Downtown Tampa’s skyline is set to get a new landmark.
The Tampa City Council has approved plans for Tampa WOW!, a 250-foot-tall observation wheel along the waterfront that will offer panoramic views of downtown, the port and Tampa Bay.
The project, short for “Wheel Over Water,” represents a $20 million private investment that will be built without taxpayer funding.
Site preparations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the attraction slated to open in late 2026.
“Today’s vote marks an exciting step forward in creating something special for Tampa,” said Tony Miller, the project’s developer. “Tampa WOW! is about creating memories and giving people the chance to see our beautiful city from an entirely new perspective.”
What happened
Tampa WOW! will be located in Channelside, just north of The Florida Aquarium, and will feature climate-controlled gondolas designed for comfort and accessibility. Each ride will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
At the base of the wheel, plans call for food and beverage options and luggage storage for cruise passengers.
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The site will also provide easy pedestrian access to nearby destinations such as Benchmark International Arena, Water Street Tampa, the Tampa Convention Center and the cruise terminals.
Why it matters
The wheel’s location places it at the heart of Tampa’s ongoing transformation. The Channel District has evolved from a warehouse zone into a vibrant mixed-use community anchored by The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf and Water Street Tampa.
Projects like Tampa WOW! reinforce that momentum by attracting visitors who contribute to nearby restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. The wheel will also create construction and hospitality jobs while boosting walkability across the waterfront.
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For local leaders, the project represents another example of private investment supporting public growth — and of Tampa’s rise as a tourism destination that blends recreation and economic development.
What comes next
Construction activity could begin before the end of the year as permitting and site work move forward.
Developers expect to complete the attraction in late 2026, timed with the continued expansion of Water Street Tampa and other nearby projects.
Once complete, Tampa WOW! will join a growing list of skyline icons redefining the city’s visual identity — from the Edition Hotel to Sparkman Wharf’s evolving waterfront.
Key takeaway
Tampa WOW! is more than an attraction. It signals continued confidence in Tampa’s waterfront and its potential to compete with major urban destinations across Florida.
When it opens, the 250-foot wheel will not only change how people see the city — it will change how the city sees itself.
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