is as a regional employment center,” said Karen Kress, Tampa Downtown Partnership Director of Transportation & Planning.
“We’ve worked hard to create multiple ways to move around downtown once they get here,” Kress said. “Our region does need better transportation choices, but getting people to think outside of their car and explore their options is the best way to inspire change. We also love a challenge and wanted to be a part of the fun!”
People are invited to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #CommuterChallenge18.
Link to Article.
This year’s Tampa Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence Awards was a night full of elegance, legacy, leadership, and honor. With the retirement announcement of the Partnership’s CEO and President of 15 years made just a month prior to the event, it came as no surprise that there was a focus on Christine Burdick’s lasting impact on Tampa’s Downtown.
Held in the heart of downtown at The Vault, even the location signified a new chapter in Tampa’s history as the Wilson Co., a real estate firm that owns the Franklin Exchange building including The Vault and CW’s Gin Joint, recently announced their purchase of the historic city block containing the old S.H. Kress & Co. department store for $9 million. In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn called the transaction a major step in the right direction for Tampa’s urban transformation.
THEN AND NOW
Brendan McLaughlin, former news anchor at WFTS TV and the evening’s emcee, opened the awards ceremony reflecting on the fact that it was the 11th Annual Urban Excellence Awards. “At the first Urban Excellence Awards event the word ‘urban’ would have been put into quotations and the word ‘excellence,’ well, it was more like mediocre at the time,” said McLaughlin to a room of laughing and nodding attendees. This all changed over the years because of trailblazers like those receiving awards and daring leaders like Christine Burdick.
CHRISTINE M. BURDICK – DOWNTOWN PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 2017 Downtown Person of the Year award was presented to Christine M. Burdick by Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Chairman, Mickey Jacob. In an emotional speech, Jacob recounted the many programs and services the Partnership created and implemented under Burdick’s 15-year tenure, including; the Downtowner free ride service, Coast Bike Share, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the relocation of Tampa Museum of Art, City of Tampa’s InVision Tampa Masterplan, the launch of Tampa Historic Streetcar, Winter Village, and numerous others. He reminded the crowd that the impact of her work will touch the lives of everyone in Downtown for generations to come.
In honor of Burdick’s legacy and visionary spirit, Jacob announced that the Downtown Person of the Year Award – with recipients like Maryann Ferenc and Jeff Vinik – will now be known as the Christine M. Burdick Downtown Leadership Award.
THE WINNERS
Each year an awards jury representing a cross-section of downtown constituencies selects award winners who have made significant contributions that have made a lasting and positive impact on Downtown. Awardees are honored for their leadership, innovation, hard work, talent, and community spirit. This year’s panel of awards jurors included Robbie Arts of the Tampa Bay Rays, Laura Crouch of Tampa Electric Company, Susie Nelson-Crowley of Keller Williams Tampa Central, Robin Nigh of the City of Tampa, Kevin Plummer of Tampa Preparatory School, and the Chair of the Awards Panel for his eleventh and final year was Rich Linquanti of Carlton Fields.
Public Sector Project Award Winner: Deputy John Kotfila, Jr. Memorial Dog Park Public sector projects can have a profound impact on way we experience downtowns and the Deputy John Kotfila, Jr. Memorial Dog Park is a prime example. When Hillsborough County Deputy John Robert Kotfila, Jr. lost his life to a wrong-way driver on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in March of last year, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority wanted to do something to honor his legacy. After they learned about the strong bond between Deputy Kotfila’s and his German Shepard, Dexter, the THEA team decided to dedicate the first Selmon Greenway Pocket Park as a dog park in his honor.
Private Sector Project Award Winner: The Art of the Brick
Private investment creates some of the most dynamic activities in an urban core. That is certainly true of The Art of the Brick. This summer the Vinik Family Foundation invited Tampa Bay to experience a captivating exhibition featuring artworks made exclusively from one of the world’s most recognizable toys, the LEGO brick, by award winning artist Nathan Sawaya. Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, The Art of the Brick is the world’s largest and most elaborate display of LEGO brick art featuring more than 100 artworks. The collection featured original sculptures, as well as re-imagined versions of iconic art masterpieces made of LEGOs. Over 100,000 people enjoyed the exhibit during its installation.
Downtown Detail Award Winner: The Riverwalk at Doyle Carlton Public Art Installations
Public art transforms spaces and creates renewed excitement in the urban core. Some of downtown’s most exciting new additions are the art installations at the Doyle Carlton segment of the Riverwalk, which provide free public access to excellence in art. Just a short walk from Waterworks Park to the Tampa Museum, visitors will see gorgeous sculptures and a colorful glass installation. Andante by artist, Heidi Lippman, is a series of laminated tempered glass panels spanning 200 linear feet underneath Interstate I-275. And, under the Laurel Street Bridge, the artwork, Woven Waves, features ‘folded’ ceramic steel panels to create a lenticular effect that changes with the viewer’s movement.
Historic Preservation Award Winner: The 100th Anniversary of the Burgert Brothers Historic Photo Collection
Burgert Brothers photographs have appeared in national publications including Life and National Geographic magazines. After their Ybor Studio closed, their photographs and negatives were stored in a South Tampa garage. Heat, humidity and moisture destroyed many of the negatives. In 1974, the Friends of the Library Hillsborough, Inc., recognized the priceless, historic significance of the collection and purchased it so that the photographs would be available to the public. The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection is an archive of approximately 17,000 images from the late 1890s to the mid-1960s and is preserved by the John F. Germany Public Library. The Library has scanned thousands of photographs, with the ongoing scanning process making hundreds more of the Burgert photographs digitally available each month.
Arts and Culture Award Winner: Second Screen Cult Cinema
For nearly three years, Second Screen Cult Cinema has screened unconventional, underappreciated, and unforgettable cult films at The Vault. Launched in February 2015 by a group of friends and cinephiles entrenched in the local arts scene, the monthly event has been called the Tampa Bay area’s “swankiest film series” by Steve Persall of Tampa Bay Times for giving adult movie-goers a refreshingly unique cinematic experience. Second Screen co-founders and co-curators Ann-Eliza Musoke Taylor and Michael Martz, who both introduce each screening and lead an engaging post-credits discussion, created the series to help enrich the Tampa Bay cultural arts community and enhance Tampa’s flourishing downtown core. Events feature a cocktail hour with food, themed craft cocktails from CW’s Gin Joint, and curated music selections from local DJ talent.
Downtown Experience Award Winner: 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship / Tampa Bay Sports Commission
As the first-ever host of the College Football Playoff National Championship in the southeast, the eyes of the world were on Tampa Bay last January and our hometown’s downtown shined like never before on the biggest of stages. Over the course of four days 2017 College Football Playoff festivities took over the region and featured record-setting ancillary events in downtown including, Playoff Fan Central, Taste of the Championship, Media Day, Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, the Extra Yard 5K and AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE!. The weekend transitioned into an unforgettable Championship game in front of a record-setting crowd at Raymond James Stadium. From an economic impact standpoint, the event produced record-setting hotel and airport numbers. The event also earned $100 million in media exposure for the area and saw one million dollars infused into our local schools via the Extra Yard for Teachers program. Most recently, the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship won the SportsTravel Award for best Sports Event of the Year, as well as Best Collegiate Single-Sport Event.
Social Impact Award Winner: I AM Priceless Mural
Tampa Bay is a hotbed for human trafficking with Florida being one of the highest ranked states in the nation for this fast-growing crime. The Junior League of Tampa has played a major role in the fight against child sex trafficking. In early 2014, the League partnered with the FREE Network to launch the ABOLISH Movement; which united more than 100 plus agencies and organizations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties to fight human trafficking. The Junior League of Tampa looked to capture attention by incorporating social messaging through art. They wanted to create a permanent statement of hope, as well as a platform to share the message. Shades of purple and pink underscore themes of compassion, healing and hope. The vision became a reality through collaboration with the City of Tampa Arts Department, the Tampa Police Department, artist Leon “Tes One” Bedore, and survivors and advocates in the FREE Network. The mural sends a clear message – “I am not for sale. I am priceless.”
Downtown Collaboration Award Winner: Hurricane Irma Response and Relief Operations of The City of Tampa, Hillsborough Area Transit Authority, Hillsborough County and Tampa Electric Company
This year’s awardees are being honored for their incredible preparation and response efforts before, during and after Hurricane Irma, the most significant storm threat to the Tampa Bay region since Hurricane Charley in 2004. They all demonstrated outstanding planning, coordination, emergency response efforts and communications with each other and the community at large leading up to and following the storm.
Juror’s Choice Award Winner: Tampa Downtowner
The jury felt compelled to recognize the amount of collaboration and trust between the public and private sector it took to get this unique micro-transit free ride service out on the road. The service reached 185,000 passengers in the first year and carries over 500 passengers per day. Key partners include the Downtowner owners, The City of Tampa, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
People’s Choice Award Winner: Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center
For the fourth year the Partnership opened the awards program for a public vote to see what downtowners feel is the best of the best downtown has to offer. There was a tremendous response, with the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center running away with the prize. Located on the ground floor of downtown’s Tampa City Center, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center offers the perfect souvenirs built, crafted, written and curated by local artisans and authors. Stop in for insider knowledge and to pick up a Tampa Bay CityPASS to get discounted admission on many of the area’s top attractions.
Community Spirit Award Winner: Rich Linquanti
Rich Linquanti has been a true champion and ambassador for the Downtown community and for the Urban Excellence Awards, which he helped create 11 years ago. His exceptional leadership and stewardship has helped make Downtown Tampa a great place to live, work, and play.
THE END
Tampa Downtown Partnership would like to thank our sponsors, Carlton Fields, DPR Construction, TECO, an Emera Company and The Vault and CW’s Gin Joint for sponsoring the Urban Excellence Awards.
The Urban Excellence Awards event gives the downtown community a fun and social occasion to recognize the pioneers, trailblazers and Downtown champions that have contributed to the success, transformation and revitalization of Tampa’s Downtown.
View photos from the event.
Tampa Downtown Magazine
Who puts an ice rink in the middle of Florida? The Tampa Downtown Partnership, that’s who. Get a peek behind the scenes of the planning and assembling of downtown’s coolest event.
People didn’t believe the ice could be real.
“It has to be plastic” was the common reaction, says Rachel Radawec, the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s placemaking and community engagement manager. An open-air ice skating rink in Tampa, Florida, is certainly cause for skepticism, but the Partnership has been making the now-annual tradition happen at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park since 2010. In 2016, the event expanded to become the Winter Village, including small pop-up retail shops, food and beverage options, and enhanced decor. This year’s event (which runs Nov. 17 through Jan. 5) is growing once again to allow for more of everything.
“We had one food and beverage operator last year, and we’re looking at three to five this year,” says Shaun Drinkard, the partnership’s director of placemaking.
“We have retailers returning, and we’re maintaining and expanding our partners list. More and more people want to get involved.”
While planning for the 2016 event didn’t really begin until about three months prior, Drinkard says planning for this year began the day last year’s Winter Village came down.
“We heard if you’re not done with your holiday event planning by July, you’re behind, and it’s true,” he says.
The village setup, which includes a 12,000 square-foot shade structure donated by the Glazer family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Academy that houses the ice rink, takes 10 days to move into Curtis Hixon Park. In last year’s case, move-out was dictated by the arrival of the College Football Playoff National Championship; the Downtown Partnership had just 72 hours to tear down the Winter Village at the end of December to make room for the events surrounding the game.
Another challenge the Partnership has learned to overcome is maintaining the rink. Formerly set up right beside Ashley Drive, its new home is closer to the Hillsborough River, where Drinkard says there is an 18-inch difference in elevation between the land on each side of the rink. To compensate, the rink is built on a perfectly level deck that allows airflow underneath to help keep the ice cold. The shade structure helps protect the ice from wind and moisture, the two biggest hurdles.
“We’re always learning how to deal with the elements and trying to perfect the quality of the ice,” Drinkard says. “The lack of humidity in the late fall makes it easier, but we’re expanding the limits of an open-air ice rink.”
With the Winter Village as its centerpiece, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is pushing the holiday experience into the surrounding downtown area more than ever. On Sunday afternoons during the event, a TECO Streetcar will run as the Winter Village Express between Centro Ybor and the Whiting Street Station, where a marked path will lead visitors to Curtis Hixon Park. Monthly events like Rock the Park and Fourth Friday will be integrated into the Winter Village, while the Tampa Theatre (which will close in November and December for renovations) is hosting its annual Holiday Classics movie series for free in the park.
“As we’ve started to establish this brand and experience, we want cultural institutions and businesses to add their ideas,” says the Partnership’s Rachel Radawec. “People hear the word ‘village,’ and that’s what we’re trying to provide.”
The Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park (600 N. Ashley Drive) opens Nov. 17 and runs through Jan. 5. Hours vary and will be extended during Hillsborough County school breaks. Find a list of vendors and learn more at WinterVillageTampa.com.
“We specialize in large graphic murals and commissioned artwork,” Scalise, who owns Tada! Traditional and Digital Arts, said.
So it was no surprise that when Scalise was given the opportunity to paint a mural on the side of a Downtown Tampa building, she jumped on it.
“It’s art, everyone loves it, and it puts color to otherwise dreary buildings sometimes,” Scalise said.
Scalise has painted three murals in downtown thanks to a public activation grant from the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“Murals are a great way to add life to a building that maybe doesn’t have great architectural character, or maybe to an area that you want to give a community identity to,” Ashly Anderson, Senior Design Manager for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said.
Grant applicants can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for their art. The project has to be in Downtown Tampa and in a place where the public can access it. It doesn’t only apply to murals; it can also include installations, events and performances.
“It can really be any fun idea that an individual, a company, an organization, an artist has. We would like to have them do it and help fund it downtown,” Anderson said.
Do the Local Motion is back this October with free guided walking tours of Downtown Tampa, highlighting the area’s architecture, public art or historical locations. Guided tours are a great way to uncover local culture, both indoors and outdoors, with an informed leader. Participants learn about the city and also get a daily dose of exercise, as the walks cover a distance of up to two miles. The tours are kicking off their tenth year in October 2017, and now have a new leader, as the program has been handed off to Where Love Grows.
Do the Local Motion was the innovation of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, one of the founding partners of the Bike/Walk Tampa Bay coalition. Once a Tampa Downtown Partnership program is seeded, it is transferred to a trusted community partner to continue its expansion and growth. Vicki Anzalone from Where Love Grows has been the with the Local Motion program from its beginnings nine years ago, making the transition easy. Where Love Grows’ mission is to end childhood hunger beginning in our community.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership will continue to sponsor the walks. According to Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, “The Tampa Downtown Partnership supports these fun walking tours for a few reasons. Not only can we showcase our beautiful downtown, we can show people that walking is often the quickest way to get between destinations. It also offers the opportunity to sneak in some pedestrian safety tips!”
Christine Burdick announces her retirement after 15 years of service
TAMPA (October 11, 2017) – The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and staff at Tampa Downtown Partnership announce the retirement of President and CEO, Christine Burdick, effective January 1, 2018.
Burdick will continue to act as President and CEO until December 31, 2017 focusing on special projects. During this transition period, Lynda Remund, COO, will be assisting in the management of the day-to-day operations.
“Christine has been an integral part of the growth and success of the Tampa Downtown Partnership over the past 15 years,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman of Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Through her thoughtfulness and vision she has been a strong, daring, and respected leader in this community who has taken the Partnership to such great heights and phenomenal success. The impact of her work will touch the lives of everyone in Downtown Tampa for generations to come.”
Burdick became the president of the Tampa Downtown Partnership in April 2002 and has contributed to enhancing the vibrancy, urban development and quality of life throughout Downtown. Under her leadership, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has created and implemented a variety of programs and services, including; the Downtowner free ride service, Coast Bike Share, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the relocation of Tampa Museum of Art, City of Tampa’s InVision Tampa Masterplan, the launch of Tampa Historic Streetcar, Winter Village, and numerous others.
“It has been my honor to serve this city for so many years and incredible to see its growth and change,” said Burdick. “This is the right time to step aside. I’m excited to see how Tampa’s next generation of leaders will continue to be the passionate and dedicated advocates for our Downtown. I’m truly looking forward to experiencing all the wonderful services and programs we’ve implemented over the years.”
Extremely active in the Downtown community, Burdick is a member of the International Downtown Association, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Locally, she is a trustee of the University of Tampa and of Tampa Preparatory School, Board member of Florida Aquarium, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and a number of others. She also serves as an Encore Community Development District Board Supervisor.
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Director of Placemaking at Tampa Downtown Partnership
Drinkard has been selected as one of the industry’s 28 brightest professionals for the 2017 Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program for the International Downtown Association.
Link to full article.
To ensure that Downtown continues to grow, Tampa Downtown Partnership’s staff, Board, and Executive Committee have been preparing new strategic initiatives with an eye toward future growth. The next two years will be significant for us in setting the stage for Tampa, but before we look at where we are heading, we invite you to celebrate a few of our accomplishments from this past year. View our 2017 Year in Review.
