LiFT welcomes Matt Spence as new Executive Director

LiFT (Learning Independence for Tomorrow), a pioneering school for neurodiverse children and adults, has announced the appointment of Matt Spence as its new Executive Director.

Spence is excited about his new role, saying that he believes that “there’s so much potential, not only in [LiFT’s] existing programs but in [LiFT’s] ability to support families.”

Prior to joining LiFT, Matt served as Chief Strategy Officer at Feeding Tampa Bay, since 2018.

At Feeding Tampa Bay, he expanded the Programs team and budget, creating comprehensive strategies to combat food insecurity across West Central Florida.

LiFT plans to double its enrollment and serve over 400 students per year, within the next five years.

Under Spence’s leadership, LiFT plans to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for its students.

You May Also Like
A closer look at Sarasota’s new St. Regis Longboat Key

The St. Regis Longboat Key brings a new level of coastal luxury to Sarasota with refined design, quiet service and an 18-acre Gulf-front setting.

Read More
Aerial view of the St. Regis Longboat Key pools and lagoon with the Gulf of Mexico in the background.
South Seas opening new Captiva Landing waterpark in December

South Seas is opening a new 2.5 acre waterpark on Captiva Island this December.

Read More
Aerial view of Captiva Landing waterpark at South Seas with slides, splash zones and lounge areas.
Red Room After Hours brings late-night luxury to downtown Tampa

The Tampa EDITION’s Red Room After Hours redefines downtown nightlife with refined cocktails, caviar, and curated late-night energy.

Read More
The Red Room at The Tampa EDITION glows in deep red lighting with velvet seating, mirrored disco balls covering the ceiling, and intimate tables arranged for late-night guests.
BODYBAR Pilates opening 9th Tampa Bay Area studio in Palmetto

BODYBAR Pilates is expanding across Tampa Bay with a new Palmetto studio and a series of November community events ahead of its 2026 opening.

Read More
BODYBAR Pilates reformer machines lined up in a bright, modern studio space
Other Posts
As Tampa grows, its history chief frames the past as power

As Tampa grows faster than its memory, the History Center’s new leader sees the past as civic infrastructure.

Read More
Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.
spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech

spARK Labs is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s tech ecosystem through patience, execution and long-term founder support.

Read More
Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.
Midtown Tampa retail enters next phase

Midtown Tampa’s retail component moves from development to long-term stewardship.

Read More
Aerial view of Midtown Tampa showing the retail core anchored by Whole Foods Market, surrounded by offices, apartments and major roadways in Tampa.
BayCare plans $650M+ children’s hospital in Tampa

BayCare plans a $650M+ children’s hospital in Tampa Bay, backed by a $50M gift and opening in 2030.

Read More
Rendering of Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s in Tampa with modern glass design and bold exterior colors