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.
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 (Photo Link) and Lynda Remund, President & CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership (Photo Link)
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 (Media to contact Ashly Anderson at aanderson@tampasdowntown.com for access / post-event interviews)
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.”
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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. – Fourth Friday along the Tampa Riverwalk is back! The arts and cultural crawl, which features live music at multiple locations, resumes this Friday, August 27th.
“Fourth Fridays are a perfect outdoor family event, showcasing some of the area’s best musicians and artists at some of our most popular cultural attractions,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO Lynda Remund. “Residents and Downtown businesses have been asking when Fourth Friday would be returning, and we are excited to say the wait is now over.”
Occurring on the fourth Friday of every month, Fourth Friday runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., except at the Henry B. Plant Museum, where activities run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Organized by the Tampa Downtown Partnership and sponsored by TECO, Fourth Friday offers free musical performances and other activities at six different arts and cultural venues along the Tampa Riverwalk. Locations include Sparkman Wharf, the Sail Plaza, Henry B. Plant Museum, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Straz Center. During the event, visitors can learn more about the program and the Tampa Downtown Partnership at the organization’s “Hub” at Curtis Hixon Park.
Fourth Friday also includes food and drink specials from participating Downtown venues. As a “Sip & Stroll” event, alcoholic consumption is allowed along the Riverwalk in specially approved vendor cups. Sip & Stroll cups can be purchased at one of eight authorized Tampa Riverwalk venues. Please drink responsibly.
For more information, visit www.fourthfridaytpa.com. You can also follow Fourth Friday on social media at @FourthFridayTPA or @TampasDowntown for continuous updates.
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.
Learn more and see the full list of Tampa Bay companies at http://www.bikewalktampabay.org/bfb/ or nationally at www.bikeleague.org/business.
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.
Tampa, FL – He’s making a list and checking it twice before making a few surprise Santa Sightings at the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be appearing every half hour between 5pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, December 12th and 19th and again on Wednesday, December 23rd, on a raised stage at Winter Village. The Santa Sightings are a great way for kids of all ages to see Santa in a socially distanced setting while getting a selfie with the jolly old elf.
The Partnership’s annual Winter Village features a riverfront ice skating rink and a nightly light show set to holiday music. New this year to the Tampa holiday tradition, is the Curtis Hixon Choo-Choo, a 12-seat, three-car, trackless train making 10-minute loops around the park during the light show. Train cars will be limited to one family at a time and will be sanitized between rides. It runs from 6 to 9pm.
Tickets for the 5,000 square-foot ice skating rink must be bought online in advance to eliminate ticket lines. All skaters must wear masks.
Tickets for the skating rink are available now at: www.wintervillagetampa.com.
Reminder you don’t need a ticket to experience Winter Village. In addition to free rides on the Curtis Hixon Choo-Choo, there are the Shops at the Winter Village and festive food and drinks for sale. After dark, the light show is a sight and sound extravaganza, operating from 6 to 10pm.
Winter Village runs through January 3rd, 2021.
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
Show off your love for our Tampa’s Downtown community with custom wallpapers for your electronic devices.
From the beautiful Downtown skyline to the breathtaking Riverwalk, impress your friends and family with a background to remind them of your favorite place! Screenshot or download one of the images below and customize your phone wallpaper today!
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)
*Please note the Harpoon Harry’s Crab House Chef decided to pair the shrimp with saffron angel hair pasta, lemon veloute and fresh vegetables in the photo above.
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.
Zukku Sushi is a restaurant located in the Heights Public Market at Armature Works, where the menu is just as creative as it is delicious. Known for its custom-made rolls, sushi burritos, and poke bowls, the restaurant believes “the rice is your canvas”. This week Zukku Sushi was kind enough to share their fan favorite California Roll recipe with us. Don’t feel like taking the time to prepare the components of this roll? No worries, Zukku Sushi has Sushi Masterpiece Kits that include everything pre-portioned so you can make multiple rolls and enjoy prepared appetizers at home. Check them out for your next date night or at home family activity! We hope you all enjoy making this tasty roll at home and visit our newsroom for more recipes from local restaurants every Wednesday.
Avocado, Crab Mix, Cucumber
What you’ll need: Sushi Rice – to learn how to make it, click here Nori Sheet Avocado Cucumber Masago Sesame Seeds Crab Mix Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat Cutting Knives
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 secret “Rifle Paper Co. Punch” 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!
White Cranberry Juice, Cointreau, Absolut Pear Vodka, Chambord and etoile Rose Champagne
What you’ll need: Ice Wine Glass Blackberries Edible Flower (optional)
Did you know there are 52 murals from the Heights area into Downtown?
As you scroll through we tried to put them in order so you can safely drive or walk by all 52 (at a distance from others of course)!
If you do happen to make it out to one, make sure to tag us in your photos by using the hashtag #TampasDowntown.
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 (attached) 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.
Show off your love for our Tampa’s Downtown community with custom background for your next video call.
From the beautiful Downtown skyline to rowdy pirates at Gasparilla, impress your co-workers and virtual happy hour guests with a background to remind them of your favorite place! Download one of the images below and customize your Zoom conference call background today.
Steps to update your conference call background:
Download your favorite #TampasDowntown background image.
Customize your Zoom background with this how-to guide.
Tag us with #TampasDowntown on your screenshot using the background!
Below you will find some helpful resources for business owners. We will update this page periodically as new resources become available.
For updates on business resources, text TAMPABIZ to 888-777.
One Tampa: Relief Now, Rise Together Fund
The One Tampa: Relief Now, Rise Together program will provide direct payments for eligible businesses up to $4,000 for rent/mortgage; up to $1,000 for utilities.
Online applications will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at noon.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
On March 16, 2020, Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a $50 million disaster bridge loan. This provides zero-interest loans of up-to $50,000 for businesses that have been in business before March 9, 2020. As of March 26, 2020, the application process has changed. Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Bridge Loan program should apply for the program through one of two ways:
Note: Small businesses that already applied should not submit an additional application.
Tampa’s businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at https://floridadisasterloan.org . These funds are limited. For more assistance, call the Florida SBDC at USF at 813-905-5800. You can also contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity toll-free at 833-832-4494 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com.
Applications must be completed by May 8, 2020.
Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey
Business owners are asked to participate in the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey . The results from this survey will allow Governor DeSantis to request that the federal government declare Hillsborough County a federal disaster area, which will open up additional sources of business funding through the Small Business Administration, FEMA and federal agencies.
Disaster Loan Assistance Program
Beginning January 31, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration began offering federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters under the Disaster Loan Assistance program. Visit the Disaster Loan Assistance program for more information and to apply online.
Tampa’s Recovery Hotline
For additional questions related to Business Relief, call the Tampa Recovery Hotline at 1-833-TPA-INFO (1-833-872-4636) or visit the City of Tampa’s Business Relief FAQ page.
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
The Small Business Paycheck Protection Program provide small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.
Short Time Compensation Program For Employers
Production Interruption Loans
Small Business Loan Information
The Downtowner will no longer be providing shared rides and will change their operating hours to the following April 1st:
Monday – Friday: 7AM – 9PM
Weekends: 12PM – 9PM
HART service will be FREE to youth 18 and under with valid School or HART Youth ID until regular classes resume.
Express Bus Services that WILL NOT OPERATE:
Express Bus Services that WILL OPERATE:
HARTPlus Operating Regular Service for Essential Trips:
It is recommended that HARTPlus customers cancel any rides that are not necessary, and prioritize reservations for essential or emergency purposes only. Trips can be canceled by calling HART Customer Service (813) 254-4278 at least two hours in advance. Please call your destination to confirm they are open before boarding, as many community facilities and events have been canceled or closed.
New temporary streetcar service hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
SPIN scooters are still operational, while LIME scooters have suspended service.
Coast bike share is still operational.
Tampa Downtown Partnership launches campaign to support local business after COVID-19 restrictions
TAMPA, Fla. – With the new ban just announced on all dining in Florida restaurants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is launching a campaign to help businesses that are offering takeout or delivery services at this time.
The #TampasDowntownCurbside social media campaign will highlight local restaurants offering takeout menus, allowing the Partnership’s more than 24,000 Instagram followers and 106,000 Twitter followers to stay informed and help support these local businesses.
“We know that this is an extremely difficult time for our local restaurants and retailers, and we want to support them anyway we can. By tapping into the power of social media, we can help spread the word that they’re still open for business through takeout orders,” Tampa Downtown Partnership President and CEO, Lynda Remund said.
Local restaurants and retailers can simply tag #TampasDowntownCurbside to post on their social media accounts about their to-go offerings and the information will immediately post on the Partnership’s website at https://www.tampasdowntown.com/curbside/. Businesses can also share the #TampasDowntownCurbside graphic to show patrons that they are a part of the local awareness campaign.
The effort is in line with the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s highest goal, which is supporting local businesses to help drive economic development downtown. For more information on local restaurants open for takeout, follow @TampasDowntown on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
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
As the Florida Department of Health, City of Tampa and Tampa Downtown Partnership continue to closely monitor COVID-19, please keep up to date about any and all developments at https://www.tampagov.net/covid-19/faq
The Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 by phone at 1(866)779-6121 or by email at COV-19@flahealth.gov. Stay connected & text TAMPAREADY to 888-777.
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.â€
by: Business Observer Staff
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.
To read the full survey results, visit https://www.tampasdowntown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Final-Full-Presentation.pdf.
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.”
Hurricane event details
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.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership maintains a set of quick facts about downtown Tampa.
Quick Facts Spring 2019
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
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is making Lynda Remund its permanent President and CEO after leading the agency for a year as acting head. Remund is replacing former CEO Christine Burdick who retired in December 2017.
Remund will assume the official position January 1.
“Lynda’s ability to support and lead a collaborative work environment while effectively managing the Partnership’s strategic initiatives has proven to the Board Officers and the Executive Committee that Lynda is the best person for this position,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“Over the past 18 years, Lynda has been steadfast in adhering to the organization’s vision and mission of cultivating a diverse and vibrant downtown through the initiatives she’d lead and the relationships she’d built to support those efforts,” said Jacob.
As CEO, Remund manages the Partnership’s organizational structure, vision and mission and facilitates the organization’s strategic initiatives. She also works with downtown stakeholders to ensure Tampa’s urban core is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood.
During her tenure with the Tampa Downtown Partnership, Remund led efforts to expand the Special Services District (SSD) into Tampa Heights, and in October the Tampa Downtown Partnership officially extended its SSD boundaries for the first time since its creation in 1994.
The Special Services District collects a special assessment from businesses within its boundaries to help fund the Partnership’s operations. The expanded service area not only provides additional resources for the group, it also opens opportunities for emerging businesses north of Interstate 275 to tap into the downtown momentum and access Partnership resources like the popular Downtowner- an electric on-demand vehicle that provides free rides within the Partnership’s boundaries.
Remund joined the Partnership in 2000 as the Director of District Operations. She served on several committees and organizations including the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon, Transportation Committee Chair for the Westshore Alliance, HARC Auxiliary Committee, Westshore Midday Business of Professional Women, Hillsborough County Committee of 99, and March of Dimes Task Force Member.
She is an alumna of the Leadership Westshore Class of 1998, Leadership Tampa Class of 2005, and International Downtown Association’s 2018 Emerging Leader Fellowship Program.
She holds a SHRM-CP certification in human resources and is currently a member of the International Downtown Association, Urban Land Institute, Florida Redevelopment Association, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Tampa, and serves on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, Tampa Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees, Visit Tampa Bay’s Advisory Committee, and the Rays 100 Committee.
By: Janelle Irwin Florida Politics
After acting in the role for a year, Lynda Remund will become the president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership at the start of 2019.
Remund has been the acting president since Christine Burdick stepped down from the role in December 2017.
“I’m very excited about the momentum we’ve had and the direction the Partnership is heading,†Remund said in a press release.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership works to help with physical and economic development of downtown Tampa through public/private partnerships. It has been at the helm of a slew of projects in recent years, including implementing the Coast Bike Share program in and around downtown, revitalizing Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and launching the Downtowner service and Winter Village.
Remund has been with the partnership for almost 20 years, starting in 2000 as director of district operations. She is also involved in the community, serving on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, Tampa Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees and Visit Tampa Bay’s Advisory Committee.
“Lynda’s ability to support and lead a collaborative work environment while effectively managing the Partnership’s strategic initiatives has proven to the board officers and the executive committee that Lynda is the best person for this position,†said Mickey Jacob, chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, in a press release.
By Lauren Coffey  – Reporter, Tampa Bay Business Journal
TAMPA – Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynda Remund, SHRM-CP, as President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. After the retirement of Past President and CEO, Christine Burdick in December of 2017, Remund took the lead role as Acting President and CEO in January 2018.
“Lynda’s ability to support and lead a collaborative work environment while effectively managing the Partnership’s strategic initiatives has proven to the Board Officers and the Executive Committee that Lynda is the best person for this position,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Over the past 18 years, Lynda has been steadfast in adhering to the organization’s vision and mission of cultivating a diverse and vibrant Downtown through the initiatives she’s lead and the relationships she’s built to support those efforts,” said Jacob.
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 October the Tampa Downtown Partnership officially extended its SSD boundaries for the first time 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 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 has served on several committees and organizations including the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon, Transportation Committee Chair for the Westshore Alliance, HARC Auxiliary Committee, Westshore Midday Business of Professional Women, Hillsborough County Committee of 99, and March of Dimes Task Force Member. She is an alumna of the Leadership Westshore Class of 1998, Leadership Tampa Class of 2005, and International Downtown Association’s 2018 Emerging Leader Fellowship Program. She holds a SHRM-CP certification in human resources and is currently a member of the International Downtown Association, Urban Land Institute, Florida Redevelopment Association, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Tampa, and serves on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, Tampa Preparatory School’s Board of Trustees, Visit Tampa Bay’s Advisory Committee, and Rays 100 Committee.
2018 – 2019 Officers
Chairman: Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, BDG Architects Vice Chairman: Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School Treasurer: Jim Themides, Wells Fargo Bank Secretary: Melanie Lenz, Tampa Bay Rays Immediate Past Chairman: Gregory J. Minder, intowngroup President and CEO: Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership
2018 – 2019 Executive Committee
John Avalon/John LaRocca, Hillsborough River Realty / The Jeffries Companies Beth Bernitt, AECOM Laura Crouch, Tampa Electric Company Michael English, AICP, Dikman Company David M. Mechanik, Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester, PA Ronald L. Vaughn, Ph.D., The University of Tampa Andrea E. Zelman, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
2018 – 2019 Board of Directors
Abbey Dohring Ahern, The Dohring Group Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay Christine M. Burdick, Emeritus Board Member Josh Christensen, Suffolk Construction Randy Coen, Coen & Company Jason Collins, AdeasQ Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay Robin DeLaVergne, Tampa General Hospital Joseph DeLuca, Tampa Bay Times Brian Fender, GrayRobinson Keith G. Greminger, AIA, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Thomas N. Henderson III, Hill Ward & Henderson, PA Tyler Hudson, Gardner Brewer Martinez-Monfort Dianne Jacob, PNC Bank Gregory Kadet, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Michael Kilgore, Columbia Restaurant Group Lindsey Kimball, Hillsborough County Tim Koletic, Fifth Third Bank Owen LaFave, Bank of Tampa Judith Lisi, David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Jin Liu, Carlton Fields Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF Health Robert McDonaugh, City of Tampa Kimberly Madison, Strategic Property Partners, LLC Leroy Moore, Tampa Housing Authority Julius Nasso, Related Group Barry Oaks, Cushman & Wakefield Kevin Preast, Amalie Arena R. Marshall Rainey, Burr & Forman LLP Craig J. Richard, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Robert J. Rohrlack, Jr. CEcD, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Robert G. Stern, Trenam Law Christine Turner, ChappellRoberts Bryan Wilson, The Beck Group Kendall Wilson, Holland & Knight Andy Wood, Florida Aquarium
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.
Link:Â https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/11/06/these-are-the-projects-people-and-businesses-name.html
TAMPA (December 6, 2018) – The Tampa Downtown Partnership has announced the winners of the 2018 Urban Excellence Awards.
Vetted through a three-step process, nominees were consideration through a panel of jurors 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.
“The Urban Excellence Awards event is a unique opportunity where the Tampa Downtown Partnership brings together the downtown community and stakeholders to say thank you and recognize those pioneers, trailblazers, and Downtown champions that make downtown a great place to live, work and play,” said Mickey Jacob, chairman for the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
“Tampa’s Downtown would not be the vibrant, unique place that it is without the hard work, dedication and devotion of the many Urban Excellence nominees and winners,” said Lynda Remund, acting president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Their contributions have made a significant and lasting positive impact on downtown and this awards ceremony allows us the opportunity to recognize and thank them for all they’ve done.”
Winners were:
Link:Â https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2018/12/06/cws-gin-joint-love-is-calling-exhibit-among-2018.html
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
By Press Release
TAMPA (November 30, 2018) – The Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 Urban Excellence Awards. Nominees were recognized, and winners received their awards during the annual celebration on Thursday, November 29 at The Gathering in Armature Works Public Market located in Tampa Heights.
Kari Goetz of the Florida Aquarium and Mayor Bob Buckhorn joined the stage Thursday night with Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Acting President and CEO Lynda Remund as well as Chairman, Mickey Jacob to address the crowd and announce the winners in each category.
“The Urban Excellence Awards event is a unique opportunity where the Tampa Downtown Partnership brings together the downtown community and stakeholders to say thank you and recognize those pioneers, trailblazers, and Downtown champions that make downtown a great place to live, work and play,” said Mickey Jacob, Chairman for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It’s an event I look forward to each year.”
“Tampa’s Downtown would not be the vibrant, unique place that it is without the hard work, dedication and devotion of the many Urban Excellence nominees and winners,” said Remund. “Their contributions have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Downtown and this awards ceremony allows us the opportunity to recognize and thank them for all they’ve done.”
Winners are:
This award is presented to a nominee who receives the most votes.
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:
Special thanks to our sponsors FH Events, BDG Architects, Create+Co, Creative Loafing, Tampa Bay Business Journal, AECOM, Carlton Fields, EWI Construction, Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Preparatory School, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and Unlimited Printing.
https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2018/12/02/tampa-downtown-partnership-announces-urban-excellence-award-winners-3-73260
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
TAMPA, FL (October 29, 2018) – The Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner are pleased to celebrate the second anniversary of the micro-transit program operating in Tampa’s Special Services District. Since the program launched in October 2016, Downtowner vehicles moved over 369,000 passengers throughout Tampa’s Downtown, averaging 500 per day. Growing ridership in the first two years of the program led Downtowner to launch new tech advances and improve and increase its fleet of vehicles. Riders can expect year three to come with improvements as well.
“We’ll be introducing a new concept aimed at increasing efficiency and the rider experience,” said Travis Gleason, Co-Founder of Downtowner. “When requesting a ride, users may be directed to a nearby meeting point. This will allow us to more seamlessly pick up rides heading in the same direction.” Gleason continued, “We will be releasing more details in the coming months, so stay tuned!”
In 2017, Chevy Bolts were added to the fleet to replace aging and less energy efficient GEM cars. “Combo-ing” was also added to reduce wait times. In 2018, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) loaned four Model X Teslas to the fleet through the end of their lease in March 2019. To meet ADA needs, Downtowner also operates a 6-passenger Ford Transit Van.
Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, was key to bringing the ride service to Tampa’s Downtown in 2016 and keeping it running to-date.
“Tampa Downtown Partnership is committed to making Tampa’s Downtown a fun and exciting place to live work and play,” said Kress. “We understand that part of the experience is offering many choices to get around Downtown. This micro-transit service compliments the other options such as ride-sharing, biking, walking, and taking the streetcar or city bus.” Kress continued, “We’re proud of our involvement in making this transportation option happen for our Downtown and look forward to it continually evolving.
“This service wouldn’t be possible without support from the public and private sector,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It is truly a collaborative effort and we’re proud to have been the catalyst to provide a micro transit solution in our Downtown.”
Partners in local and state government were present at the press conference on October 29th including;
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: 100 N. Tampa, 501 E Kennedy, Bank of America Plaza, Barrymore Hotel, Embassy Suites, Hilton Downtown Tampa, Rivergate Tower, SunTrust Financial Center, Tampa Marriott Waterside, Two Harbour Place, University of Tampa.
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.
Do you know a business, organization, individual, event and/or project that has made significant contributions toward Tampa’s Downtown? Consider nominating them for the 2018 Tampa’s Downtown Urban Excellence Awards! Nominations must be submitted by October 5 at midnight.
Award Categories include:
The Public Sector Project 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.
The Private Sector Project 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.
The Downtown Collaboration 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.
The Landmark Development Project 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.
The Downtown Experience Award recognizes 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.
The Activating Spaces 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.
The Marketplace Award recognizes 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.
The Arts & Culture Award recognizes 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 People’s Choice Award is voted on by the public and recognizes a business, organization, individual, event, project or initiative that has made a significant contribution toward creating a unique, vibrant and diverse Downtown, and has made a positive impact on the Downtown community.
The Christine Burdick Award recognizes an individual that has made a positive and significant contribution to a program or project in Downtown; has added to the Downtown visitor experience and/or that has demonstrated strong leadership in revitalizing the Downtown area.
The sixth biennial Downtown Tampa resident and worker study is now live! In 2008, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched its first community sentiment study for residents and workers. The study and its survey findings have helped steer such game changing initiatives in downtown as river accessibility, the outdoor market, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Bay History Center, the extension of the TECO Line Streetcar System, the reopening and of the profoundly enhanced Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the addition of dog parks, new parking meters that accept credit cards, new directional signage, new restaurants and retail, and extended retail offerings and operating hours.
Since the last survey, the special services district has expanded the boundaries; Downtown Tampa is continuing to grow and improve, and we want to hear from you! We value your input and need your help to understand what it is that you love, or what could be changed. Please take this 9-minute survey to share your feedback and pass the word along!
What do you envision for the future of Downtown Tampa? What do you love and what would you change?
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.
HART Provides Four Teslas to Downtowner Ride Service in Tampa’s Downtown
TAMPA (August 17, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner are excited to announce that tomorrow, Saturday, August 18, four Model X Teslas will join the fleet in Tampa’s Downtown. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is transferring the Teslas from another service area. The Teslas will replace the electric six-seater GEM cars.
“We’re thrilled to have HART’s support and look forward to working more closely with them in the future,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “With the support of all our wonderful public and private partnerships the Downtowner ride service was able to come to Tampa and change the way people think about getting around Downtown. Downtowner’s success is truly a collaborative effort and we’re proud to have been the catalyst to provide a micro transit solution in our Downtown.”
“HART is pleased to partner with the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner on expanding the capacity of service and providing greater mobility in the downtown core,†said Jeff Seward, Interim CEO for HART. “The Downtowner service is an excellent first mile, last mile option for downtown workers and HART customers connecting to the transit network at Marion Transit Center.”
The Teslas will run in rotation with the two Chevy Bolts that were added last August. Vehicle selection is determined by proximity and availability.
“Our all-electric Chevy Bolts are completing more rides per hour than the GEM vehicles, and have received very positive rider feedback. We’re looking forward to increasing the level of efficiency in the rest of our fleet with the addition of the Teslas,” said Travis Gleason, Co-founder of Downtowner.
Downtowner will also be adding a new shuttle van within the next few weeks. “We’re excited about this vehicle because it will offer a larger seating capacity for increased carpooling, and is also ADA accessible,” said Gleason. He added, “Although we’ll be introducing some new vehicle types, we plan to remain dog friendly!”
The app-based, on-demand ride service is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, moving over 336,521 riders since it launched in October 2016. Growing ridership in the first year of the program lead Downtowner to launch new tech advances and increase its fleet of vehicles.
In celebration of a full year of service in October 2017, Downtowner announced the addition of a new shared ride feature that groups riders, traveling along similar paths, into the same vehicle. The feature has helped cut wait times and increase ridership capacity, with 24% of rides now being shared.
“Much of what we’ve been focusing on is increasing the amount of shared rides we provide. We’re aiming to go live with some additional carpooling features later this fall. Stay tuned for more details,” said Gleason.
In total, Downtowner vehicles have traveled more than 436,000 miles helping to avoid 174 tons of CO2 emissions.
“Tampa Downtown Partnership is committed to making Tampa’s Downtown a fun and exciting place to live work and play. We understand that part of the experience is offering many choices to get around Downtown,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “This micro-transit service compliments the other options such as ride-sharing, biking, walking, and taking the streetcar or city bus.” Kress continued, “We’re proud of our involvement in making this option happen for our Downtown and look forward to seeing how it will evolve.”
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Aloft, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridian Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 North Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place, and the University of Tampa.
Downtowner vehicles run within the Special Service District (SSD) of Downtown Tampa. Service hours are 6am to 11pm, Monday through Friday and 11am to 11pm on the weekends.
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.
About Downtowner Downtowner designs and deploys smarter transit. We partner with public and private communities to re-imagine transportation, providing both in house technology and operational expertise. With a focus on data and resource optimization, we move people.
Funding secures mobility option for Tampa’s Downtown
TAMPA (July 27, 2018) – On Thursday, July 26, 2018, City Council approved the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s request for $600,000 in funding for year three of the Downtowner ride service. The funding is a combined contribution from the City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received from both the public and private sector to bring this innovative transportation option to workers, residents, and visitors of Tampa’s Downtown,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “It is encouraging to know our City Council members also see the value in encouraging alternative ways for people to get around our Downtown without getting in their cars – especially for short trips across town.”
The app-based, on-demand ride service is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, moving over 324,999 riders since it launched in October 2016. Growing ridership in the first year of the program lead Downtowner to launch new tech advances and increase its fleet of vehicles.
Downtowner’s fleet in Downtown Tampa has also grown from its launch of 12 electric GEM cars to include two new Chevy Bolts in August 2017. In total, Downtowner vehicles have traveled more than 422,000 miles helping to avoid 169 tons of CO2 emissions.
“With nearly two years of ridership data to analyze, our team has been working on some really cool new program features that we think will help move a lot more people,” said Travis Gleason, Co-founder of Downtowner. “Much of what we’ve been focusing on is increasing the amount of shared rides we provide. We’re aiming to go live with these features sometime this fall. Stay tuned for more details.”
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, SPP/Lightning, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Aloft, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridian Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 North Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place, and the University of Tampa.
Downtowner vehicles serve within the Special Service District (SSD) of Downtown Tampa. Service hours are 6am to 11pm, Monday through Friday and 11am to 11pm on the weekends. See the service map here.
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 Downtown Partnership’s new leader has a long tenure on the staffÂ
Why Lynda is a big deal: Lynda has nearly 20 years of experience with the Tampa Downtown Partnership, joining the staff as director of district operations in October 2000. The Tampa native manages and coordinates the daily operations of the Tampa Downtown Partnership including organizational structure, management and vision, company policies, and supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives, as well as leading efforts to expand the special assessment district. The TDP is expanding its special service district for the first time since its creation in 1994 in response to continued city center growth and expansion. Previously as COO, Remund led the reorganization of the corporation’s structure to better align with its goals and growth strategy, resulting in improved efficiency and operational output. Lynda holds a SHRM-CP certification in human resources, and serves on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s board, and Visit Tampa Bay’s Advisory Committee. In her earlier life, Lynda was a flight attendant. She also spent nine years with Chase Manhattan Bank, first supervising in the Bankcard division and later appointed community and special events coordinator.
What do you want to see for downtown? A vibrant, diverse 24/7 community, with more retail options and a robust transportation system that supports our growing workforce, residential population and visitors.
Now that you are in a leadership role, what’s your vision for the TDP? Being a stronger advocate; fostering downtown projects for the betterment of Tampa’s downtown, and strengthening our relationships with other organizations and partners such as the EDC, Tampa Bay Partnership and Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. We will continue to align and develop the wonderful talent we have on staff to focus on our strategic initiatives. I want us to be an advocate. One of our strategic initiatives is relevancy. So we want to get our word out there and we want people to know who we are and that we are here to help.
Your path did not include a college degree. Has that had an impact? I’ve been fortunate to have worked at wonderful companies that provided career training and instilled a work ethic based on dedication, integrity and hard work. It has served me well and allowed me to take advantage of the many blessings I’ve had throughout my career. Life experiences and the support of many talented mentors has given me strength and endurance to face the most difficult challenges. It takes hard work and dedication and being true to yourself and your company – that has been good for me.
Now in the leadership role, what has been your focus? One of the first things we did was to align staff with their talents so we did a little but of reorganization internally. We’ve hired a few new positions. We have an events coordinator which we never had before. We’ve been able to promote a couple of people internally and we’re fully staffed again so we will soon have 11 people on staff. We are excited by that and we just have some great young talent.
How do you describe your management style? First – to be fair. One of the first things I learned in management is to appreciate and treat your employees with respect and fairness. I strive to “do the right thing” and base my decisions on facts. I typically don’t like to sit on an idea too long and want to take action if everything aligns. One of my most recent mottos has been to stop talking and start doing, and we certainly have a lot to do. I like to listen and learn from the experts and surround myself with great talent, as the Partnership certainly has with our executive committee, board and staff.
Where do you find downtime or work/life balance? Travel. I’m ready to go at any moment – now it’s just finding the time. Family is also very important to me so I capitalize on spending as much time with them as possible. I’m blessed to have a wonderful husband and to have my family locally, including my daughter and three grandsons; twin four-year-olds and a five-year-old. That keeps me quite busy.
What’s the craziest thing you saw as a flight attendant? I probably can’t say that on the record. It’s an interesting job. I got to meet a lot of celebrities. It’s an exciting time. I got to see a lot. I traveled a lot on the west coast and sometimes down to the islands, the west coast and Canada. I did it at 30 years old.
You have had to deal with loss, specifically the death if your son in 2001 when he was 18. That’s made me a stronger person. My daughter told me one time, you know mom, always remember you are the mother of two children, don’t ever forget to mention Bobby. So I always try to do that. It makes you a stronger individual. It certainly can break you. You can’t let it define you.
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.
Initiatives focus on city center growth, transportation, public space, and branding
TAMPA, Fla., June 27, 2018 — Tampa Downtown Partnership celebrates another year of growth and change by reflecting on accomplishments, welcoming new leadership, and setting the stage for future opportunities.
“I am so proud of what our talented team has accomplished this past year,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “With the strategic initiatives set, we were able to build momentum right away,” said Remund. “This allowed us to quickly leverage our engaged Board Officers and turn those guiding principles into actionable goals with tangible results.”
This year, Chief Marketing Officer for BDG Architects, Mickey Jacob, FAIA, returns as the Chairman for the Tampa Downtown Partnership for a second term. “It’s truly an honor to work with such an amazing staff, Board, Executive Committee, and group of stakeholders who are focused each and every day on making Downtown Tampa the best it can be for everyone who lives, works, plays, learns and visits our city,” said Jacob. “This year we are going to focus on three things – leadership, advocacy, and communication – to ensure our message and those issues impacting our Downtown are shared with everyone so they can make informed decisions to make our city great.”
2018 – 2019 Officers
Chairman: Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, BDG Architects Vice Chairman: Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School Treasurer: Jim Themides, Wells Fargo Bank Secretary: Melanie Lenz, Tampa Bay Rays Immediate Past Chairman: Gregory J. Minder, intowngroup Acting President and CEO: Lynda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership
2018 – 2019 Executive Committee
2018 – 2019 Board of Directors
Abbey Dohring Ahern, The Dohring Group Paul Anderson, Port of Tampa Bay Christine M. Burdick, Emeritus Board Member Josh Christensen, Suffolk Construction Randy Cohen, Coen & Company Jason Collins, Adeas Q Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay Robin DeLeVergne, Tampa General Hospital Joseph DeLuca, Tampa Bay Times Brian Fender, GrayRobinson Roger Germann, Florida Aquarium Keith G. Greminger, AIA, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Thomas N. Henderson III, Hill, Ward & Henderson, PA Tyler Hudson, Gardner Brewer Martinez-Monfort Dianne Jacob, PNC Bank Gregory Kadet, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Michael Kilgore, Columbia Restaurant Group Lindsey Kimball, Hillsborough County Tim Koletic, Fifth Third Bank Owen LaFave, Bank of Tampa Judith Lisi, David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Jin Liu, Carlton Fields Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF HEalth Robert McDonaugh, City of Tampa Kimberly Madison, Strategic Property Partners, LLC Leroy Moore, Tampa Housing Authority Barry Oaks, Cushman & Wakefield Kevin Preast, Amalie Arena R. Marshall Rainey, Burr & Forman LLP Craig J. Richard, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Robert J. Rohrlack, Jr. CCE, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Robert G. Stern, Trenam Law Bryan Wilson, The Beck Group Christine Turner, ChappellRoberts
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Blucher will handle accounting and administration, reporting directly to the President and CEO
TAMPA, Fla., June 26, 2018 — The Tampa Downtown Partnership welcomes Kacie Blucher to the team as Bookkeeper and Executive Assistant.
In addition to processing all funds to and from the Partnership, Blucher will prepare monthly financial reports for the Finance Committee and board meetings and help develop the annual budget. She will also serve as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO.
“Kacie’s years of accounting experience and attention to detail make her a perfect fit for this position,” said Lynda Remund, Acting President and CEO. “I am thrilled to have Kacie on the team and am confident she will help ensure our operations run as smoothly as possible.”
Blucher’s accounting and administrative background will be key in her role at the Partnership. She will serve as the primary contact during the annual audit of financial reports and the filing of annual tax returns. Additionally, Blucher will submit monthly reimbursement packages for the Special Services District by working closely with city staff.
“I am excited to get started at the Partnership and help everyone in whatever capacity I can,” said Blucher. “Working at a place dedicated to the betterment of Downtown Tampa is truly an honor.”
Previously, Blucher worked for the American Cancer Society’s Community Development department. She has past experience in accounting, meetings and travel, and executive support. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 2006 with a degree in business marketing.
Brasier will ensure Downtown’s high-quality services are maintained
TAMPA, Fla., June 19, 2018 — The Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to welcome certified urban planner Alana Brasier as Operations & Public Space Manager to the not-for-profit organization. Brasier brings over seven years of experience in urban planning and development from across the country and in Tampa Bay.
Brasier will manage all on-street services provided by the Special Services District to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in Downtown Tampa. She will report directly to the Senior Director of Public Programming & Operations, Shaun Drinkard, and assist him and the Partnership with special events and other ongoing projects.
“Alana’s years of commitment to the Special Services District Committee make her a valuable addition to the Partnership,” said Drinkard. “Her diverse background in urban planning and personal dedication to Downtown Tampa will make her a key figure in streamlining and improving our public service.”
As Operations & Public Space Manager, Brasier will oversee Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, assist with planning and implementing overall operations of the Special Services District, and help the Partnership continue to foster relationships with partner agencies and downtown stakeholders.
“Working for the Downtown Partnership has always been a goal of mine and this new role gives me the opportunity to work with the Partnership from the ground up and really understand how the Special Services District operates,” said Brasier. “I look forward to continue helping make Downtown an attractive and fun place to live, work and play.”
Previously, some of Brasier’s local work included the Selmon Greenway Feasibility Study and authoring the TIGER grant that awarded funding to complete the Tampa Riverwalk and construct the Selmon Greenway. She was the first graduate of the University of South Florida’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning program in 2011.
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.”
Come Meet Your Downtown Neighbors for a Franklin Street Block Party!
Tampa Theatre to Host an Evening of Interactive Community Fun for the Opening of New Mr. Rogers Documentary on June 14
TAMPA, Fla. (May 21, 2018) – Minister, musician, educator, and father Fred Rogers spent 50 years on television encouraging us to be good neighbors. “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person,” he said.
On Thursday, June 14, Tampa Theatre will be one of only a handful of theatres in the country to open the new documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? And in the spirit of Mr. Rogers’ enduring message, the historic movie palace and the Tampa Downtown Partnership will host a Franklin Street Block Party from 5:00 to 7:00pm before the 7:30pm screening of the film.
Restaurants along the surrounding blocks of Franklin Street, including Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria, Jerk Hut, 1895 Kitchen – Bar – Market, Indigo Coffee House + Social Bar, SoFresh, and Vale Food Co., will be sampling house favorites out on the sidewalks in front of each location. Under the Theatre’s historic marquee at 711 N. Franklin Street, guests will experience a pop-up art exhibit courtesy of Illsol Space; live chalk art with Holland King, courtesy of Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts; artLAB artists live-painting Mr. Rogers-themed canvases, courtesy of the Thornhill Foundation; and the opportunity to meet representatives from community organizations including the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay, the Henry B. Plant Museum, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, WEDU-PBS, and more.
Inside, Tampa Theatre will be collecting new and gently used sweaters and sneakers for adults and children to benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay and other local charities who care for our neighbors in need. The Sweater & Sneaker Drive will continue throughout the film’s multi-week run, because as Mr. Rogers said, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Revelle Witecki at jill@tampatheatre.org or (813) 274-8287.
New position focuses on events, supports the Director of Membership and Programming
Lynda Remund Joins International Downtown Association’s Emerging Leaders Program
TAMPA (May 3, 2018) – Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce that it’s Acting CEO and President, Lynda Remund, has been selected as one of the industry’s brightest professionals for the International Downtown Association’s  2018 Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. Remund is one of 30 senior staff members that hail from 3 countries and 21 provinces or states, including Cape Town (South Africa), Calgary (Alberta), Honolulu, New York City, Anchorage, Sioux Falls, Sacramento, Houston and Denver.
Alumni of the International Downtown Association (IDA) Emerging Leaders Fellowship program are fast becoming sought-after leaders for the future of city building around worldwide. In just two years, the IDA program has resulted in at least 20% of its graduates receiving promotions, including Tampa Downtown Partnership staff member Shaun Drinkard, who was in 2017’s program and promoted to Senior Director of Public Programming and Operations in April of this year.
“The success of our Fellowship program, launched in 2016, underscores how critical this training is to our growing industry,” said David Downey, President and CEO of IDA. “This is the only program of its kind created specifically for urban place management professionals. IDA is looking to further illustrate the importance of our industry by elevating leaders with the necessary skills to champion inclusive city building.”
The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program bringing together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the urban district management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.
“It’s an honor to be selected for the Emerging Leader Fellowship,” said Remund. “I’m confident that the relationships and knowledge gained from this experience will benefit the Tampa Downtown Partnership in ways we have not yet imagined.”
“The International Downtown Association is looking to build the future of our industry, and these accomplished executives are the rising stars of our profession,” said Downey. “With this program, we’re educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”
The program takes place June 17-22, 2018 in New York City featuring intensive instruction delivered by IDA partners at Baruch College, City University of New York, Times Square Alliance and Coro New York Leadership Center. Professionals from several business improvement district organizations across the city provide technical in-the-field training. The event takes place at various locations throughout Manhattan with field visits provided by several local BID leaders.
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.
What will Hillsborough County look like in 25 years? A projected outlook at employment, population and land use trends. View the presentation.
Questions? Contact:
Shawn College, AICP colleges@plancom.org 813-273-3774 ext. 367
Sarah Mckinley Mckinleys@plancom.org 813-273-3774 x382
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.”
March 14, 2018 by Press Release
Games and Attractions Include Fun Run/Walk, Costume Contests, and Scavenger Hunts
WHAT Join Mayor Bob Buckhorn for the 7th Annual Mayor’s River O’ Green Fest, presented by Grow Financial and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. Family and friends are invited to join the festivities with Irish fare, beer, Irish dancing, live music, and the dyeing of the Hillsborough River to a shade of Kelly green.
WHERE Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (near Riverwalk) 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602 Media trucks are advised to park off West Twiggs Street at the South entrance to the park. For parking and transportation options, visit riverogreen.com. Free bike valet will be provided by Two Wheel Valet.
WHEN Saturday, March 17 11am — 5pm: Food Trucks, Irish Beers, Games and Activities Enjoy live Irish music, Irish fare, and fun games including a Leprechaun costume contest, cabbage toss, and hurling with Tampa Bay Hurling! 8:30am: River O’Green Ride Hosted by Coast Bike Share. Join us for a free leisurely group bike ride this St. Patrick’s Day! 9:30am: River O’Green Gallop 2 mile run/walk family fun run along the Tampa Riverwalk. Pre-registration is requested. 11am: River Goes Green 11am — 3pm: Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt Hosted by the Downtown Crawlers, this is a free event taking place in the park. 4pm — 9pm: Shamrock Scavenger Crawl Hosted by the Downtown Crawlers, this event kicks off in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and ends in Ybor just in time for their parade! Register your team today for a chance to win a Tampa Staycation worth over $1,000.
SPONSORS Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Grow Financial and the following partners and sponsors: Ryan Companies, City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Power Crunch, Krewe of Shamrock, IKEA, Tampa Bay Times, YMCA, The Eagle 107.3, and Magic 94.9.
CHARITIES Mayor’s River O’Green Fest is proud to partner with the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, and the Boys and Girls Club of America. Representatives will have tables set up for donation collection. Non-perishable food items and cash donations will be appreciated.
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.
View the current and proposed SSD boundaries.
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!”
Do the Local Motion season runs from October through May. For information, including a schedule of upcoming walks, click here.
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.
That’s So Tampa
The Coast Bike Share continues to see its popularity rise as new stations expand downtown’s fleet. With support from the Tampa Downtown Partnership, five new stations and one expanded station are set to be introduced with more stations forthcoming.
The new stations can be found at:
Laurel and Doyle Carlton NE 12th St N and Washington St Brevard St and Kennedy Blvd E Franklin St and Henderson Ave N 16th St and 5th Ave
Karen Kress, Director of Planning and Transportation at Tampa Downtown Partnership, said: “The availability of the Coast bicycles in our downtown has really changed how people move between destinations. The great strides in bike infrastructure help riders make the often faster choice to bike rather than drive short trip distances. We were thrilled to have won a grant from the FL Department of Transportation to help add more hubs and bikes both on public and private property.â€
Coast Bikes goes to college
In addition to the downtown expansion, Coast Bike Share officially merged with USF’s Share-A-Bull Bikes program to provide students and faculty lower-cost memberships and access to more across Tampa Bay.
With Coast’s discounted student memberships, USF students can utilize one account to unlock 100 Share-A-Bull Bikes on the Tampa campus and 600+ Coast Bike Share bikes across Tampa Bay. On campus, the program facilitates quick and easy travel to and from classes and campus events.
There are three memberships available: Student Annual ($59), Student Monthly ($7 per month), and Pay As You Go ($0.13 per minute). The Student Annual and Student Monthly memberships include 60 minutes of ride time every day.
TAMPA (August 2, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner announce the addition of two new Chevy Bolts to the 12-vehicle fleet of GEM cars. The vehicles hit the roads of Downtown Tampa at 11:30am on August 2, 2017.
“With the quick adoption of the app-based service and growing ridership, it was clear to us that the fleet needed to expand if it was going to keep up with the first-mile, last-mile demand,” said Christine Burdick, CEO and President of Tampa Downtown Partnership.
The Bolt was released by Chevy earlier this year and like the GEM car, is 100% electric. “Adding these vehicles to the fleet will reduce wait times, support increasing ridership demand and provide riders with protection from the Florida heat via air conditioning”, said Travis Gleason, COO for Downtowner. “The Chevy Bolts are able to run over 200 miles per charge allowing us to utilize the vehicle for the entirety of the day with no down-time,” said Gleason. “Our company is dedicated to evolving with battery technology, and the Chevy Bolt’s range allows us to move more people with less resources.” The service was originally launched using GEM cars, capable of traveling about 60 miles per charge before having to be pulled out of rotation for charging. Like the GEM cars, the Bolts will be hailed through the app. There is no way to reserve a specific car or driver as the app selects the shortest wait time for riders.
This app-based, on-demand free ride service is the first of its kind in Downtown Tampa, reaching over 100,000 riders in just under seven months of its launch date. According to Stephen Murray, CEO of Downtowner, Tampa is their largest market.
“Ridership in Downtown Tampa has definitely taken off quickly. We continue to see ridership demand grow, especially during commuter hours, and we’re excited to be a part of Tampa’s transit options,” said Murray. “The collaboration with the Tampa Downtown Partnership was pivotal to seeing this project happen, and with their support, our service has lead to less dependence on single-occupancy vehicle trips, as well as greater accessibility to existing HART services.”
Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning at Tampa Downtown Partnership, headed up the initiative to bring the free ride service to Downtown. “Our goal is to secure long-term stability for the service. Our growing ridership has proven that there is a willingness to think outside of the car, especially for short trips. Downtown Tampa’s residents, workers and visitors are increasingly looking for ways to park their car once, and have options for those short trips. I’m excited to see how this service evolves,” said Kress.
Tampa Downtown Partnership and Downtowner invite local companies to consider the opportunity to brand a vehicle. Funds raised from these advertising campaigns will help support the service. For more information, contact sales@ridedowntowner.com.
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, SPP/Lightning, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridian Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 N Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place.
About Downtowner Downtowner uses predictive routing technology and real-time demand analytics to deploy smarter transit in dense downtown areas. The company provides cities with a mirco-transit solution that bridges gaps in existing transit lines, eases parking demands, and improves overall mobility. Downtowner currently operates in 5 cities nationwide and uses 100% electric vehicles.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is pleased to announce the promotion of three employees; Lynda Remund as Chief Operating Officer, Ashly Anderson as Senior Design Manager, and Rachel Radawec as Placemaking and Community Engagement Manager.
“Each of these positions play an important role in supporting the four key initiatives the Tampa Downtown Partnership staff, Board and Executive Committee identified during our strategic planning process,” said President and CEO, Christine Burdick. “Our Downtown is, and will be, undergoing significant changes that will shape Tampa’s future,” said Burdick. “The next two years will be paramount in how our organization responds to city center growth and expansion, circulation in Downtown, maximizing the public space experience, and addressing our own brand relevance.”
In her new role as COO, Lynda Remund will manage and coordinate the daily operations of the Tampa Downtown Partnership including organizational structure, management and vision, company policies, and support the organization’s strategic initiatives. Remund holds a SHRM-CP certification in human resources and will continue senior management responsibilities for operations of Tampa’s Downtown business improvement district. She will also continue managing the company’s contract with the City of Tampa which it has maintained for over 23 years. Remund brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role, having been with the Tampa Downtown Partnership for over 17 years as the Director of District Operations.
As Senior Design Manager, Ashly Anderson is responsible for managing design development for both external and internal functions of the organization. She will be involved with building brand consistency and ensuring design excellence in print materials, online graphics, and Downtown Tampa physical improvements funded by the organization. Ashly will collaborate with staff to ensure that the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s brand quality is enhanced. Previously, Anderson served as the Placemaking and Urban Design Manager working to program, activate, and promote Tampa’s Downtown.
Serving as Placemaking and Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Radawec will work directly with the Director of Placemaking, using principles of marketing, design, and activation to establish public-private collaboration in public spaces. Radawec has been with the Tampa Downtown Partnership since 2013 when she was hired as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Her knowledge of Tampa’s Downtown, efficiency in handling multiple projects, and passion for community engagement and public spaces make Radawec a clear choice for the position.
“The Partnership staff is made up of extremely talented individuals who have the skills, the know-how, and the connections to cultivate effective public-private partnerships that will facilitate and nurture the growth that is happening in our Downtown,” said Tampa Downtown Partnership Chairman, Mickey Jacob, FAIA. “These new roles better reflect the direction of the strategic initiatives of our organization and I’m looking forward to working with them and our members to strategize, plan and implement this new vision.”
– 2017/2018 Leadership-
2017 – 2018 Officers
Chairman: Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, BDG Architects Vice Chairman: Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School Treasurer: R. Marshall Rainey, Burr & Forman LLP Secretary: Melanie Lenz, Tampa Bay Rays Immediate Past Chairman: Gregory J. Minder, intowngroup President/CEO: Christine M. Burdick, Tampa Downtown Partnership
2017 – 2018 Executive Committee
2017 – 2018 Board of Directors
Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay Greg Brooks, Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown Randy Cohen, Coen & Company Jason Collins, Adeas Q Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay Robin DeLeVergne, Tampa General Hospital Joseph DeLuca, Tampa Bay Times Brian Fender, GrayRobinson Maryann Ferenc, Mise en Place Scott Garlick, Cushman & Wakefield Roger Germann, Florida Aquarium Keith G. Greminger, AIA, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Ginny Guyton Collier, Fifth Third Bank Thomas N. Henderson III, Hill, Ward & Henderson, PA Tyler Hudson, Holland & Knight, LLP Dianne Jacob, PNC Bank Gregory Kadet, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Lindsey Kimball, Hillsborough County Bruce Lamb, Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. Judith Lisi, David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Robert McDonaugh, City of Tampa Kimberly Madison, Strategic Property Partners, LLC Julia Mandell, Carlton Fields Leroy Moore, Tampa Housing Authority Kevin Preast, Amalie Arena Craig J. Richard, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation Robert J. Rohrlack, Jr. CEcD, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Robert G. Stern, Trenam Law Jim Themides, Wells Fargo Bank Ryan Toth, The Beck Group Christine Turner, ChappellRoberts David Williams, Squire Patton Boggs
Tampa Bay Times
Written by Langston Taylor
TAMPA – Whatever the future may hold for a stadium in Tampa, the Tampa Bay Rays are leaving their existing outpost in the city when the team merchandise store downtown closes up shop Friday.
Customers received an email from the team saying the owner of the Park Tower building on North Tampa Street will not renew its lease for the store.
“Thank you for your business throughout the years, we look forward to serving you at our new store location soon,” the email read.
A team spokeswoman would provide no details about a new location.
The store opened in August 2007 and sells T-shirts and other Rays apparel, as well as game tickets.
Half-price on Nike apparel and caps as well as other sales will be offered in the store’s final hours, according to the Rays’ email. The main Tropicana Field Team Store remains open Wednesdays-Fridays and game days. Fans can also buy tickets at the box office seven days a week.
Kelsy Van Camp, director of marketing and communications for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, hopes the team’s Tampa store remains nearby.
“We’d love to keep them down here,” Van Camp said. “They’re a wonderful partner.”
Renovations to the Park Tower building, which is owned by Feldman Equities and Tower Realty Partners, will feature an upgrade to the lobby beside the current store location, according to the building’s web site. The Rays’ release says that’s why the team cannot extend its lease.
Mack Feldman with Feldman Equities said the company could not fit the Rays store in as part of the renovations.
“We felt it was important to consider other local businesses that could best meet the needs of our tenant and growing downtown Tampa community,” Feldman said in an email Tuesday to the Tampa Bay Times. “We wish the Rays all the best in their pursuit of another location.”
Van Camp said the Downtown Partnership is looking forward to the renovations.
“We’re excited about the changes that are happening,” she said, “and the shuffling around is just another piece of that.”
The Rays’ downtown Tampa store was the scene of the first meeting between Hillsborough county officials and the team’s management in February 2016 after St. Petersburg gave its approval for the Rays to explore potential new stadium sites across the Tampa Bay area.
The team says Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg no longer serves its needs. The Rays have a lease agreement on the stadium that runs through the 2027 season.
Tampa Bay News Wire
Tampa (June 29, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership invites local vendors to submit applications for the Winter Village Shops at Curtis Hixon Park for the 2017/2018 season.
Vendors can submit their applications now through August 1st 2017. Shops are leased by the season (seven week duration). Vendors accepted to participate will be notified during the last week of August 2017.
Dates of Operation:
Grand opening – November 17th
November 18th – 19th
November 24th – 26th (Shops are closed November 23rd for Thanksgiving Day)
November 30th – December 3rd
December 7th – 10th
December 14th – 17th
December 18th – 24th (Shops are closed December 25th for Christmas Day)
December 28th – 31st
January 1st – 7th
Hours of operation to be determined upon notification of lease (late August 2017). Payment is due in full by September 29, 2017 after receipt of written notice of selection to participate is received by the vendor. The total lease cost per season is $550.
The Winter Village Shops offer holiday shoppers an affordable and unique retail experience with local sellers of garments, personal products, artisan goods, and gourmet packaged foods. Thanks to the generous support of PODS Moving and Storage, each Winter Village Shop is held in a PODS container in a market-style layout. The shops are semi-permanent structures that will require interior decor by the shop owner. Shops accepted will reflect a mix of local, imported, artisan, and/or manufactured goods. Merchandise will stay securely locked in the shops ready for opening on the next business day.
For shop inquiries, contact Shaun Drinkard at sdrinkard@tampasdowntown.com.
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.
Written by Susan Taylor Martin
TAMPA – Riverwalk Place, a 53-story tower planned for downtown Tampa, will have four restaurants, “many, many” outdoor tables and a rooftop bar atop the garage.
And that’s not enough, developer Larry Feldman says. Ideally, the project will spur what he calls the “Beach Drive-ification” of Tampa’s entire Riverwalk.
“I don’t want to hear any more, ‘Why can’t downtown Tampa be like downtown St. Pete?’ ” Feldman said Thursday in reference to the bounty of restaurants and cafes along St. Petersburg’s Beach Drive. “I hope (Riverwalk Place) will set an example for everybody else in town.”
Feldman made his remarks at the annual meeting and luncheon of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, a business and civic organization that has seen the city’s once stodgy downtown become much more of a work-play area due in large part to the Riverwalk. Yet the promenade along the Hillsborough River still lacks the bustle and variety of Beach Drive, a shortcoming that Feldman says his mixed-use tower next to it will help correct.
“We have the ability to one-up (Beach Drive) because we are right on the water whereas Beach Drive restaurants sit back,” he noted.
Expected to start construction next year on the site of the doomed Trump Tower Tampa project, Riverwalk Place would be the tallest building on the Florida’s West Coast. Its design will be a not to what Feldman called the “sardine-ization of America” – the tendency of companies to save costs by squeezing more employees into less space.
For that reason, Riverwalk Place will have balconies on every office floor so employees can step outside, get some fresh air and network.
The tower also will cater to millennials, who make up a good part of downtown Tampa’s workforce, by including “chill zones” with cappuccino machines and the type of fitness center where even “gym jockeys will feel really comfortable,” Feldman said.
Many millennials in the audience were befuddled, though, by Feldman’s comment that Riverwalk Place will be so modern it could have been designed by “George Jetson’s architect.” The millennial generation hadn’t been born when the futuristic TV cartoon series about the Jetson family aired in the 1960s.
Feldman says he expects to open a sales office and release more detailed plans for the tower in September. Although it has generated the most attention, the tower on S Ashley Drive is just one of several projects that will benefit from proximity to the Riverwalk.
“Riverwalk truly has been the tipping point for the refocus and redirection of downtown,” John LaRocca of Hillsborough River Realty Corp. told the group. His company won City Council approval in March for three high-rises on the west side of the Hillsborough, including the 40-story riverfront Lafayette Tower with condos, offices and hotel rooms.
LaRocca said the company initially planned only offices but rethought the project as the city began to revitalize both sides of the river. “The mayor’s map that evolved,” he said, referring to Mayor Bob Buckhorn, ”became an affirmation of what we were envisioning with the river as the center” of downtown instead of its western boundary.
The third speaker, Arturo Pena of the Related Group, said the river was a major factor in his company’s decision to buy the riverfront site of the former Tampa Tribune and build a 400-unit apartment complex there. Related is also the lead developer on Tampa’s massive revitalization of its West River area.
Asked why Miami-based Related chose to come to Tampa, Pena had a quick reply:
“In a nutshell, jobs and the waterfront.”
The Politico
Written by Richard Danielson
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn likes to say that when he moved here in 1980, only 600 people lived downtown – 300 of them at the old Morgan Street jail.
Now wonder. Downtown Tampa in 1980 had been in decline for decades. A century before, early leaders had charted its future as a deep-water port for moving cargo: phosphate mined in Central Florida, citrus grown along the Gulf Coast and cigars rolled in brick factories crowded with Cuban and Italian immigrants. To step onto the docks before World War II was to enter a realm of railyards, warehouses and oil tanks. The prettiest building in the town was (and arguably still is) a minaret-topped grand hotel that a 19th century rail baron built on the far bank of the Hillsborough River. But until the early 1960’s, that gem looked back across the river at a meat-packing plant teeming with big, brazen rats.
By the time Buckhorn arrived in his 1966 Dodge Dart, Tampa’s waterfront was an industrial dead zone, some warehouses empty, others demolished and replaced by vacant lots. The city’s streetcars, which once carried 24 million passengers a year, were long gone, muscled aside by a car-centric culture that helped make the Tampa Bay area the second deadliest metro in the country in which to walk or ride a bike. Downtown retailers had closed or decamped for the suburbs. There was no way to walk along the river, literally no path from the office buildings to the waterfront, and little open space. One of the only city parks near the river was fenced and padlocked to stop vagrants from bathing in its fresh-water springs.
“We had this river running right through the heart of the city, and everybody had turned their back on it,” says Sandy Freedman, Tampa’s mayor from 1986 to 1995,” when things started to change in a big way. “We blocked views. We blocked the access. We did everything in reverse of what you want to do when you have a river or any amenity.”
Today Tampa has reinvented its downtown step by gritty step, but it hasn’t been cheap. Over the past 30 years, City Hall and the government of Hillsborough County have invested more than half of a billion dollars in projects to activate the waterfront. This was Tampa’s Hail Mary pass – a multi-front push to transform a purely industrial zone into a tourist-friendly amenity and, eventually, a place to live. It required nothing less than a reversal of decades of centrifugal development pressure that had pushed people and tourist attractions miles from the city center. First came the performing arts center. The convention center. Then the aquarium. Then the hockey arena. Then the public subsidies for a convention hotel. Then the trolley. Then the history center. Then the new art museum. Plus a series of new parks, one where the meat-packing plant once stood, another at the fresh-water spring.
Finally, a 2.5-mile Riverwalk strung them all together. It took six mayors and 40 years, but it has opened up public access to the waterfront, connected the big public projects, and led to something new in downtown Tampa – a lot of people walking around, riding bikes and enjoying the river they had long ignored.
Together, these public investments did two things. Over the past 15 years, they put out the welcome mat for millennials and empty nesters looking to move back to the city. Tampa once competed for call centers; now it seeks to leverage assets like MacDill Air Force Base and the University of South Florida to pursue firms in defense, tech, life sciences, health care and banking services. Last year, the nonprofit Tampa Downtown Partnership said downtown’s population had doubled in eight years to more than 8,100 people in 5,700 units, with two-thirds of downtown residents making $100,000 or more a year.
And there’s more in the pipeline. Thanks to two new players that have, for Tampa, unprecedented reach, the city is about to get a turbocharged boost of growth. Former mutual fund impresario Jeff Vinik has partnered with billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ private capital fund, Cascade Investment, on what could be Tampa’s biggest transformation yet. With the arrival of Vinik and Cascade, decades of incremental, government-led change has set the stage for two big-thinking, fast-moving, business titans who relish the chance to play with the kind of blank urban canvas that doesn’t present itself very often. If this public-private partnership succeeds, Tampa could finally make good on its longstanding ambition to be a star of the New South – not by reviving its downtown, but by reinventing it.
Today, Vinik, 58, is Tampa’s most popular pro sports team owner, most prominent philanthropist and most ambitious developer, but he never meant to come to Tampa and remake a city. Ten years ago, he says, “I could not have imagined it.”
Vinik’s first career was in Boston, where at 33 he was hired to run Fidelity’s Magellan Fund, then the nation’s biggest mutual fund. In 1996, he left Fidelity and started his own hedge fund, which posted annualized 17-percent returns before he shut it down and returned billions of dollars to investors in 2013. By then, however, Vinik had already begun to re-invent himself. In 2010, he bough the Tampa Bay Lightning for an estimated price of $110 million. It was a purchase that reflected an investor’s eye for an undervalued asset. Less than two years before, it had sold for $200 million.
A lifelong hockey fan who grew up in New Jersey and New York, Vinik remembers falling asleep at age 5 to a Rangers game on a small television in his bedroom. When he bought the team, Vinik told reporters he had been thinking about it for two years, ever since a conversation with a close friend about what was next for him during a Christmas pop music concert in Boston. He wanted something fun and loved hockey’s excitement. He sat down and Googled, “How to buy a sports team.” Then, more systematically, he started to read books on sports management. He got to know the people who ran the teams as well as National Hockey League Commissioners Gary Bettman.
Vinik ended up looking seriously at 10 to 15 teams. He believed it’s “critical to become part of the fabric of the community if you were going to own a sports team,” so he began thinking about places where he would want to live, and Florida’s warm weather was appealing. He looked at the Florida Panthers, but found the location of their arena, next to a toll road near the Everglades, to be isolated. In Tampa, he liked that the Lightning played in the southern end of downtown, on the other side of an elevated highway from the central business district, but near the bay. True, the area was largely surrounded by acres of surface parking lots, but Vinik says “long-term that was a very good thing. Having said that, I had no apirations of buying those properties or developing those properties.” Still, buying the Lightning gave Vinik control of a publicly owned arena. Vinik says the vacant land that came with the team did not place a big role in his decision to buy the Lightning. A year or two later, another parcel right across the street came on the market for a price that Vinik found “not cheap, but reasonable.”
“It just seemed like good common sense to buy a piece of property across the street from the arena,” he says. Then a couple of more parcels became available, and he bought them, again with no bigger plan in mind. He bought more. More came on the market. Eventually Vinik spent nearly $60 million to compile about 40 mostly contiguous acres near the arena. About three-quarters of the way in, he says, “the light bulb gradually went on and we said, ‘Hmm, there are development opportunities here.”
To pursue those opportunities, Vinik teamed up with Cascade. Vinik says he made the connection with Cascade through Tod Leiweke, the former Seattle Seahawks CEO whom Vinik hired to run the Lightning. Leiweke came to Tampa with an impressive portfolio of expertise, interests and relationships. He knew sports management. He was a natural civic leader. In both Seattle and Tampa, he helped drive efforts to address homelessness. (That wasn’t his only community issue. I once bumped into him at the launch of a police gun buyback in one of Tampa’s toughest neighborhoods.) Leiweke’s older brother Tim was president of the company that developed the L.A. Live entertainment district next to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. And in Seattle, Tod Leiweke got to know key Microsoft executives, including Cascade manager Michael Larson, who is credited with building Gates’ net work from $5 billion two decades ago to what Forbes says is $89 billion now.
“Tod knew Michael Larson,” Vinik says. “He introduced us. We had a couple of conversations, and they were interested in increasing their real estate exposure. They got it. Michael got it in terms of the potential we see here in downtown Tampa. It was a partnership (that was) meant to be.”
Together, Vinik and Cascade Investment formed Strategic Property Partners, which is developing the 40 acres around the arena, plus a couple of other key acquisitions. One is the 719-room Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. It sits on the waterfront between the hockey arena and the Tampa Convention Center. SPP bought it for $150 million and plans a major renovation.
On the other side of the arena is another Vinik-Cascade asset: Channelside Bay Plaza, a 230,000-square-foot waterfront shopping mall. Less than 20 years old, it’s a striking example of the kind of building that former Mayor Freedman talks about: one that turns its back on the water. Meant to be a festival marketplace, Channelside Bay Plaza looks inward, with few views of the shipping channel behind the building. On one of my few visits, for a night-time political rally in 2011, I spent an hour in its courtyard without realizing I could have seen the water from where I stood. Vinik plans to tear it down and start over.
But that’s just one piece of a development plan that’s mind-boggingly ambitious. Over the next 10 years, Strategic Property Partners plans $3 billion in construction, aided by $100 million in local tax-increment financing revenues, including:
So far, there’s little to see. SPP plans to break ground on its first phase, encompassing 4 million square feet of residential and commercial development, next spring,with its first buildings opening in 2020. To get ready, the company has 15 teams of architects and designers working on plans for 16 different city blocks. Many of the roads around the arena are torn up so larger water, sewer and storm drainage pipes can be installed. The project also will realign part of the street grid to slow down traffic and create a place that not only gives pedestrians sanctuary from Tampa’s older and statistically more deadly streets, but is also where it’s easy and fun to walk around.
Early on, Vinik and Cascade brought in new urbanist planning experts Jeff Speck and David Dixon to help shape the vision. Later, after Leiweke left Tampa for a job as the chief operating officer of the National Football League, James Nozer, 38, was hired from The JBG Companies near Washington, D.C., as CEO of SPP. Nozar came in with a range of experience in urban redevelopment – such as the Atlantic Plumbing and West Half Street mixed-use projects in Washington, D.C. – but in Tampa, where most of SPP’s holding has until now been used for arena parking, his team has a clean slate.
“Most people would see that as an advantage, which we do, but it also makes it very challenging,” he says. Strategic Property Partners is building in an area that lacks architectural and place-making context, and it aims to create something that from the start feels like a neighborhood, not a shopping mall. It helps that the mix of residential, retail, cultural, office and entertainment will be evenly balanced, Nozar says. That should make it possible for many residents to get up, walk to the gym, grab coffee, duck back home to change, walk to work, get a meal or two during the day, and go to a hockey game or concert – all without ever needing a car.
For context, Nozar and SPP director of development, Bryan Moll, another JBG alum, have looked at Tampa’s older neighborhoods, including Ybor City, the city’s historic Latin quarter and the home of its cigar-making industry about three-quarters of a mile from downtown. To enhance the pedestrian experience, they’ve focused on the ground floors of their buildings – their scale, how they interact with the public space as well as the pedestrian’s need for a variety of experience and – crucial in Florida – shade. The new project will include new parks, and one main street will have a double row of mature trees along one side, a single row along the other. SPP is building a centralized air-conditioning plant for the entire district, which is expected to help drive energy efficiency, something that’s rare in commercial developments, though more common in large campus projects like universities and healthcare facilities. For SPP, it makes sense because of the project’s single ownership and long-term focus. It also frees rooftops for dog parks, swimming pools, restaurants and green space. One 300-foot-tall office building will have planted terraces or ledges on every floor, plus a green rood. An apartment building will be topped with 10 feet of soil on its roof so mature trees can grow there.
Along with a name, one thing that Vinik and Cascade have not announced is a tenant list. But Vinik says the company has a long list of prospective tenants. Because they are self-financing, Vinik and Cascade do not have to worry as much about an economic downturn, about repaying construction loans or about building quickly, leasing up and selling out.
“There is no intention of flipping here,” Vinik says. “We’re looking very long term. We believe that the real value creation in the district occurs over five to 10 years as it becomes one of the best places to live, work and play in, hopefully, the Southeast.”.
In 1985, business boosters took to calling Tampa “America’s Next Great City,” but the facts on the ground often seemed to lag behind the brand. As “New South” cities like Charlotte and Atlanta soared, it was hard to see whether any of the Tampa’s big bets would pay off. The performing arts center, convention center and aquarium all struggled in their early years, and there was a ton of second-guessing.
In her nearly nine years as mayor, Sandy Freedman did a lot of building, but she wanted a good city with affordable housing and healthy neighborhoods as much as a “great” one with an impressive skyline and upbeat marketing. (Her signature accomplishment, getting local banks to put up $67 million to build or rehab thousands of affordable homes, got her into the conversation when President-elect Bill Clinton was considering candidates for secretary of housing and urban development.) So she tended to have a more skeptical outlook than the Chamber of Commerce. Once, when I asked her about that “America’s Next Great City” slogan, she rolled her eyes.
And early on, Freedman didn’t even want to build the convention center. Sitting on the City Council she had voted against every single contract to buy land for the site. It was too hemmed in by an expressway on one side, she thought, and the river on the other. Supporters talked about how the city could expand it in the future by driving pilings into the riverbed, but she didn’t believe that for a moment (and, in fact, it hasn’t happened). But after the city spent $27 million on land, she couldn’t think of a way to kill it, so she went ahead with the project.
The Florida Aquarium was next, and it took a push that would have impressed Robert Moses. The aquarium was long planned for  Harbour Island, a mixed-used development created across a shipping channel from downtown, but the developer told Freedman the project’s parking wouldn’t fit there after all. So Freedman says she called the port director and, although she wasn’t on the port authority board and therefor was not his direct boss, told him to come to her office in an hour, because she was holding a news conference to announce that the aquarium was headed to a waterfront site the port owned.
“He said, ‘What?’ He was apoplectic. He really was. He was apoplectic for a year or two after that,” Freedman says. But “they had all that land that was on the water, and I had just come seeing Baltimore,” which had transformed its Inner Harbor using an aquarium as centerpiece. “There’s a lot of Baltimore in all of this. It wasn’t rocket science. It had been done before, and you learn from the best. That was probably one of the best decisions I ever made even though it was so tough at the beginning.”
Then came a deal for a downtown hockey arena. That brought in the county government, a first at that time. County Commissioner Ed Turanchik was a vocal proponent of a downtown site. What also made it possible, Freedman says, was private sector support. The developer of Harbour Island agreed to put up nearly $9 million to acquire the rights to a key piece of property on the understanding he would get the money back when the city and county put the deal together.
Freedman also tore down a bare-bones auditorium that had been built in the 1960s where the old rat-infested meat-packing plant once stood. Finally, she tried to put together a deal for a big hotel to help the convention center, which was built without all the meeting space it needed. But the plan was complicated and controversial, and it fell apart toward the end of her second term. Her successor, Dick Greco, would provide the public subsidies that closed the deal for the Marriott.
Still, of all the projects, the Riverwalk appears to have had the most far-reaching impact – no surprise, give the track record of river walks from San Antonio to Milwaukee for creating recreational space and economic development. “This relatively small amount of money that we’ve spent, I think, will pay dividends 10-fold over time, more so than, like, the [performing arts center] or the aquarium,” Buckhorn says. “They’re important, they add to the mix, an they’re key anchors, but they’re not game-changers. I think the Riverwalk is a game-changer.”
Still, of all the projects, the Riverwalk appears to have had the most far-reaching impact – no surprise, given the track record of river walks from San Antonio to Milwaukee for creating recreational space an economic development. “This relatively small amount of money that we’ve spent, I think, will pay dividends 10-fold over time, more so than, like, the [performing arts center] or the aquarium,” Buckhorn says. “They’re important, they add to the mix, and they’re key anchors, but they’re not game-changers. I think the Riverwalk is a game-changer.”
Pam Iorio, Tampa’s mayor from 2003 to 2011, remembers how not having something like the Riverwalk undercut even the joy of the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup in 2004. That night, she says, “we all spilled out of the arena. It was one of those big, group hug kind of times where everybody was hugging each other and jumping up and down. I realized, right there, right then, that his crowd had no place to go and celebrate.”
The next morning, Iorio told her senior staff that the next time Tampa won a championship, it needed a public space where people could take the party. By the time she left office in 2011, Iorio had finished a massive upgrade and expansion of the riverfront park, known as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, that Freedman had created, arranged a waterfront site for the Tampa Bay History Center and completed a big chunk of the Riverwalk. Curtis Hixon now serves as the front yard for residents from two 30-story apartment towers built across the street during Iorio’s administration and hosts art shows and concerts.
Buckhorn opened the last key segment of the Riverwalk in 2015, and the impact was immediate and dramatic. Just three years before, the city had hosted the Republican National Convention, which did a poor job showcasing the city. Curtis Hixon Park was commandeered for private parties inside a massive tent, and the Secret Service security footprint was so vast and heavy that much of the Riverwalk was cut off from public use. In contrast, when the College Football Playoff brought its national championship to Tampa in January, the Riverwalk played a key role in the city’s bid. The game was played at Raymond James Stadium, about five miles Northwest of downtown Tampa, but the Riverwalk allowed most game-related activities to be held along the downtown waterfront. There were free concerts with Usher and Eric Paslay at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and, a little more than half a mile away, a fan experience expo at the convention center. The Riverwalk connected the two, allowing fans to walk from one event to the over. Local organizers lined the route with pop-up food and drink vendors and smaller stages playing live music, plus docks where high-rollers could tie up their yachts and fans could walk by and gawk at them.
The Riverwalk started with a modest effort to sell individual planks to residents, but over the course of four decades it required quite a bit more: $33 million, mostly in public spending, including a $10.9 million transportation grant from the Obama administration. In its bid for the grant, the city said the Riverwalk would help stimulate economic development.
It has. At the north end of the Riverwalk, Buckhorn decided to recycle the fenced-up park next to the city’s old waterworks. At the same time, he put out a request for proposals to renovate the 100-year-old pump house. The winning bid came from Tampa restaurateur Richard Gonzmart, whose family founded what is Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia in Ybor City in 1905. Gonzmart was born four blocks from the pump house, and his grandparents lived five blocks from it, but the building was so obscure and forgotten the he never noticed it. Still, he had seen renovated warehouses and waterfronts in Montreal and Vancouver, and he wanted to try to do something similar in Tampa. In 2009, he opened a cafe version of his family’s flagship restaurant inside the new Tampa Bay History Center at the southern end of the Riverwalk. “My father always told me when there was an opportunity along the waterfront not to even hesitate,” Gonzmart says.
Gonzmart originally planned to spend $1.4 million to open a seafood grille and craft brewery inside the old pump house. He ended up spending more like $6 million, but he opened Ulele as Tampa’s hottest restaurant. Next door, Buckhorn spent $7.4 million more turning a dead space into a busy park with a splash play area, dog park and outdoor stage. Together, Gonzmart says, the two attract 1,500 t0 2,000 people a day. Ulele stays booked well in advance, and although Gonzmart declines to discuss its revenues, he says they exceed his projections, and that they rose to 14 percent the second year and are up 28 percent above that this year.
Gonzmart originally planned to spend $1.4 million to open a seafood grille and craft brewery inside the old pump house. He ended up spending more like $6 million, but he opened Ulele as Tampa’s hottest restaurant. Next door, Buckhorn spent $7.4 million more turning a dead space into a busy park with a splash play area, dog park and outdoor stage. Together, Gonzmart says, the two attract 1,500 to 2,000 people a day. Ulele stays booked will in advance, and although Gonzmart declines to discuss its revenues, he says they exceed his projections, and that they rose 14 percent the second year and are up 28 percent above that this year.
Gonzmart’s is the biggest investment so far along the river, but not the only one. A Tampa dinner-cruise operator has launched a regular water taxi service, and concessionaires at the convention center rent out water bikes and small boats. The city also has issued a request for proposals to put a restaurant at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This week, Gonzmart submitted a bid, but so did six others.
Recycling fallow property has been a signature achievement during Buckhorn’s two terms as mayor. Along with pairing the city’s renovation at Water Works Park with Ulele, he has struck deals to sell one city-owned block next to City Hall and another near the performing arts center for high-rise development. And he attracted a company that specializes in renovating historic properties for a $26 million transformation of Tampa’s vacant federal courthouse, a Beaux-Arts jewel built in 1905, into a Le Meridien boutique hotel.
When Vinik starting buying parking lots around the hockey arena, there was a lot of speculation that he might be assembling a land for another big project: a new baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays play across Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, but their fan base there lacks the corporate support typical of Major League Baseball. The team has long wanted to explore the stadium market in Tampa, and is doing so now, but it is not looking at the land Vinik and his partners assembled.
That’s because Vinik lined up a different anchor for his project, one that Buckhorn likes to say is “bigger than baseball.”
In August or September, the University of South Florida plans to break ground on a $164.7 million medical school and cardiovascular research institute on an acre of land Vinik and Cascade donated to the university at their waterfront project.
Neither Vinik nor USF President Judy Genshaft recall who first suggested moving the medical school downtown. USF is about 10 miles north of downtown, putting its medical schoo lmore than 25 minutes from its teaching hospital, which is on the edge of downtown. (It’s the only top-100 medical school in the country to be so far away from its hospital.) For years, USF had struggled with this distance, at one point even exploring the possibility of building a hospital on campus.
What Vinik and Genshaft recall is that they talked a lot soon after he bought the Lightning. Initially, she says, the conversations touched on whether USF doctors might assist the hockey team, or whether the Lightning had opportunities for USF students majoring in sports management. But Genshaft believes universities need to be economic engines for their regions, so she is active in virtually every economic development initiative in the Tampa Bay area. Soon enough, the conversation turned to the idea of moving the medical school to the Vinik-Cascade project, and a deal was quickly made.
However it came about, the 13-story Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Health Institute, scheduled to open in late 2019, is expected to help both parties. Already, USF administrators say, the move is helping them recruit both faculty and students. Applications for USF’s medical school are up 50 percent in three years. This year, nearly 6,400 applicants are vying for 170 spots in next fall’s first-year class. USF says its medical school applicants also have the highest average MCAT scores of any Florida university, a sign that it’s not only attracting more applicants period, but more of the best applicants available.
For Vinik and Cascade, having the USF med school as an anchor in his company’s project will help seed the place with an estimated 2,275 faculty, researchers, staff and students – in short, a tower full of highly skilled and highly prized young professionals, and will help attract companies in health, science and technology. This is the kind of partnership that has helped remake cities such as Roanoke and Winton-Salem, both of which drew substantial investments from nearby universities and research institutions. And it’s the kind of city-university partnership that Buckhorn has seen elsewhere, especially Pittsburgh, and has always wanted to bring to Tampa. USF’s project, which is being built with about $112 million in state funds (USF is raining the rest privately), will represent the latest public investment in Tampa’s waterfront. Vinik says long-range commitments like that make a project like his possible.
“I’ve been called a visionary,” he says. “The real visionaries were the people who 20 years ago put the arena in the south part of downtown, the convention center, the aquarium, the history center. Those were the visionaries. It just happened to take 10 to 20 years for somebody and an organization to come along to actually start realizing that vision.”
Link to the article.
Written by Janelle Irwin
As the Tampa Downtown Partnership makes plans to expand its popular free Downtowner service with Chevrolet Bolts, the group’s sister agency in St. Petersburg is taking a different approach.
It’s a prime example of why transportation planners say a one-size-fits-all model of moving people isn’t the best idea.
The Tampa Downtowner is an app-based service paid for by the Partnership that shuttles passengers around downtown by letting riders hail a six-person, golf cart-like electrical vehicle. That service doled out 100,000 rides within just seven months of operation.
The agency plans to add four Chevy Bolts to its fleet of 12 electric carts to increase capacity that, as the service becomes more popular, leaves passengers waiting as long as a half-hour during peak times.
The Bolts have a longer range and would be able to operate all day as opposed to the carts, which have to be deployed six at a time to ensure time for recharging.
Meanwhile, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is moving forward with a different kind of transit service in its urban core. That agency is working with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to revamp its trolley service to better connect with the regional transit network and provide more reliable transportation for people in downtown.
Joni James, the partnership’s CEO, said she’s looked at Tampa’s model and right now and that type of service isn’t a priority.
That’s because the transit needs in the two downtowns are vastly different.
Downtown Tampa’s entertainment and nightlife scene are on the rise, and the completion of the downtown portion of the Riverwalk has breathed a vitality into the area that had long been missing, but the city remains a hub for Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. business that is well-suited for the Downtowner service.
In St. Pete, there’s no shortage of young professionals crowding downtown restaurants at lunchtime. But the entertainment scene is on fire, and there’s a higher concentration of people who live downtown.
It’s not that a Downtowner-like model wouldn’t work in St. Pete, it very well could, but the city needs a loop to connect with bus service in and out of downtown that, as of right now, is relatively lacking.
Plus, the Tampa Bay Rowdies already offer some service similar to the Downtowner.
As regional transit plans begin falling into place through the Florida Department of Transportation’s regional transit feasibility study, how cities manage transit in their urban cores amid increasing parking and congestion issues could serve as a valuable model for sprawling areas of the counties.
In each city, groups are carefully determining what the area needs and how best to accommodate them.
Applying that flexibility across the region, while still considering how to connect the network, could turn a page in the region’s longstanding traffic woes.
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Written by Linda Saul-Sena
Jane Jacobs kicked ass. As a journalist, activist and urban pioneer she stood up to Robert Moses, the second most powerful man in America, and fought successfully to save her neighborhood.
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City, a new documentary about this dynamic woman, screens Wednesday night, June 7, at 7:30 at the Tampa Theatre, and it’s a must-see.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, the screening’s sponsor, is offering a free Jane’s Walk tour of Tampa’s urban core at 5:30 (meet under the Tampa Theatre marquee) and at 7:15 there’s a Jane Jacobs look-alike contest, costumes encouraged.
Jacob’s book The Life and Death of Great American Cities has long been considered the bible for urban redevelopment. She’s a hero of urban planners and historic preservationists. How did this individual successfully protect her home turf, and why is this important for Tampa Bay?
Jacob’s professional life began as a journalist, so she understood the power of a good story. When her neighborhood, New York City’s West Greenwich Village, was threatened with demolition by Moses’s public-works projects, she sprang into action.
Moses, New York City’s Commissioner for Parks, director of NYC’s Housing Authority and Triborough Bridge Authority, was considered by many to be unstoppable by either New York’s mayor or governor.
Robert Caro’s Pulitzer Prize-winning bio of Moses, The Power Broker, describes his evolution form an idealistic planner bent on improving the lives of regular folks to a maniacal mover and shaker who delighted in reshaping the city to support suburban development.
Moses was biased in favor of roads and cars, rather than transit. He planned to put a roadway through the center of Washington Square and mow down blocks of townhouses.
When Moses disparaged his critics as “just a bunch of housewives,” Jacobs cleverly rallied her neighbors, who were aghast at the proposed destruction of their park. She pulled together dozens of women with baby carriages who gathered at the base of the Washington Square Arch and provided a powerful photo op for the cause.
The neighbors packed public meetings and raised hell. They were able to convince their council member and ultimately the mayor to support them, and the project was stymied – a victory for grass-roots opposition.
A second Moses project would prove to be his Waterloo, thanks to opposition led by Jacobs.
As part of the proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway, he wanted to demolish many of the old buildings in SoHo and Little Italy, destroying the world’s largest collection of cast-iron mid-rises.
But Jacobs was an advocate for “messy street life.” She observed that the tight living conditions of the tenements, while certainly not ideal, meant that older folks kept an eye on the younger ones who played in front of their stoops. “Over 50 years ago, Jane was thinking about these attributes and how they contribute to everyday city life,” observes Melissa Dickens, president-elect of the American Planning Association of Florida. “She revolutionized the entire planning profession, through simple observations about the ways in which cities function.”
Cleverly, Jacobs appropriated the symbol for buildings targeted for demolition, masking-tape crosses on the windows, to her cause. Her supporters arrived at public meetings with white crosses on their glasses, again creating a memorable visual for the press.
Moses was flummoxed. Although he had destroyed swaths of Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem with his 28,000 units of public housing, Jacbos and her group stopped him in Lower Manhattan. This second defeat turned the tide of public opinion against Moses and checked his power.
Jacbos sallied on as a writer and activist, moving to Canada to protect her sons from the draft during the Vietnam War. She weighed in on the development of Toronto, helping shape it into the livable, walkable place it is today.
So why is this film relevant to Tampa Bay? In my opinion, some of our politicians, certainly Rick Scott, manifest Robert Moses-like penchants for serving suburbanites by providing more roads, at the expense of existing urban neighborhoods. Moses absolutely disrespected older communities and had no taste for history.
Kudos to all the professional organizations – the American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay, American Society of Landscape Architects, Congress for New Urbanism, Urban Land Institute and the American Planning Association – for working with the Tampa Downtown Partnership to promote this film and speak on a panel following the film.
Stephen Benson, representing the Congress for New Urbanism, observes that well-designed cities, towns, neighborhoods and public places help create community: healthy places for people and businesses to thrive and prosper.
CNU views disinvestment in central cities, the spread of placeless sprawl, increasing separation by race and income, environmental deterioration, loss of agricultural lands and wilderness, and the erosion of society’s built heritage as one interrelated community-building challenge.
“Jane Jacobs is without a doubt the most influential writer on urban planning in modern times. She was the first true whistle-blower on the great mistakes of post-war suburbanization, and the principles in the CNU Charter are rooted in the ideals and prophecies she first articulated in The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” says Benson.
It’s so refreshing to watch a documentary about urban conflict where the good guys win. And the Tampa Theare, whose fate was determined by a 4-2 vote by Tampa City Council in 1973, is the perfect venue to celebrate grass-roots success.
TAMPA, Fla. (May 22, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce the addition of the TECO Line Streetcar System to the Fourth Friday lineup of promotions. The Streetcar will now be free to all Fourth Friday participants wearing the complimentary wristbands distributed by participating arts and cultural venues.
“THS, Inc. and HART are always looking for ways to improve regular ridership, particularly for area residents,” said Michael English, Board Chair of THS, Inc. and Board Member for Tampa Downtown Partnership. “This Downtown event includes Ybor City for the first time, which is noteworthy. We support all three districts the system runs through, and want such events to be successful for everyone.”
“We are so excited to have the TECO Line Streetcar System offer complimentary rides to our Fourth Friday participants,” said Kelsy Van Camp, Director of Marketing and Communications for Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Being able to seamlessly connect our Fourth Friday participants in Ybor and Downtown adds a significant benefit to those out enjoying Fourth Friday and also to the arts and culture venues and participating restaurants.”
Tampa Bay History Center’s Director of Marketing, Manny Leto, believes Downtown is getting more and more connected every day. The streetcar, the watertaxis, and the Riverwalk allow for people to get from, say, Tampa Heights to the History Center to Ybor City and home again without having to think about parking or traffic,” said Leto.
The seamless connection and hop-on, hop-off capability provided by the Streetcar invites Fourth Friday participants to enjoy both Downtown and Ybor City easily.
“Ybor City residents, workers and visitors enjoy the convenient connection to Downtown Tampa’s amenities and now through HART’s generosity in offering no-cost trips on the TECO Line Streetcar during Fourth Friday events further enhances the districts’ easy linkage that also will benefit the business community,” said Ybor City Development Corporation Manager Courtney Orr.
“Adding the Streetcar to the event’s offerings is a win-win for everyone involved and truly knits our communities together,” said Van Camp.
The service hours for the Streetcar will be their normal operating hours. Complimentary rides will only be honored by those with Fourth Friday wristbands. For Streetcar hours, visit tecolinestreetcar.org.
Now in its second year, Fourth Friday is a celebration of Tampa’s rich arts and culture scene offering patrons the ability to enjoy free or reduced admissions and special programming at participating venues. Restaurants participate as well offering special discounts to those wearing Fourth Friday wristbands.
This month’s Featured Offers are:
Other Participating Venues for May 26 are:
This month’s special programming includes:
Participating transportation partners include:
83 DEGREES
By: Jessi Smith
The distinct metal clink and pressurized hiss of aerosol paint cans in action filled the air during the most recent Vision Zero Hillsborough workshop this spring, as more than 40 volunteers teamed up to create a bright green bike lane along the Bullard Parkway Bridge in Temple Terrace using temporary, non-toxic roadway-approved spray paint.
The Hillsborough MPO arranged the bridge painting project in collaboration with the City of Temple Terrace to stage a proactive, participatory demonstration of the ‘Paint Saves Lives’ Action Track — a cornerstone of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate pedestrian and cyclist traffic death on Hillsborough streets.
‘Paint Saves Lives’ is one of four focus points in the Vision Zero campaign to: influence context-sensitive design for multimodal communities, spread impactful messaging for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians about traffic safety, encourage equitable and consistent law enforcement, and to develop low-cost ‘pop-up’ design interventions that make more visible and protect the most vulnerable users of Tampa area roadways — cyclists and pedestrians.
“I loved the bridge painting activity because I think it has a lot of power. When it comes to what [Vision Zero] is really trying to achieve, every little thing that can be done to enhance driver awareness is huge — and that’s the benefit of the green paint,” says Margaret Kubilins, Tampa-based Complete Streets Traffic Engineer(ing Manager) for the Gulf Coast region with VHB.
“Motorists will notice it as they drive by. It may be just a split second, but all of a sudden, when they see green paint, hopefully they will instantaneously think ‘bicycle.’ It’s a way to enhance awareness at a subconscious level,” Kubilins adds. ??The need (to reduce) speed on Hillsborough roads
“If we had to push just one message, it would be that speed is deadly — and that appropriate driving means survival,” says Hillsborough MPO Executive Planner Gena Torres.
Torres notes that in motorist-to-motorist crashes, speed often plays the deciding role in whether vehicle occupants will survive — and that the odds of crash survival against a moving vehicle are rarely in favor of the folks who are traveling by bike or on foot.
“We have this problem — these incredibly high numbers of vulnerable users being killed — so we focus on them primarily [in Vision Zero],” says Hillsborough MPO Community Planner Wade Reynolds, “but lowering the speed and getting people to behave correctly and pay attention actually helps everybody out — motorists and pedestrians alike.”
Reynolds says that a primary initiative of the Vision Zero coalition is to identify high crash corridors in Hillsborough County and to strategize with public works officials and law enforcement the best practices to modify motorist behavior to cut back on speeding.
The Hillsborough MPO examines a three-mile crash corridor along Fletcher Avenue from Nebraska Avenue to 50th Street, where crash statistics compiled over two year-long periods indicate that speed-reductive adjustments to the roadway may have resulted in a nearly 50 percent decrease in pedestrian and cyclist traffic deaths.
The MPO collected traffic fatality data along the corridor from 2012-2013 and compared it with data collected in 2015-2016, following the completion in 2014 of a $4.5 million Complete Streets project by the FDOT and Hillsborough County public works. The Fletcher improvements included installation of pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), bike lanes, pedestrian refuge medians, mid-block crosswalks and a speed limit reduction.
The MPO reports that pedestrian fatalities along the Fletcher Avenue corridor dropped from 48 in 2012-13 to 25 in 2015-2016.
While such statistics are encouraging, Reynolds notes, “these changes are easier to make when you’re designing from scratch, rather than trying to retrofit things that have already been built. Funding is always the challenge.”
Torres says, “the Vision Zero action plan is different from the projects public works and law enforcement are working on in that [public works projects] are long-term, expensive projects being implemented over time. Redesigning a complete street is at least five years away — and millions of dollars. Even though Vision Zero may want to do grandiose things, we’re looking at projects we can apply in one-, two- and five-year timelines.”
“We can’t know how many lives have been saved by the work public works departments already do — but we’re not done yet. We still have a problem, so we have to keep going, together, to solve it,” Torres adds.
Community-driven ‘pop-up’ solutions — applying a spray-painted bright green bike lane to attract cyclist awareness on the Bullard Parkway Bridge, for instance — are an answer to the obstacle of time and funding that Vision Zero encourages Hillsborough to explore.
Paint Your Intersection in South Seminole Heights
This summer, the South Seminole Heights neighborhood aims to be the first spot in Hillsborough County to claim ownership of a painted intersection. Following a two-year planning and negotiation process initiated by former South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA) President Donna Stark and District 1 City Councilman Mike Suarez, the South Seminole Heights ‘Paint Your Intersection’ project hopes to apply paint to asphalt in July — thus adding a splash of colorful street safety to the historic neighborhood.
The street mural will be installed at North River Boulevard and West Louisiana Avenue following a road resurfacing project by the City of Tampa Department of Transportation to ensure the mural’s longevity. The mural site is adjacent to Rivercrest Park, an area that SSHCA President Stephen Lytle says is frequented by pedestrians and cyclists — many of whom are children.
“Some neighbors had concerns about the corner right past [the location of the painted intersection]. We’re hoping the mural will be a traffic calming measure for pedestrian safety because neighbors are concerned with the speed of cars coming around that corner,” Lytle says, referring to a speed-heavy curve on North River at West Violet Avenue.
The concept? Colorful street art captures drivers’ attention, causing them to slow down and be more mindful of the urban landscape and its pedestrian inhabitants.
South Seminole Heights residents will vote on May 11 on the final design, and have the opportunity to join the artist in installing the mural this summer. If it achieves its goal of becoming the first neighborhood in Hillsborough to paint an intersection, South Seminole Heights will join St. Pete and Vision Zero partner, Ft. Lauderdale, in this vibrant, community-led traffic calming effort — the possibility of which is also under exploration by citizen coalitions in East Seminole Heights and the Channel District.
Parklets: pop-up pedestrian spaces in downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa had a taste of ‘parklets’ — single streetside parking spots transformed, ‘pop-up’ style, into extended sidewalk spaces for social gathering — in the Channel District during the third annual Tampa Bay Design Week in November. This fall, the Tampa Downtown Partnership will introduce a pilot program with partnering Gensler that aims to create more lasting pop-up spaces for pedestrians through the installation of three semi-permanent parklets in the Central Business District and Channel District.
Rachel Radawec, executive administrative assistant with the Tampa Downtown Partnership who is leading the downtown parklet project, says the Tampa Bay Design Week parklet demos revealed a variety of innovative ways to re-imagine a more multimodal city.
“It’s this neat concept where you’re giving that spot to the people, and making it a gathering space for the neighborhood. People are primarily getting to these spaces by bike, or by happening upon them while they’re walking past,” says Radawec.
The ‘People’s Choice’-awarded parklet from Tampa Bay Design Week, designed by students from Hillsborough Community College, included a space made entirely of recycled materials including pallets and car tires, housing a shaded community library. Another innovative parklet featured a solar-powered shower for sweaty bike commuters or other folks in need of a rinse.
“These parklets create places for people to convene, to make a personal connection, and to really imagine and use their city in ways it wasn’t being used before,” says Radawec.
From a placemaking standpoint, parklets make a city cool: they can provide a space to gather with friends, to chow down on a Lyft or Uber-delivered meal-on-the-go, or to catch a business meeting in an al fresco conference space. They can also drive foot traffic into local businesses.
It’s no surprise parklets are a growing trend in Vision Zero cities including New York City, Portland and San Francisco. From a Vision Zero standpoint, parklets make cities safer and more accessible for countless pedestrians by transforming spaces otherwise occupied by just one car at a time. Parklets promote active and vibrant streets, thus encouraging urban exploration on foot. They provide pedestrian and cyclist refuge. They’re also something drivers will slow down to notice simply because they’re so cool: Radawec says parklets are sometimes mistaken as art installations at first glance, but stopping to actually utilize one reveals an entirely new experience with the built environment.
TECO has provided $12,000 to cover the cost of two commercial-grade steel bases, weighing in at approximately 600 lbs apiece, for the downtown parklet project. Radawec says the program hopes to launch in fall 2017 and run through spring, coinciding with the best outdoor weather months in Tampa.
Vision takes a village
The paint was still drying on the Bullard Parkway Bridge on April 25th when the Vision Zero team and Hillsborough residents convened in the space provided by the Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church to explore upcoming plans of action.
During the third Hillsborough Vision Zero workshop, the four teams who have been percolating proposals for the ‘Paint Saves Lives,’ ‘One Message, Many Voices,’ ‘Consistent and Fair’ and ‘The Future Will Not Be Like the Past’ Action Tracks unveiled their actionable plans to work toward Hillsborough County’s goal of zero pedestrian traffic fatalities.
Workshop attendees used stickers and Post-It notes to mark their support, criticisms and ideas for each Action Track. The Vision Zero team is in the process of reviewing the workshop responses to finalize strategies to execute over the upcoming year, two-year, and five-year periods.
“I was really pleasantly surprised that people came back after the Bullard Parkway painting and got just as engaged with the exercise that we were really there to explore. They gave great feedback on what would be the best things to implement first. I was happy about that alone: Each board had something that resonated with everybody,” says Torres.
“I worry that it can be hard to get out of the brainstorming circle, but people commented to me after this workshop to say, ‘I can see now where we’re going with it. We’re making progress; there are things happening,'” she adds.
The next Vision Zero workshop will take place on August 22, location TBA, and will be open to the public. Visit Vision Zero Hillsborough for upcoming workshop details, to share your story, and to take the Safe Driver Pledge.
100,000th rider will receive a Tampa Bay Sports Package
Sometime this week the Downtown Partnership’s Downtowner free rideshare service will hit its 100,000 rider marking an unprecedented milestone for the Downtowner and this collaborative project. The lucky rider will win a full Tampa Bay Sports package including tickets and gifts from the Rays, Bucs, Lightning and Storm.
“The success of Tampa’s Downtowner is no surprise,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “Tampa remains committed to providing alternative means of transportation outside traditional vehicle ownership for our residents and with Tampa’s increased tourism we are always on the lookout for ways Tampa visitors can explore this great city.”
“It’s amazing to see such fast growth in ridership and the varieties of ways people are using the service throughout their day,” said Downtowner CEO Stephen Murray. “We’re proud to partner with Tampa and play a role in redesigning how people move around downtown cores.”
“We tried to design a micro-transit system that would be a complement to transit and the other transportation choices our downtown residents, workers and visitors have available,” said Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning at Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We could not have accomplished this much in such a short amount of time without the help of both our public and private partners.”
The City of Tampa (@CityofTampa) and Tampa Downtown Partnership (@TampasDowntown) will post countdown updates to their social media channels; Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
The service is made possible through the generous support from both the public and private sector. The City of Tampa’s Downtown and Channel District Community Redevelopment Areas have been key partners. Others include: FL Department of Transportation, SPP/Lightning, Marriott Waterside, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Barrymore Riverwalk Hotel, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown, Le Meridien Tampa, Park Tower, Bank of America Plaza, Tampa City Center, Franklin Exchange, Rivergate Tower, 100 N Tampa, Fifth Third Center, SunTrust Financial Center, Two Harbour Place.
About Downtowner Inc
Downtowner is an on-demand microtransit company offering complimentary rides within a growing list of dense downtown areas. Driven by mobile app technology and dynamic dispatching, the company is able to offer a premium mobility service at a lower cost cost-per-passenger than traditional in-town routes.
TAMPA, Fla. (April 21, 2017) – When the sun goes down, the streets of Tampa and Ybor light up with music, laughter, art, friends and FREE fun the Fourth Friday of every month. Now in its second year, Fourth Friday, presented by TECO Energy, announces its lineup for this month’s event on Friday, April 28:
This months Featured Offers are:
Other Participating Venues for April 28 are:
This month’s Special Programming includes:
Fourth Friday participants can pick up a wristband at any of the participating cultural venues during event hours and plan their route with the schedule and suggested itineraries online at www.FourthFridayTampa.com. Then, just park once and let Downtown’s many alternative transportation options do the rest. Take a stroll along The Tampa Riverwalk, cruise the Hillsborough on the Pirate Water Taxi, hail the FREE Downtowner ride service with an app on your smartphone, or saunter along 7th Avenue in Ybor, Tampa’s only History District. Participants also get a FREE hour of Coast Bike rental with promo code (visit www.FourthFridayTampa.com for details).
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelsy Van Camp at kvancamp@tampasdowntown.com or 813. 221.3686.
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 (April 20, 2017) – When Tampa Downtown Partnership launched the free ride service Downtowner six months ago, Greg Minder, Chair of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, knew it would provide a valuable service to residents, the downtown workforce, and visitors.
“When Downtowner was launched on October 20 we knew it would serve a circulation and last-mile need for everyone Donwtown.” said Minder. “What we couldn’t anticipate was the rate at which it would be adopted.”
According to the 2016 Biennial Survey of Downtown workers and residents by Tampa Downtown Partnership and HCP, 25 percent of those surveyed had used the Downtowner as a mode to get around Downtown Tampa and rated the service with a 96 percent satisfaction ranking.
At the six-month mark, Downtowner and Tampa Downtown Partnership report serving 86,146 passengers with 101,192 miles logged. Because Downtowner vehicles are 100 percent electric, the miles driven equate to 41 tons of CO2 that were eliminated from Tampa’s air supply. NovaCharge NC-500, the chargers that power the vehicles, charge approximately 96 hours a day, collectively, to keep the vehicles on the road.
Given its popularity, many groups are curious about the future of the free ride service. “We’ve received several inquiries from local organizations looking to support Downtowner through advertisements on and in the vehicles,” said Karen Kress, AICP, Director of Transportation and Planning at Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We are actively looking for ways to enhance service in year two and for long-term stability,” said Kress. “When we see that the Marion Transit Center is a top drop-off location, second only to the University of Tampa, it truly tells a story of how this service is providing a first and last mile solution.”
A graduate of the University of Tampa, Downtowner CEO Stephen Murray is thrilled his company has become a major way for people to move around the city.
TAMPA (April 19, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce the appointment of Karen Kress, AICP, Director of Planning and Transportation, to Commissioner for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. Kress took her oath of office representing the City of Tampa at the Planning Commission’s April 10 meeting.
In her new role, Commissioner Kress will work together with nine fellow Planning Commissioners to collectively make recommendations on land use, capital improvements, urban design, and other planning issues to Tampa City Council as well as to the other jurisdictions in Hillsborough County. The Planning Commission provides comprehensive planning promoting a prosperous community that provides opportunity, fairness, and choice in how Hillsborough County residents live, move, work, and play.
“The Planning Commission is a perfect fit for Karen’s innovative and collaborative skills as we make it a priority to coordinate and facilitate the involvement of all people in the long-range planning and visioning for our community,” said Melissa Zornitta, AICP, Executive Director for the Planning Commission.
A true advocate for transit and transportation, Kress leads the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Transportation Committee, Parking Task Force, and has been successful in bringing ride-share opportunities like Coast, Zipcar, and the free ride service Downtowner. She has been with Tampa Downtown Partnership for 14 years and continues to elevate Downtown Tampa as the vibrant center of the region through her efforts and partnerships.
Kress is a certified urban planner, awarded Planner of the Year in 2014 by the Suncoast Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, and co-founded Bike Walk Tampa Bay (previously Tampa BayCycle) in 2007.
Karen Kress, AICP, LCI
Karen serves as the Director of Transportation and Planning at the Tampa Downtown Partnership. In her role, Karen manages all aspects of transportation, parking and access throughout Downtown Tampa. A true advocate for transit and transportation, Karen leads Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Transportation and Urban Design Committees, and its Parking Task Force. Karen has been successful in advocating for and bringing transportation options such as Coast bike share, ZipCar carshare, and Downtowner – an app-based electric free ride service.
An avid biker, Karen helped found Tampa BayCycle (now called Bike Walk Tampa Bay), a regional cycling education, advocacy and encouragement campaign in 2007 and for over twenty years she has actively volunteered for the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program. Acknowledging her efforts, Karen was honored by the Suncoast Chapter of the American Planning Association Planner of the Year in 2014 and in 2017 she was appointed as a Planning Commissioner by the City of Tampa.
Previously, Karen worked in transportation demand management, marketing, human resources and event planning.
A native of Ohio and Political Science graduate of Ohio University, Karen moved to Tampa in the mid-1990’s and is raising her three children with her husband in their own little slice of paradise on the Hillsborough River.
Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, membership based not-for-profit 501(c)6 compromised 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.
ABC ACTION NEWS, Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend
Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Shaun Drinkard discusses all the happenings at this year’s Mayor’s River O’Green Fest in Downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
View the morning segment.
Join Mayor Bob Buckhorn for the 6th Annual Mayor’s River O’ Green Fest, presented by Grow Financial and brought to you by Tampa Downtown Partnership. Family and friends are invited to join the festivities with Irish fare, beer, Irish dancing, live music, and the dyeing of the Hillsborough River to a shade of Kelly green.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (near Riverwalk) 600 N. Ashley Dr. Tampa, FL 33602
Parking is available at Poe Garage.
Events, new bike hubs, and a #CoastChallenge all happening during the month of March
TAMPA (February 28, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership announces the kick-off of Florida Bike Month by promoting local bike events, continuing the success of the Bike Friendly Business program, adding Downtown bike amenities, and supporting bicycle safety education.
Director of Transportation and Planning for Tampa Downtown Partnership, Karen Kress, is a founding member of Bike Walk Tampa Bay and a biking advocate. “Fifteen percent of trips are within one mile of home and could easily be taken by bicycle instead of car,” said Kress. “With a helmet, proper safety skills and careful route choice, biking becomes a much more feasible and healthier way to get around.”
Throughout Florida Bike Month, Tampa Downtown Partnership is offering a variety of opportunities for people to get on their bikes – from bike valet at local events, bike safety classes, fun group rides, to promoting a Bicycle Friendly Business designation.
Bike Friendly Businesses
“In 2015, Tampa Downtown Partnership created a Bicycle Friendly Business campaign to recognize leading downtown businesses embracing cycling for their employees and customers,” said Kress.
“This effort resulted in the City of Tampa ranking number one in the State of Florida and top ten in the country with over 30 certified Downtown businesses offering special incentives for customers arriving on bike.” Kress continued, “In fact, Tampa Downtown Partnership is the only Gold certified non-bike shop business in the state and in 2016 we won a state-wide award from the Florida Bicycle Association as the best ‘bike-friendly business.'”
Downtown Calendar for Florida Bike Month
A robust list of “Bay Area Bike Happenings” includes public input meetings, fun group rides and free BikeSmart classes. The full calendar is available at BikeWalkTampaBay.org.
Some of the highlights in downtown include:
Coast Bike Share Expands
Coast continues to experience about a 30 percent growth rate each year. Tampa Downtown Partnership is contributing to that growth by underwriting ten new Coast Bike Share racks to complement the 100 new bikes soon being added to the fleet. This will increase the system to 40 hubs and 400 bikes.
#CoastChallenge
Coast Bike Share is encouraging riders in Tampa and St. Petersburg to take as many trips as they can during the month of March. The top five users will be rewarded with prizes. Trips must be longer than three minutes and happen March 1 through 31 to be eligible. More details are available on their website.
Downtown Tampa’s Bicycle Fun Facts:
Happy Cycling!
About Tampa Downtown PartnershipÂ
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.
THE ORACLE
By: Breanne Williams
Due to its immense success, the cit is prepared to not only continue Fourth Friday, a monthly event in downtown Tampa celebrating the city’s arts and, but also enhance the festivities as it celebrates its one-year anniversary.
Fourth Friday began as a collaboration between multiple cultural venues downtown, like the Tampa Theatre, Tampa Museum of Art and other iconic Tampa gems. The endeavor received such a positive reaction from the community that the Tampa Downtown Partnership agreed to take over managing the event.
“Fourth Friday benefits the community by encouraging them to embrace the arts and culture that we have available here in this city by kind of grouping it all together and making it easily accessible for them,” said Rachel Radawec, the executive administrative assistant for Tampa Downtown Partnership. “A lot of the cultural institutions offer free or discounted admission and additional programming that’s not typically there.”
Many of the venues involved in the monthly event met to discuss plans for the next year. They voted unanimously to continue into the new year and are even discussing expanding to Ybor City.
“It has met and surpassed the goals we set for the event,” Radawec said. “Each of the cultural venues have really great ideas on ways to enhance this coming year.”
There are plans to do more philanthropic work, especially around the holidays, by making the venues food drives or toy collection hubs. It also plans on working with local community partners to bring attention to their cause.
Radawec also said the venues are committed to adding an experience twice a year that goes “above and beyond what they normally do.” She said this will keep the schedule constantly evolving and fresh to keep people who go regularly enticed.
The Tampa Theatre has been involved since the beginning. It helped find other cultural venues to join in the monthly celebration. The Theatre offers a half-hour tour, and opens the lobby for a happy hour for anyone walking by.
Jill Witecki, the director of marketing and community relations for the Tampa Theatre, said Fourth Friday is a great draw for people who have never been to the Theatre before.
“I ask every time I give a tour how many people are there for the first time,” Witecki said. “It’s not uncommon we have 75 to 100 people on the tour… the majority of them who come on Fourth Friday have never been to the Tampa Theatre before. So as a marketing tool, as a tool to introducing people to arts and culture in downtown Tampa, which is the whole point of the event, it is incredibly successful.”
Witecki said the Theatre has yet to decide what its special experiences will be. However, if she were to speculate, she said it would probably be focused around the unique events the Theatre currently offers for the community.
“So we do a big program around Halloween, around our summer classics, we do a big program around the holiday classics and hopefully before the end of the year we will be getting our new seats,” Witecki said. “We should be revealing those to the public around the end of this calendar year, so if I were to paint it in broad brush strokes, our special thing will be paired on top of something we are already doing.”
Witecki said there is a misconception that there is nothing to do downtown. She said Fourth Friday helps combat that by helping students and other community members realize there is a plethora of exciting venues in the city.
“There really is a lot going on, you can make an entire evening of it, a weekend of it or have a great date night here… (Tampa) really is a unique city that is starting to hit its stride,” she said.
Radawec echoed her sentiments and said Fourth Friday specifically is a way for a college student to enjoy a lot of culture and events in one setting.
“For students, I think it’s a really great opportunity,” Radawec said. “One, it’s an affordable option to get to experience a lot of different institutions, all at one time… It’s convenient for students. Everybody’s got stuff going on, they’ve got class and work and things like that so being able to cluster all of that together with the affordability is really a nice experience for them.”
Social campaign encourages residents, workers and visitors to Explore Downtown, tag #UrbanInsiderTPA
TAMPA (February 27, 2017) – Tampa Downtown Partnership wants to see how you Explore Downtown! For the month of March, the organization is launching a blitz social media campaign to encourage residents, workers, and visitors to snap a photo Downtown, tag it with #UrbanInsiderTPA, and post it to social media.
“We are launching this highly visual campaign to get a glimpse into how groups are interacting with Downtown,” said Kelsy Van Camp, Director of Communications, Tampa Downtown Partnership. “This campaign is intended to inspire and provide a singular platform to share those sights and experiences within our unique core.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership will harvest photos using the hashtag and upload them to an online photo album on their new website, TampasDowntown.com.
“With so many events happening in Tampa’s Downtown during the month of March, we are really excited to let our Downtowners showcase the fun, vibrancy, and diversity of the city,” said Van Camp.
The campaign is set to run through the month of March but Tampa Downtown Partnership encourages year-round use of #UrbanInsiderTPA as a way to fuel the stories being told on the website at TampasDowntown.com/insider.
About Downtown Tampa’s Urban Insiders Downtown Tampa Urban Insiders are people who live, work, and play in our urban core. They are people who are in the know, who tell their story so you can learn the many experiences Downtown has to offer. Spanning generations, genders, cultures, and lifestyles, our Urban Insiders explore our diverse, lively, and multi-use Downtown Tampa. #UrbanInsiderTPA
FOX 13 NEWS
By: FOX 13 News Staff
Sure, downtown Tampa has the Riverwalk, the streetcar, Amalie Arena, and Curtis Hixon Park. But did you know there’s ping pong?
Every Thursday is ping pong day at Lykes Gaslight Park. From 12 to 1 p.m., you can stop by for a free game of table tennis with anyone else who wants to play. Tampa’s downtown guides are standing by with paddles in case no one else is ready to throw down with you.
“None of us are really that good, but we’re all learning,” guide Jeff Daly joked. “It’s a lot of fun, a little exercise in the afternoon. Eat that heavy lunch and come over here to work a little bit off.”
Two tables are set up. Balls and paddles can be borrowed for free.
“We’re out here every Thursday,” Daly added. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
Lykes Gaslight Park is at 410 N. Franklin Street.
View the video.
By: Nicole Cate, Lifestyle Editor
Don’t touch the pieces.
Stand behind the line.
No playing.
These are the most common guidelines displayed in places that exhibit art, but a Tampa-based design firm founded by USF alumni is throwing the rulebook out the window.
The Urban Conga, run by Ryan Swanson, constructs installations in cities nationwide centered on getting communities to interact and play with each other.
Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Swanson moved to Tampa in 2006 to attend USF, where he majored in architecture. He went on do his masters in architecture there as well, ultimately graduating in 2013.
At the time, he had no intention of staying in the city, as he disliked living around the USF area.
“For my last two years, I moved to downtown and saw the potential that downtown had, the growth that it was going through. From an architecture perspective, that was more interesting to me to live in,” Swanson said. “Then, during my thesis, I had started this company, and it made sense to stay here in Tampa as a testing ground for what we were doing.”
Swanson and two other USF architecture students, Mark Perrett and Brennen Huller, officially launched the Urban Conga in 2012.
“At that point in time, we were all free, doing interactive installations that activated under-utilized spaces, and then we all graduated and kind of started to move off to do our own things while still continuing this as a hobby,” Swanson said.
After graduation, when Swanson was working at an architecture firm, the three friends decided to go on a trip across the country, partly to help Huller move to Los Angeles, but also to try out their installations at various cities whose metropolitan areas were focused more on work than play.
They visited Houston, Tallahassee, Tucson, Los Angeles and the Lower Ninth Ward in Louisiana, which was still struggling post-Katrina, all with a 12 foot tall beach ball in tow.
“That’s kind of how we got people’s attention, by rolling that through the street,” Swanson said. “People were like, ‘oh what is this?’ and then they would come to the the site that we were at and started interacting with some of the things.”
After the trip, he decided to quit his job at the firm and started working on Urban Conga full time. Huller stayed out in Los Angeles. While Perrett still lives in Tampa and does help the firm occasionally, he has since released a book on drumming, which is his current focus.
The firm recently moved to a warehouse on 7th Ave in Ybor from Florida Avenue and will resemble a tree fort when finished, with offices upstairs and space to fabricate installations below. While they consult with various artists, Urban Conga currently employs four people who come from different art backgrounds, such as street art and engineering, as well as architecture.
About three years ago, after connecting with the Tampa Downtown Partnership and being awarded a $1,000 grant from Awesome Tampa Bay, Urban Conga did its first installation with the City of Tampa. They made the Ping Pong tables that can be found in Lykes Gaslight Square Park downtown, where residents can challenge downtown Tampa guides to a friendly match every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
Since then, they have also done the Color Code Benches outside of the Straz Center for Performing Arts, Urban Pixels for Lights on Tampa and a musical wall for the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Swanson recalls how, at first, their installations were met with skepticism, but they have received positive feedback from the public, both verbally, and also just by the wear and tear on the pieces.
“The thing I think most people are asking is, ‘Why isn’t there more of this stuff and downtown?'” Swanson said. “And that’s kind of a question that we’re trying to push for the city to do more for the activation of public spaces.”
Urban Conga isn’t doing these installations only for beautification or even just the sake of it. To Swanson, they mean so much more.
“Our main mission is to promote communal activity and social interaction,” he said.
He remembers the exact moment when this larger significance appeared to him.
“One moment in Tampa, we had (interactive projections) and this family was playing with it and then this homeless guy walked over and started to engage with them,” Swanson said. Seeing that kind of interaction of those barriers break down was really like a big moment.”
He believes now more than ever, especially in cities like this one, people only focus on themselves and don’t bother to get to know the community around them.
“That causes people to have stigma against other people and create boundaries and look at people different, rather than just as a person,” he said. “When you play with someone, it begins to break those barriers, just like that story of the homeless man.”
“Seeing that ability, where we can introduce these small elements, these small little things that get people engaging with one another, how that could kind of, big picture, maybe, hopefully, in a way change the world and the way people look at each other.”
Written by Margie Manning
A Florida legislative panel has approved a bill that would eliminate Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida along with several tax incentives for businesses.
The Florida House Subcommittee on Careers and Competition  voted for the measure on Wednesday, backed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land-O’Lakes) and opposed by Gov. Rick Scott.
The bill would eliminate the Qualified Target Industries and Quick Action Closing Fund programs, which have provided tax breaks for companies that create jobs. The incentives have been awarded to Tampa Bay companies such as Cott Corp. (NYSE: COT), which said it would create 60 new jobs and invest $800,000 to expand its Hillsborough County headquarters, and Blue Line Associates, which said it would create 150 new jobs and invest $2 million, as it relocates its headquarters from Cary, North Carolina to Tampa.
The incentives are not paid until the companies fulfill their promises, according to economic development officials.
Incentives are a bad deal for taxpayers because they “steal money” from priorities such as public safety, roads and bridges, and education, said Rep. Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast), the sponsor of the legislation. They also disproportionately benefit larger companies over smaller ones, he said.
“When we give money to one company we disadvantage their competitors,” Renner said. “We don’t asses in our return on investment the negative impact on many businesses, competitors and especially our small businesses.”
Much of the testimony at the nearly two-hour hearing was in opposition to the bill, including from economic development officials and business owners in Tampa Bay. Among those speaking were Mike Meidel, Pinellas County Economic Development director, and Maryann Ferenc, co-owner of Mise en Place in Tampa.
Economic development is all about creating opportunity for every business in Florida, Meidel said.
“We don’t target winners and losers. We create winners for everybody. We do that by identifying companies that sell their product or service outside of the state of Florida. They bring that new money into our economy and distribute it through the payrolls of their high-wage employees to buy locally,” Meidel said.
Ferenc brought a stack of letters opposing the bill from the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Downtown Partnership and her employees who are concerned about the impact of eliminating Visit Florida, the state agency that promotes tourism.
“If tourism declines, my business declines and it sincerely scares me,” Ferenc said.
The measure passed the House subcommittee by a vote of 10 in favor and five opposed. The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee will consider the issue Thursday when it has a hearing on the governor’s budget.
BEST WORKPLACES FOR COMMUTERS
Best Workplaces for CommutersSM named 231 U.S.-based companies to receive 2017 Best Workplaces for Commuters national recognition. This designation recognizes employers that offer exceptional employer-provided commuter benefits that meet National Standard of Excellence criteria.
To be designated among the nation’s Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must provide benefits that result in at least 14% of their employees no longer driving alone to and from work within a 12-month period.
“The 231 companies designated as the 2017 Best Workplaces for Commuters are part of a national movement,” said Julie Bond, program manager for Best Workplaces for Commuters. “Companies are recognizing that it makes good business sense to provide commuter benefits, such as subsidizing bus fares, designating parking for carpoolers or allowing employees to work from home.”
The Best Workplaces for Commuters program is managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) with support from the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The program offers workplaces of all sizes access to a range of support services to promote non-driving commuting, including online organizational assessment, webinars, staff trainings and an online business calculator. These resources help workplaces understand which commuter benefit options offer the best financial savings and employee value while ensuring they meet Best Workplaces for Commuters national designation requirements.
“We are extremely proud of our progressive transportation program that benefits our employees and residents,” said James Paxson, general manager of Hacienda, a San Francisco Bay area mixed-use community named to the 2017 Best Workplaces for Commuters list. “Our benefits certainly give us a competitive edge.”
To earn national designation, workplaces, through an online application submitted annually, must demonstrate that they meet the National Standard of Excellence. To achieve this standard, workplaces can choose from a wide variety of commuter-support programs such as subsidized transit or vanpool passes, compressed workweek schedules, or secured bicycle parking. All workplaces must have a point of contact internally to address employee questions and provide access to an Emergency Ride Home program.
“The Best Workplaces for Commuters benefit programs are encouraged or even required by many states, local municipalities, or government agencies,” said Bond. “Just last year, New York and Washington, DC enacted an ordinance mandating employers with 20 more employees must offer commuter benefits. And, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) encourages workplaces participation by underwriting the Best Workplace for Commuters application fee.”
For more information about the Best Workplaces for Commuters program and to learn more about qualifying to be nationally designated as a great workplace for commuters, click here.
Best Workplaces for Commuters partnering organizations work with local employers to promote and carry out commuter-friendly programs. They also assist BWC with membership recruitment in their communities: Arlington Transportation Partners – Arlington, VA; Chittenden Area TMA (CATMA) – Burlington, VT; Club Ride Commuter Services – Las Vegas, NV; Commuter Services of Pennsylvania – York, PA; Commuter Services – Bartow, FL; CommuterLink – New York, NY; Fairfax County; Government DOT – Fairfax, VA; GVF – King of Prussia, PA; GoTriangle – Durham, NC; MetroPool/511NY Rideshare – White Plains, NY; New North Transportation Alliance – Tampa, FL; reThink – Orlando, FL; SANDAG – San Diego, CA; SLO Regional Rideshare – San Luis Obispo, CA; Smart Trips – Knoxville, TN; Pierce Transit – Lakewood, WA; South Florida Commuter Services – Fort Lauderdale, FL; Suburban Transit Network – Blue Bell, PA; Tampa Downtown Partnership- Tampa, FL;Â Transportation Agency (TBARTA) – Tampa, FL; TDM Specialists, Inc. – Sacramento, CA; Triangle J Council of Governments – Research Triangle Park, NC; WeDriveU, Inc. – Burlingame, CA.
About Best Workplaces for CommutersSM
Best Workplaces for CommutersSMÂ is the national authority on recognizing and assisting workplaces that provide exceptional commuter benefits to employees. More than a recognition program, Best Workplaces for Commuters provides support needed to create and sustain an employer-provided commuter benefit program, including online assessment tools, advisory services, case studies, tool-kits, Web-based tools, webinars and training. Best Workplaces for Commuters represents more than 230 workplaces with Best Workplaces for Commuters designation representing over 515,000 employees. Best Workplaces for Commuters partner organizations work with local employers to promote and carry out commuter-friendly programs. The Best Workplaces for Commuters program is managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)Â at the University of South Florida with support from the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). For more information: http://www.bestworkplaces.org/
About Center for Urban Transportation Research
The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, established in 1988, is an internationally recognized resource for policymakers, transportation professionals and the public. CUTR provides high quality, objective expertise in the form of insightful research, in-depth policy analysis, comprehensive training and education, and effective technical assistance that translates directly into benefits for CUTR’s project sponsors. CUTR’s faculty of 37 full-time researchers, and 57 students combines academic knowledge and extensive “real world” experience in developing innovative, implementable solutions for all modes of transportation. The multidisciplinary research faculty includes experts in economic, planning, engineering, public policy and geography. CUTR receives over $13 million per year in contracts and grants to support its research, education, training and technical assistance missions. CUTR also is the home for the National Center for Transit Research and the National Bus Rapid Transit Institute.
TAMPA MAGAZINE
Written By: McKenna Kelley
Jeff Vinik and Mayor Bob Buckhorn Give a Glimpse into Downtown Tampa’s Next Five to 10 Years.
A note from the Publisher, Greg Jasso:
TAMPA Magazine’s office has been located on Harbour Island – in the shadow of Downtown Tampa – for the past 14 years. During that time we’ve had a front row seat from which to view and experience the cycles of momentum and decline. Boom and bust. Excitement and despair and every other emotion in between.
The last time we got excited about the momentum downtown was the period between 2005 and 2007. Cranes dotted the skyline, and new residential towers kept rising skyward in the Channel District and downtown. I remember seeing renderings for at least another dozen planned tower projects that were on the drawing board but not yet under construction.
Then came the great recession of 2008. Construction downtown ground to a halt, and almost every tower under construction went into bankruptcy. The negative news cycle pertaining to downtown development projects did not stop for years. I remember asking a business neighbor of mine how long he thought the repercussions from the recession would last. A year or two? I wondered. Try seven or eight, he said. As it turns out, he was right, I was wrong.
Then a couple of years ago, things started to look up, even if only a little. Advertisers were starting to return to the pages of our magazines, and we saw new businesses popping up everywhere around Tampa, even downtown. The downtown towers that were previously in bankruptcy were now essentially full of renting tenants, so businesses started to take the required leap of faith and opened their new doors.
Public parks have been completed, and more are being added. The Riverwalk, which now stretches close to 2.5 miles with more to come, has become a people magnet that has begun to connect businesses, public spaces, cultural destinations and new downtown residences. It has opened the water to the public and is now a real and significant uninterrupted walkway.
And this time, the positive outlook seems different. It seems like the momentum is here to stay – even if everyone we speak to is only cautiously optimistic. Curtis Hixon, Water Works and Contanchobee Parks are always brimming with activity, even when they’re not hosting events. And once again, construction cranes dot the skyline.
The river and channel waterways that surround downtown are now teeming with activity. We used to look outside our office window and see the occasional University of Tampa rowing reams to go by. Today, there are regularly running water taxis, the new ferry between Downtown Tampa and St. Pete, guided sightseeing tours, rental boats, water bikes, kayaks and more.
But the topic creating the most buzz among me and my fellow downtown business neighbors is the the massive downtown real estate development project led by Strategic Property Partners, a joint venture between Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment, LLC. Since announcing his plans, other projects all over town have either started construction or are in the planning stages.
TM: How many people do you estimate work downtown currently? What is your estimate for five to ten years from now?
Buckhorn: It ebbs and flows because a lot of the people come from the suburbs into Downtown Tampa. The number that we have from the Downtown Partnership right now is about 60,000 plus. That could double or triple in the next 10 years. Obviously office construction is going to be a big part of facilitating that growth. The move of the USF medical school and USF heart institute is an absolutely pivotal event that is about to occur. We think there is a demand for more commercial office space. Jeff has it as part of his plans. And there are other folks who are poking around trying ro do some additional office development as well. Residential [development] is just blowing up.
TM: Which brings me to my next question, how many people currently live in downtown? How many do you expect will live there in the next five to 10 years?
Buckhorn: The Downtown Partnership estimates that about 8,000 people live downtown currently, and that includes Harbour Island and Channelside. Now bear in mind, when I left [Tampa City Council] office in 2002, there were 600 people who lived in Downtown Tampa, and 300 of them lived in the Morgan Street Jail. True story. So you see how far we’ve come. And again, we estimate 3,000 to 4,000 residential units in the next 18 to 24 months, right, Jeff?
Vinik: Absolutely, yes.
Buckhorn: That’s not even including the five-year plan and the 10-year plan. So you could see that double to triple as well. Once you create that critical mass where people are living, working and playing, then it become that 24-hour-a-day-city. Then you have the requirements for all the amenities Jeff is putting into his project – the retail, the grocery stores, the bars and the restaurants. That all follows the “heads in the beds.”
TM: We’ve heard that this development project will be one of the largest, if not the largest, projects of its kind in the U.S. Are there any other projects in the U.S. that you would say are similar to this scale?
Vinik: You know, there aren’t. Believe me, we’ve traveled around, and James Nozar [CEO of Strategic Property Partners, a partnership between Vinik and Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment, LLC], knows, we’ve been to about 10 to 20 locations in the U.S. Around the country, there is a lot of activity where there’s movement back to the urban core going on, but in terms of anything to model ourselves after, what we’re doing is stealing the best ideas from all of them. Tampa is Tampa. We’re not Miami – we’re very different. We’re not Denver, which has had great success moving people back [to their urban core]. We’re not Austin. We’re kind of close to San Diego, there are similarities there. That may be the best analogy I can think of. But we want to be very careful. We want to learn the lessons from all these other places. We don’t want to be any of these other places. We must keep authenticity. This must be Tampa, and that’s why it’s going to be successful. People are going to feel great about their city and that it’s unique.
TM: Following up on that question, are there any downtown projects you admire or wanted to emulate? For instance, L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California?
Vinik: We talked about L.A. Live from the beginning, and we’re not building it. That’s not an analogy for what we’re doing. We’re not building an entertainment district. We’re not building an arena district. We’re building half a city. We’re building a vibrant, walkable urban district with high density, which has the arena as one of the great amenities of the district. We’re doing office buildings and residential towers and USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, two hotels, two or three cultural institutions, water features, public art and the channel. We can go on and on with all the great amenities. This is major progress to the downtown of Tampa, and I’m sure the mayor would agree that hopefully in 10 to 15 years our district will seamlessly connect to the center and the core of downtown, and that’ll even seamlessly connect to Ybor. That’s where this thing is heading. Imagine what this place will be like when we get there.
TM: A key feature of your development includes a central cooling facility that allows the rooftops of your buildings to be opened up for rooftop bars and restaurants. Are there any cities that you feel have successfully implemented these tactics?
Vinik: That’s a good question. I’m not sure I know the answer to that. But we see elements of that. I was in someone’s office in New York about a month ago, and I started looking down, and I started seeing green rooftops in New York City. I hadn’t noticed them before. I took some pictures of them and never did anything with the pictures. I imagine – I have not been tot Portland or Seattle much, and I haven’t thought about it – but I imagine they have similarities in some respects. At one point we even thought about calling ourselves the Rooftop District because there are potentially going to be different experiences on different rooftops throughout the area.
Buckhorn: The fundamentals for a successful, walkable, pedestrian-oriented city are the same. It is green space, it is public art, it is amenities, it’s those little surprises that you come across as you’re walking through the city that you don’t expect. They could be big, they could be small. Wide sidewalks, the landscape treatment. So I don’t know that we’re replicating anything, but the building blocks are the same. We just have to adapt it to who we are. The one thing that we have that most other cities don’t have is the water. That is the great gathering point now. It didn’t used to be but it is now, and we need to maximize it. That’s what separates us from the most other American cities and gives us a competitive advantage, that now all of a sudden, we’ve discovered our waterfront after 100 years. When you think about it, people love to gather along the water. When you have a district like this district, you’re encompassed and wrapped by water in a city that’s wrapped by water. A lot of the stuff that Jeff is doing in terms of the healthy district and the wellness district, that’s very unique, and that’s going to separate us from our competitors in a significant way.
TM: Tampa will be the first city in the world to feature a WELL certified district. Could you tell us more about that and what went into the decision to make that happen?
Vinik: WELL Certification is analogous to the LEED certification process, where LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] is for the environmental and energy efficiency of buildings. WELL is for the health of the inhabitants of buildings. I was introduced to a couple of guys from New York – the Scialla Brothers. They started a company called Delos several years ago, and it has been, up to now, about the health and wellness of people inside buildings, making buildings have better air quality, circadian lighting for your energy levels, better water, fruits and vegetables throughout – dozens of factors to make it more healthy to be in a building.
What we’re doing in our district, not only will our buildings try to be WELL Certified, the whole district is going to be WELL Certified. That means we have to have a certain amount of our space allocated for bike paths, a certain amount for jogging paths, a certain amount for sidewalks. Walkability is a huge factor in people’s wellness. We need to be selling fruits and vegetables – and why wouldn’t we – on the street. We need to monitor air quality. We need to have water fountains, or as we call them, hydration stations, every certain amount of feet and dozens of other characteristics like that. All of this [will be] coming together to make the outdoor areas in our district the best possible for people’s health.
When thinking about people’s health, I go back to walkability. If people walk two blocks every day because they want to get a sandwich at a restaurant instead of taking their car, over a year or over several years, that adds up and improves peoples’ health. Taking the stairs up one or two flights every day instead of taking the elevator adds up.
This is going to be an attractor for companies because they want to reduce their healthcare bill but also because they want to attract the best employees, and, especially young people these days, it’s all about health and wellness. It’s probably the biggest social trend that’s going on. We’re going to be able to offer that not just for our buildings but for our district in general, which is going to attract companies and people. We think it’s a key differentiator with what we have going on.
Buckhorn: You know what it means to me? I’m not going to be able to walk through this district smoking my cigars. [Both laugh] I’ll have to stop at the edge of the district.
Buckhorn: You know what it means to me? I’m not going to be able to walk through this district smoking my cigars. [Both laugh]Â
TM: Mayor Buckhorn, this one is for you. Both the Riverwalk and the current parks seem to be a home run.
Buckhorn: I hope so.
Vinik: Hat trick.
Buckhorn: Yeah, that’s right. Wrong sport. Yeah, I think they will be over time.
TM: Will you tell us a little about the expansion?
Buckhorn: I think we probably have added more urban parks, particularly in the downtown area, than any mayor has ever. If you start at Perry Harvey Park and then you continue all the way through to what we’re about to do on Riverfront Park on the west side of the Hillsborough River, which will be a 23-acre, $35 million transformation of a park that’s on the water, it’s pretty significant.
For me, those parks – they’re not my legacy – but they are a gift to future generations. Those parks become a gathering point for a community. If you assume that downtown is everybody’s front door, it’s important that you have those gathering spaces where everybody from the community, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can feel comfortable coming. If you look at Curtis Hixon on any weekend and you go down there and see the plethora of events that we do, catering to everybody, that’s what parks do. They expose the urban core to people who may not come there but for the fact there is an organized event. It could be a jazz fest, it could be the African-American history festival, it could be anything. But those parks make a difference.
If you don’t preserve green space in your urban core, shame on you. That’s like neutral turf. That belongs to the community. I think when we’re done our downtown will be very green. It will be very user-friendly. But it starts with those building blocks, and parks are a part of that.
Vinik: When I mentioned before [in an earlier answer] that we envision a connection of Ybor and our new district downtown and the central area downtown, I should have said at the same time there will be a connection going across the Hillsborough River to the west bank area. That comes into play with the park [Riverfront Park] that the mayor was talking about earlier. I had not thought about that, and then one day I read in the paper that the Hillsborough River should be the middle of the city, and I said, that’s brilliant. How transformative is that? And that’s going to happen. It’ll take time, but it’s going to happen.
TM: Over time, how far do you expect the Riverwalk to expand?
Buckhorn: My hope is, and I m probably not going to be the mayor when it’s finished, but my hope is eventually that you can start at [the intersection of] Gandy and Bayshore, and you can run all the way downtown and pick the side of the river that you choose to go on.
The west side will not be as elaborate and will not be out over the water like the east side is, but with all the projects that are about to take place on the west side of the river, beginning with the Tribune building and running all the way up to Rick’s on the River, there will be a Riverwalk there. We’ve already got it constructed through Plant Park, we own the easement behind Tampa [Preparatory School], so that will be done. It will run through Riverfront Park. It’s already in place behind Blake High School.
And then as we build out the west river, when we knock down the [former] public housing projects on the west side, it will run all the way up through that project, and eventually probably to Columbus Drive. Ideally, in 10 years, hopefully less, you’ll be able to choose the side of the river on which you choose to walk, run or ride. And then you can make the whole circuit and connect to Bayshore and all the way down to Gandy.
TM: Any other parks in the downtown footprint you want to highlight?
Buckhorn: I think Perry Harvey Park would be the first one. That pays homage to the history of our African-American community. It may be the largest expenditure of public dollars on a park that does that in the state of Florida. Where that park is located used to be the heart and soul of our African-American community, so if you go into that park, it literally pays homage to some of the forefathers and mothers that came before us that helped to build the African-American community. So that’s about an 8-acre park.
Curtis Hixon, which was done before I got there, that was Mayor Iorio’s vision, and it was a pivotal event in the development of downtown. That’s about 5 acres. You got 23 [acres] on the west side of the Hillsborough River [the aforementioned Riverfront Park]. You’ve got whatever parks will be incorporated into the west river project. Plant Park is already in the middle of that. It’s pretty exciting. There’s others outside of the downtown area that we’ve done, but those are the major investments that we’ve made in the downtown core.
TM: Mr. Vinik, in your development, are there any parks you have on the books you’d like to highlight?
Vinik: We have several additional parks as well as several other gathering spaces.
Vinik: I hope so. Buckhorn Park will be one of those. With a big statue of me. [laughs]
TM:Â With a cigar? [laughs]
Vinik: And a hot dog. [laughs] Some could be more urban-looking parks than traditional green spaces. Our Channelside Bay Plazaa – we’ve previewed some of those plans publicly, and there’s a beautiful park that we plan to put there right on the water also. When you have lots of green spaces and lots of trees, you can lower the temperature by 5 or 10 degrees, and it has a significant effect.
TM: Regarding conventions and the positive impact on the city’s economy, we’ve noticed that we tend to fall behind Orlando and Miami as the best convention cities. One factor is that we have fewer hotel rooms than those cities. Mr. Vinik, you have two hotels as part of your plan, so are there any other plans to help Tampa become more competitive for conventions?
Vinik: I don’t know if it’s fair to compare Tampa to Orlando, but I will make a point. Our convention center does extremely well. Our hotels in this city do very well. We’re building another 700 hotel rooms, and there are a couple of other hotels going up, so that [number] is going to expand. But our convention center does well with very few amenities nearby. Imagine when this [development] all comes to life. Our demand for convention business is going to go up a lot, and our demand for hotel rooms is going to go up a lot.
Buckhorn: You know, Jeff owns the Marriott Waterside, and with the addition of what he’s planning with his project. . . He’s absolutely right, we’re not competing with Orlando. Orlando is an entirely different market. Orlando, Las Vegas and Chicago deal with the mega, mega-conventions where you need a couple hundred thousand square feet. That’s not our niche.
In our niche – and we never planned the convention center to fill that [mega-convention] niche – we can compete for 80 percent of the rest of the business, and we have done very, very well. Our tourist development tax revenues have never been higher than they were this year. We’re killing it in terms of bed tax revenue and revenues per room rate. It really is allowing us to take that next step.
There will be other hotels that are planned. As a matter of fact, the city just sold a block of land across from city hall that will be a 23-story tower. It will be a Hyatt Centric on the first few stories and then residential up above it.
I think what you’re going to see over the next 10 years is the addition of a couple thousand hotel rooms that will be added to the mix – and it will be walkable. Like Jeff said, one of the challenges that we’ve had here, with the exception of the Marriott Waterside and the Embassy Suites, is people have to get in their cars to go places. But when you start to build that city and connect all those dots and you have things like Uber and Lyft and the Downtowner available to people, and you have the restaurants and the retail and the Riverwalk, they don’t have to leave downtown. We’ll capture all that business here.
TM: With water transportation and recreation options growing rapidly downtown, the Downtowner free ride service, for example, has been very successful, what are the plans for expansion of that program?
Buckhorn: You know, it’s interesting. [The Downtowner] was a test project, and it’s done very, very well. The city subsidizes it to some degree through what’s called the CRA’s [Community Redevelopment Districts], which is revenue generated within the district that has to remain in the district. I think the ability to expand that is pretty significant.
Five years ago, when this type of service was talked about, it was the PTC [Public Transportation Commission] that killed it – the very PTC that tried to kill Uber and Lyft. Since they [The PTC] are no longer a factor to any degree, I think it’s going to open up the door to more and more of those carts around downtown.
Uber and Lyft will continue to have a place here, as they should. We’re looking at the expansion of the streetcar potentially up Florida Avenue, perhaps even as far up as Tampa Heights, because as you think about the redevelopment of Tampa Heights and the Armature Works building there, you want the ability to connect all the segments of the city. If you can get from Ybor City to Tampa Heights to downtown in a continuous loop with a reasonable cost and hours that make sense, then all of a sudden you’ve started to connect the entire area and people truly can live, work and play – jump on the trolley, jump in an Uber, jump on the Downtowner and come downtown and move around, which is what you want.
TM: Generally, what else needs to happen in or around downtown to make the city’s roadways and public and private transportation more efficient and effective? What other investments or enhancements need to be made or added?
Buckhorn: You want to start on this one, Jeff?
Vinik: [laughs]
Buckhorn: Since you and I are on the same page. [laughs]
Vinik: I’m co-chairing a committee for the Tampa Bay Partnership. The Tampa Bay Partnership represents the business community of the whole Tampa Bay area, so I’m co-chairing a committee there looking at transportation.
There’s a premium transit study going on for the whole region going on right now. Jacobs Engineering is leading that effort. It’s [Florida Department of Transportation]-funded. Looking at our transportation system for the whole eight-county region, and you know how bullish I am on economic growth in this area, I think we have the potential from here through Orlando, even to Daytona, but especially over on this side of the state, to be the fastest-growing major economic region in the country over the next 10 to 20 years.
That opportunity is there, and in my opinion, what could screw that up or constrain that would be transportation – roadways too clogged, inability for people to get from point A to point B, people stop moving in because they no longer have confidence that they can get around. As a leader in the business community, I’m going to be one who’s trying to look at all possible solutions for helping out on that subject.
I think, as this study is underway, I’m encouraged to hear that they’re looking at all possible solutions. You’ve got to talk about the streetcars, as the mayor said. You’ve got to include autonomous vehicles and ride-sharing. Bus rapid transit is not talked about much, but it could be a very effective form of transportation. Clearly light rail needs to be part of the discussion.
Buckhorn: HOV lanes [high-occupancy vehicle lanes].
Vinik: Yes, HOV lanes. I’m optimistic about this study, which is really going to look at all these different solutions to try to figure out what’s best and most flexible for our region. Looking out at our long-term horizon, I’m really hopeful. Talking to business people and others in the community, I really sense that people understand what a critical issue [transportation] is. However that evolves and whether there’s another referendum or not or however that goes on, I think the region understands how important this is, and action will be taken in the years ahead to really enable us to have this growth.
Buckhorn: You know, it’s all about mobility options. We as a state have relied on roads for so long because, historically, we’ve always had a suburban mentality. Subdivision after subdivision was built because land was cheaper for the developers to buy it, and development would keep going and going and going.
That can’t work anymore. It won’t work. Our ability to link the metropolitan areas of the state – from Jacksonville to Orlando to Lakeland to Tampa to Miami – is critical, but also internally, too. Like with what Jeff was talking about when he laid out that menu of options, it’s not just one quick fix. It’s a combination of a lot of things. Rail has got to be a component of it. Whether it’s high-speed rail, which we could have had by now, or whether it’s internal, connecting downtown to the airport, eventually downtown to the airport to downtown St. Pete. Downtown to USF and the employment centers on the north end of Tampa. Downtown to Pasco County, where our population doubles because of the growth from Pasco County every day that drives down Bruce B. Downs and down I-75 into Downtown Tampa where they work.
We’ve got to be willing to lay out what that vision is, recognize that it’s not cheap, and it’s certainly not free, and then go do it and get it done. The political winds will do what they’re going to do, but we just have to be focused. I think if the business community drives that discussion more than the politicians, we’re much better off.
TM: In summary, is there anything else either of you would like to mention regarding the development of downtown?
Buckhorn: For the younger generation, this is going to be a really cool place. For the demographics of TAMPA Magazine’s readers and for the people who are moving here and for the people who have the buying power – [Tampa is] right in that sweet spot.
It’s really exciting for old guys like us to be a part of this, and eventually, 10 years down the road, to see the fruits of our labor and to know that we have changed a city, ultimately, that’s going to be a pretty cool thing.
Vinik: IÂ lived in New York for 25 years and Boston for 25 years. They’re great cities, but you can’t move the needle there. I come here and get up every day and know that I’m trying to make a difference. I like to say that I’m trying to help with the quantity of people’s lives and quality of people’s lives. Quantity means more people in the area, quality means better jobs and better wages. It’s a lot of fun to hopefully help economic development.
New website features bold imagery, easy navigation, and a fresh face for Downtown Tampa
Tampa Downtown Partnership is proud to announce the launch of the newly redesigned website, TampasDowntown.com. The new website features a clean design that showcases Tampa’s urban core to residents, workers, business owners, and visitors alike.
“Our new design is dynamic and most importantly, it is mobile friendly,” said Kelsy Van Camp, Director of Marketing and Communication, Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Mobile users make up fifty percent of the traffic to our website so it is vital that we have a website that is easy to use with a hand-held device.”
The new design allows for users to easily access information based on their interests – live, work, play, or stay. “Our organization serves all of Downtown users from the visitor to the business owner, investor, resident, and worker,” said Greg Minder, Chair, Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. “Now our website offers a quick way for those groups to find content that really matters to them, including our comprehensive reports.”
Visitors to the website gain access to a variety of information including Downtown developments and travel options via the Interactive Map to a listing of live music happening Downtown each week in the Play section.
Similar to the previous website design, Tampa Downtown Partnership continues to collect and promote Downtown events and encourages event planners to submit their events via the online form to showcase all that is happening Downtown.
Tampa Downtown Partnership’s new website also provides a unique opportunity for locals to share their Downtown experiences and insider tips. “Urban Insiders are very proud of their city and enjoying sharing their tips on everything from where to buy a croissant to favorite stops along the Riverwalk,” said Van Camp. “Our community is so welcoming and diverse – this platform allows us to truly reflect Downtown Tampa’s unique culture.”
New Features for TampasDowntown.com:
Tampa Downtown Partnership celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016 with the goal of advancing Tampa’s Downtown.
View a two minute tour of the website.
TAMPA BAY TIMES
By: Sue Carlton
Okay, so it’s not quite the same as being a man without a country. But suddenly I find myself a woman without a parking space.
Except in college when I waited tables and we lowly employees were banished to the outermost edges of the mall parking lot, I have always parked where I worked. This seemed a given, like a desk chair or an office holiday party. Who knew that in a world of blooming downtowns parking could become a luxury.
Construction cranes never seem to stop bobbing around Tampa lately, and one of the parking lots used by my office was just torn down to make way for a new apartment building. (Progress, I guess.) Interestingly, this was the lot we long referred to as “Loserville” because those assigned to it had to walk all the way across a street to get there, occasionally ducking an angry mockingbird who insisted on building her nest in a scraggly Loserville tree.
So now we park in a lot a mile away and ride a courtesy shuttle. Or, we fend for ourselves in a downtown that currently boasts 8,100 residents and a workforce close to 60,000.
Oh, Loserville. Had we only known how good we had it.
Not being able to stand the thought of my car across town when I need to go, I daily join the platoon of downtowners who scavenge for a closer spot, usually finding one a half-mile or more away. The Riverwalk, once a fun waterside amenity, is my daily commute. Okay, so the view is not exactly awful.
On my walk in, Interstate 275 hums overhead. Across the river I track the rumble-and-clank progress of construction of a new park. I count gulls on light poles and know I’m halfway there when I step on a sidewalk square that says JOEL+KANDI. I don’t mind the extra exercise; I dread the coming summer and, most of all, I actively dislike the half-hour it adds to my every come-and-go.
If I expected anguished hand-wringing on this from Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning at the Tampa Downtown Partnership, well, no.
“This is the new normal,” she says cheerfully.
Kress is a veteran bus commuter (thumbs up on the WiFi, she says) who currently carpools. She parks like I do and rides her bike up the Riverwalk to her tall office building. In recent weeks, she was rained on only once. “I saw dolphins about a week ago,” she says. “I heard them coming up for a breath.”
She points out that with Big City amenities can come inconveniences, and says Tampa is currently in that “awkward teenage phase.” There is parking, she says. We just need to get used to it not being right outside the door.
Indeed, a map at tampasdowntown.com shows parking aplenty, including four hulking city garages and dozens of private lots and garages. Except those more affordable city garages have waiting lists, and available parking can be far flung. Our little city, growing up.
Even those of us who feel like we practically parked in Pasco have options once we’re in a space. The free In-Towner Trolley cruises by, and the touristy historic street cars now have morning commute hours. The new and free app-based Downtowner shuttle cars ferried more than 20,000 passengers in less than two months already, with an average wait of 15 minutes.
Sounds like Kress is saying we need to learn to walk, to plan, to evolve. Fine. Some dolphins would be nice, too.
CREATIVE LOAFING
The Tampa Downtown Partnership honors a decade of urban excellence.
By: Linda Saul-Sena
Time passes, things change and we rush on. There’s value in freeze-framing a moment in the evolution of our community and reflecting on the accomplishments to date.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP) took a beat Nov. 30 atop the Beck Group building in Tampa Heights, hosting the 10th Annual Urban Excellence Awards. As TDP CEO Christine Burdick reflected, “This display of all the things that have come together to make downtown grow is a diverse effort. These awards get better every year.”
Collectively, the 11 award winners make you smile. The People’s Choice Award – the “Before I Die” public art mural – entices passersby to record their hopes and dreams on a 40″ x 8″ placard. This interactive project was sponsored by Leadership Tampa Bay’s Class of 2016 and is one of 1,000 “Before I Die” murals around the globe inspired by New Orleans artist Connie Chang. Currently located on the Riverwalk just north of the Brorein Bridge, this artwork is washed clean by rain, only to be re-chalked by the public.
Maryann Ferenc, beloved co-proprietor of Mise en Place, was named Downtown Person of the Year for her myriad contributions to downtown and Tampa Bay. When she and Chef Marty Blitz moved their restaurant to Grand Central Place off Kennedy Boulevard in 1992, that portion of downtown was pretty seedy. They survived and transcended, bringing modern American cuisine to a stretch of Kennedy that had previously been known as the “Plasma Path” because it linked the blood donor center and the temp jobs office.
In typical Maryanne style, she used the occasion of the Urban Excellence Awards to credit all the players, especially the TDP. “I am one of many boosters of downtown, and it’s finally the destination we’ve been working toward.”
Over 5,000 curious folks attended this year’s Tampa Bay Veg Fest, a day-long vegan food festival sponsored by the grassroots, non-profit Florida Voices for Animals. The day was a fresh success and attracted the Juror’s Choice Award.
Proving yet again that with TLC and spackle buildings can be wonderfully reborn, the Historic Rialto Theatre Renovation won the Historic Preservation Award. Hope Donnelly and George Carter of 8-Count Productions purchased the theater in 2013, turning it into a mixed-purpose arts and event space that adds to the vibrancy of North Franklin Street.
For each of its 11 years, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) has grown in scale and ambition, winning this year’s Arts and Culture Award. In 2016, over 15,000 film-lovers enjoyed over 120 films from around the world. The 2017 season is even more ambitious, with a record-setting 8-day calendar and 35 events and 150 films planned.
Tampa’s Riverwalk is buzzing with activity, and this year’s Activating Spaces Award winner was the Straz Center’s Arts on the River program. The Straz offered a dynamic mix of performances and activities on its adjacent stretch of Riverwalk, including Daniel Chauche’s “Who We Are: Faces of Tampa” installation. “We want the Straz to be a place for people to enjoy with or without a performance ticket,” said Straz COO Lorrin Shepard.
Continuing the theme of free arts enjoyment, the Tampa Museum of Art won the Downtown Detail Award (though at 23 feet tall, she’s hardly a detail!) for the purchase of the stunning sculpture “Laura with Bun.” This elegant portrait by Jaume Plensa came to town for an exhibition, but remains here through the generous contributions of TMA benefactors.
On a completely different note, The Beach Tampa offered a frolicsome summer entertainment as the Amalie Arena was filled with beach chairs overlooking 1.2 million recyclable white balls in a 15,000-square-foot immersive “ocean.” Snarkitecture (love that name) created this interactive installation, funded by the Vinik Family Foundation and winning the Downtown Experience Award.
As an enthusiastic but risk-averse bicyclist, I’m thrilled at the construction of the Cass Street Cycle Track (originally called the Green Spine). This Public Sector Project Award winner will make east-west rides much safer, thanks to the concrete barrier separating the car and bike riders. Fortunately, this 3/4-mile-long segment is the first part of a safe route between West Tampa and Ybor City.
Perry Harvey Park, an 11-acre, $6.9 million public park, was awarded the Landmark Development Project Award, which is ironic because it sits on what had been the hub of Black Tampa’s social and cultural scene on Central Avenue. After construction of the interstate destroyed the neighborhood, the park created in its place boasted a world-recognized skatepark which was relocated to make way for this latest reuse of the property. Hopefully, this incarnation of the area, hosting public art, odes to Tampa’s black history and shady walkways as well as a new skatepark, will become a successful gathering place.
Kudos to Troy Manthy, owner of Starship Yacht Dining Cruises, for launching the Pirate Water Taxi. Three bright yellow 50-foot boats cruise from the Channel District to Davis Islands to the Riverwalk, offering passengers 14 stops as well as historical narration and concessions and earning its Private Sector Project Award for creativity and guts.
The Awards Jury faced a challenging task of selecting winners from among a rich crop. Hats off to Kevin Plummer, Mickey Jacob, Susie Nelson-Crowley, Keith Greminger and Rich Linquanti, jury chair, for their thoughtful selections. These awards make you want to play hooky and explore downtown.
83 DEGREES MEDIA
The Tampa Downtown Partnership is soliciting responses for its fifth biennial survey of Downtown Tampa’s student, residents and workers. Since the surveys were firs compiled in 2008, their findings have helped seed initiatives in Downtown Tampa such as enhanced accessibility to the river, fitness events in the parks, new museums and attractions, improved bicycle accessibility, extended oeprating hours for transportation and merchants, and full-service grocers, to name a few.
“Over the years we have seen the progression of Downtown through the responses we collect,” said Christine Burdick, CEO and President of Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We’ve been able to see the evolving needs and wants of the growing workforce and resident populations,” said Burdick. “We are then able to take those responses and transform them into solutions to help us serve the community with enhanced services and programs like more events along the Riverwalk.”
Karen Kress, Director of Transportation and Planning for Tampa Downtown Partnership, said the survey helped identify the need for “last mile” transportation services which led to the complimentary, app-based ride service, the Downtowner, coming to Downtown.
“We were continually seeing a need and concern from residents and workers for transportation that removes the need to drive their cars Downtown,” said Kress. “Taking those additional cars off the road for short trips ranked high on the desirability scale so we were able to identify that the population was ready to support a solution.”
The Partnership works with a third-party research group, HCP, to conduct the survey and preform an in-depth analysis of the results. The surveys will be open through December when they are closed and the data review begins.
At the conclusion of the analysis, Tampa Downtown Partnership and HCP prepare the survey results and will present the findings during the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 21st Downtown Development Forum, held in March.
Links to the surveys:
Note: If you live and work in Downtown, please take the resident survey.
Holiday Island adds to the many new seasonal installations along Tampa’s Riverwalk
TAMPA (December 1, 2016) – Friends of the Riverwalk along with President and CEO of Yacht Starship and Pirate Water Taxi, Troy Manthey, announce the newest installation along Tampa’s Riverwalk, a 30-foot floating LED Christmas Tree.
Dubbed Holiday Island, Tampa’s largest floating Christmas tree is positioned on the Hillsborough River between the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa General Hospital.
“We anticipate growing Holiday Island over the next several years into one of the largest floating Holiday Displays in the United States,” said Manthey who also serves as Board Chairman for Friends of the Riverwalk.
The project is one of many new holiday decor projects along Tampa’s Riverwalk and compliments the popular Holiday Tree installation on the rooftops of Tampa General  Hospital.
The tree will be lit on December 1 at 7pm and can be viewed from many areas around the Convention Center basin. It will be lit each day from sunset to sunrise through December 25.
This new installation was made possible through generous donations from the following sponsors:
About Friends of the Riverwalk Friends of the Riverwalk is a non-profit 501 (c) (3). Â Our goal is to enhance the quality of life and build a stronger sense of community for Tampa Bay by preserving the waterfront for use by our citizens and visitors in a way that inspires a sense of ownership and invites active participation in city life.
Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP) 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, the TDP administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the TDP serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.
Annual award ceremony celebrates initiatives that have made a positive impact on Downtown Tampa
Download the full program of award winners.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership has announced the winners of its 2016 Urban Excellence Awards program.
The membership based not-for-profit organization’s tenth annual Urban Excellence Awards celebration recognizes those businesses, organizations, individuals, events, and projects that have made significant contributions toward creating a unique, vibrant, and diverse Downtown Tampa, and have made a positive impact on the community. More than 100 guests attended the awards ceremony on November 30 at the Rooftop of The Belk Group Building in Tampa.
Christine Burdick, CEO and President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, provided the opening and closing remarks while Brendan McLaughlin, retired ABC Television news anchor, served as the evening’s emcee presenting the awards. Representatives from the event’s sponsors, The Beck Group and TECO, an Emera Company, welcomed attendees to the ceremony while Rich Linquanti of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, the title sponosor, defined Urban Excellence and explained its true meaning in Tampa to the group.
Jurors for the Awards:
The Tampa Downtown Partnership (TDP) 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, the TDP administers the Special Services District. In addition to Tampa’s Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the TDP serves downtown through marketing, business development, transportation, advocacy, public space activation, planning and beautification.
Ridership of the free ride service continues to grow each week
On October 20, the Tampa Downtown Partnership launched Downtowner free ride service and within one minute of going live, the app had the first ride request. In the first month of being launched, Downtowner has served nearly 13,000 riders and its drivers have covered over 7,840 miles.
“Our Tampa launch has been the largest and busiest operation we’ve had yet,” said Travis Gleason, COO of Downtowner. Downtowner currently operates in four other cities with Tampa being the newest location. “We’re really encouraged by the continued interest in the service,” said Gleason.
Commuters and residents alike are using the app to get to work from parking garages, to cross town for lunch with friends, or to enjoy Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Commuters heading to and from work account for just over half of all rides and more than 60 percent are repeat riders.
“The popularity of the seven days a week service really shows the need for last mile service for workers and residents,” said Kress. “Over 44 percent of the trips are one-way so we know passengers are taking advantage of the many other ways to move about downtown, including walking.”
Kress continues, “Downtowner is providing exactly what we hoped it would – a safe, comfortable, and quick ride for that last mile home or wherever your destination may be.”
Due to the overwhelming interest in the service, Kress is encouraging riders to check wait times early. “We suggest our riders plan ahead, especially during the peak hours of lunch and dinner.” Top users of the app include residential buildings, hotels, University of Tampa, Publix, and Amalie Arena.
About the Tampa Downtown PartnershipÂ
Downtowner’s concept stemmed from a need to get around town in a better way. Downtowner utilizes mobile app logistics technology and 100% electric vehicles to provide on-demand rides in downtown areas and their surrounding neighborhoods. Their focus is addressing the micro-transit issues that many cities are facing every day. Currently, Downtowner is providing the last and first mile of transit for hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
By: Anastasia Dawson
Between construction, a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game and typical rush-hour traffic, it was difficult to get to the Downtowner launch party near Channelside Thursday night.
But the heavy traffic created a fitting backdrop for the launch of the new shuttle service, which hopes to encourage downtown residents and visitors to leave their cars in the garage.
The 12 electric vehicles took to Tampa’s streets offering free rides to anywhere within the downtown district, which spans from the north end of Harbor Island to Interstate 275, and from the University of Tampa area to the Channel District.
The only tips exchanged are advice from drivers, who are also trained Tampa tour guides.
“They’ll know where goods and services are, what events are coming downtown and when, and can be a great touch-point for all of our visitors and residents,” said Greg Minder, chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
The mobile app-driven service works similar to Uber or Lyft. Users request a ride to a certain location on their smartphone or tablet, putting in their location and the number of people in their party, and the app shows who will pick them up and how long it will take. Links to download the company’s app are available at ridedowntowner.com.
Ryan Spaargaren, chief financial officer and founding member of the Downtowner, said the app also allows users to put in identifying information, like the color hat they’re wearing, or other information to help the driver identify them. Once inside, a tablet inside the vehicle provides information about downtown Tampa.
The electric vehicles only travel 25 mph and are allowed on all roads where the speed limit is below 35 mph.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership estimated the shuttles, which seat 5 passengers, would net about 860 riders a day, or about 26,000 a month.
The Downtowner also has operated in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Aspen, Colo., since 2012, Spaargaren said.
Funding from the Tampa Downtown Partnership, the City of Tampa, the Florida Department of Transportation and local businesses will keep the service operating for the next three years for seven days a week — 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The total cost of the service was not disclosed. In April, Tampa City Council agreed to pay $560,000 from downtown and Channel District community development funds to launch the project, and the Florida Department of Transportation pledged $150,000 for three years.
Once funding runs out, the hope is the vehicles will pay for themselves through advertising or help from the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, which regulates the county’s for-hire vehicles, such as taxis.
“This kind of thing wasn’t really considered when the PTC was formed,” Minder said.
A similar shuttle service operated in downtown Tampa until the PTC shut it down in 2010, saying it competed with taxicab services and that the open-body vehicles were unsafe.
Unlike the old privately run services, some of which carried passengers as far as Ybor City and Hyde Park, the Downtowner has a limited area of operation and PTC members have indicated they would not oppose the project.
These small, white vehicles look like regular electric cars, with windows, doors and air conditioning, that make for a more comfortable experience, said Tampa City Councilman Mike Suarez.
“This is about freedom,” Suarez said. “The more options we give people, the more freedom we give them, the more robust all of our transportation options will be.”
Suarez was one of the first to take a ride in the Downtowner, from City Hall to the launch party in the plaza outside the Grand Central at Kennedy housing complex.
“It was a beautiful trip,” Suarez said. “As the weather gets cooler it’s a great option to get from one place to another whether you’re in a suit like I am or in shorts.”
TAMPA (October 18, 2016) – Tampa Downtown Partnership announces the transformation of Curtis Hixon Park into a Winter Village this holiday season. Running November 18 through December 25, all are welcome to enjoy Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village complete with an outdoor ice rink, holiday market, and a waterfront cafe featuring tastes from Mise en Place and Sono Cafe.
“The Winter Village is a completely new concept being offered in Downtown Tampa,” said Greg Minder, Chair, Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. “With the seven boutique retail shops, ice rink, and delicious food and drink being offered, visitors will truly be able to experience the sights, sounds, and activities of the holidays right on the Hillsborough River.”
For hours of operation, parking, and for more information, visit WinterVillageTampa.com.
By: Richard Danielson
After a week of asking South Pinellas commuters what they think of the soon-to-begin Cross-Bay Ferry, the Tampa Downtown Partnership said Monday it’s gotten more than 400 online responses and likes what it’s hearing.
To take the survey, click here.
Highly anticipated complimentary ride service begins October 20
Tampa Downtown Partnership announces the official launch of the app-based, on-demand, complimentary ride service, Downtowner, to begin on Thursday, October 20. Service will be officially announced at a press conference on October 20 at Grand Central at Kennedy. The event will begin at 5pm and will conclude with a reception for the public at City Dog Cantina.
The Downtowner vehicles operate seven days a week within Downtown Tampa’s business district, Channel District, River Arts District, the University of Tampa area, as well as the non-gated north end of Harbour Island.
“Tampa Downtown Partnership has worked for over two years to provide this valuable service to residents, the workforce, and visitors,” said Greg Minder, Chair, Tampa Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. “Downtown Tampa’s transportation needs continue to grow as our city experiences ongoing development and interest. With the presence of cutting edge technologies like the Downtowner, our city is proving that it is a progressive and desirable place to live.”
Because the service is technology-based, it appeals to the generations who are moving into urban centers and are accustomed to real-time access. “The app provides an opportunity to monitor its use allowing us to adjust service so that we can prepare for busy times,” said Stephen Murray, Downtowner CEO and University of Tampa Alumni. “The goal is to keep wait times at 10 minutes or less.”
Tampa Downtown Partnership will launch the service with an inaugural ride with Mike Suarez, City Council President, Yvonne “Yolie” Capin Community Redevelopment Agency Chairperson, and Bob McDonaugh, Director of Economic Opportunity for the City of Tampa. The group will take the Downtowner from City Hall to Grand Central at Kennedy where members of the media and downtown are invited to take pictures with the vehicle. A reception will be held at City Dog Cantina hosted by the Channel District Community Alliance. Suarez, Capin, and McDonaugh will be available for comment, as will Christine Burdick, President and CEO, Tampa Downtown Partnership.
TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL
By: Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Apartment development in downtown Tampa shows no signs of slowing any time soon.
Two major projects took key steps forward this week. The developers of a 22-story tower in the Channel district announced an equity commitment of more than $15 million and closed on a construction loan. The Arts and Entertainments Residences
In the urban core, Crescent Communities closed on a five-acre site where it plans to build 400 residential units near the Tampa Riverwalk and also secured a loan.
On Thursday, another new development sprouted: The city of Tampa selected New Orleans-based HRI’s proposal to build a mixed-use tower, including 225 residential units, on a vacant city-owned lot at 405 E. Kennedy.
That tower is pegged at $120 million in construction costs.
In total, there are 4,111 residential units in 13 buildings under construction or in the planning stages within a one mile radius of the urban core. The most recent data available from the Tampa Downtown Partnership pegs the current downtown population at 8,100 residents in 4,979 units, though that data was based on a 2014 survey. In 2015, Skyhouse Channelside added another 320 units.
Building a residential base in downtown Tampa is crucial to transforming the urban core into the type of 24/7 city envisioned by business and political leaders. The anchor of downtown Tampa is its office market, which brings 60,000 people to the area five days a week. But that’s not enough to sustain the sidewalk cafes and retailers necessary for a vibrant city center. And while there’s been an uptick in residential development in the last five years, Tampa still lags competitor cities in downtown living options.
The 3,797 figure does not include the residential units planned in Strategic Property Partners’ $2 billion, mixed-use development between Amalie Arena and the central business district. At full buildout, SPP’s district is slated to have up to 5,000 residential units. (See a labeled site plan of SPP’s district here.)
Several of the projects are well under construction and even leasing. Others are behind schedule, like the closely watched Arts and Entertainments Residences, a 34-story tower planned near the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.
That tower was slated to break ground over the summer, but the construction has been pushed into 2017, said Bob McDonaugh, the city’s director of economic development.
It’s a complex site, McDonaugh said, and further complicated by the performance schedule at the Straz — the developer, American Land Ventures of Miami, has committed to working around the center’s Broadway series for the beginning of construction.
To make way for the tower, the city has had to reconfigure Tyler and Cass streets to create a 1-acre parcel where the tower will be built.
Granvil Tracy, the CEO of American Land Ventures, is in regular touch with the city, McDonaugh said.
Tracy did not return a request for comment Thursday.
View a presentation of a Capital Improvement Program presented February 12, 2016.
Tampa and its partners are pleased to respond to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Smart City Challenge. Our Smart Tampa vision is to spearhead the deployment of bold and innovative concepts involving advanced technologies, data, and applications to help improve safety, increase mobility, enhance security, boost productivity, and protect the environment.
Download the Study.
Biennial Study Background – Beginning in 2008, the Tampa Downtown Partnership has called upon a third-party research group to conduct biennial studies of Downtown Tampa, and its residents and workers. The study and its survey findings have helped steer such game changing initiatives in downtown as river accessibility, the outdoor market, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Bay History Center, the extension of the TECO Line Streetcar System, the reopening and of the profoundly enhanced Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the addition of dog parks, new parking meters that accept credit cards, new directional signage, new restaurants and retail, and extended retail offerings and operating hours.
The latest report, the 2014 Workforce-Resident Survey, was released in March 2015, showing significant, positive changes in the perception and trends of Downtown Tampa residents and workers.
Thank you to all who have participated in these surveys!
View the 2012 Workforce-Resident Survey.
Executive Summary:
View the 2010 Workforce-Residential Study.
View the 2008 Workforce-Residential Study.
