Pinellas County is seeking public input on how to allocate an $813 million federal grant, aimed at long-term recovery efforts from recent hurricanes. This funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will assist communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia, in 2023, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton, in 2024. The county will use … Read more
The Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation has been awarded a $1 million grant through the 2024 TD Ready Challenge, an initiative by TD Bank aimed at supporting nonprofits that help underserved communities. The funding will expand the foundation’s Minority Business Accelerator by launching the Empower Sustainability-Focused Accelerator program, designed to assist alumni in scaling their businesses. … Read more
David Bell, CEO of a national workplace drug testing company, has called for mandatory drug testing for all government employees, arguing that the policy could address financial shortcomings and improve economic stability. Bell outlined his perspective in a recent opinion piece, linking substance abuse within high-ranking officials to wasteful spending and potential national security risks. … Read more
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) on Tuesday introduced the Rebuild & Save Act, legislation that would raise the cap on mitigation funds available through the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program, from 20 percent to 30 percent. Under current rules, homeowners and small business owners can add 20 percent to their SBA low‐interest disaster loans … Read more
As 2025 unfolds, economic experts at Regions Bank are closely watching how national policies and global trends will shape both the United States and Tampa Bay economies. During a recent discussion with Alan McKnight, chief investment officer, April Grajales, Tampa market executive, and Ray Hand, private wealth executive for Florida, these leaders shared insights on … Read more
St. Petersburg flood insurance provider Neptune Flood is already one of the nation’s largest, with around 227,000 customers. But if threatened cuts to the country’s top program come to fruition, that number could rise, along with the region’s heightened hurricane risks. This week, staffers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced hundreds of job cuts, … Read more
USF, Tampa Bay Partnership researchers share Tampa Bay area workforce and affordability data
As the region continues to attract investments, and talent, these sectors are set to shape the local economy in unique ways.
Hillsborough County’s tourism and hospitality industry surpassed $1 billion in hotel taxable revenue, in 2024, marking the third consecutive year the county has reached this milestone, according to Visit Tampa Bay. Through November, the county recorded $1,052,883,894 in hotel taxable revenue, fueled by record-breaking performance during the fall. November alone generated more than $100 million … Read more
SBP, a national disaster recovery nonprofit, has plans to launch a home rebuilding program and a regional office in Tampa. Starting in January 2025, the initiative aims to assist communities in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties, affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The program will use the Toyota Production System to build at least … Read more
