Industry Insights

Tampa Bay Business & Wealth’s Industry Insights section delivers the latest Tampa Bay business news across every major sector — from technology and real estate to law, finance and hospitality. Each story highlights the companies, leaders and innovations driving regional growth.

Explore in-depth coverage of Tampa’s expanding economy, major development projects, executive leadership changes and market trends influencing business decisions across the region. Stay informed with exclusive insights that connect you to the industries powering Tampa Bay’s future.

Where to Invest & Where to Scale Back During an Economic Downturn

David Bell March 2, 2026

When the economy begins to contract like we’re seeing today, most entrepreneurs look for opportunities to cut...

Home2 Suites Tampa Brandon sells after leading its submarket Exterior of Home2 Suites Tampa Brandon hotel on Palm River Road

Home2 Suites Tampa Brandon sells after leading its submarket

Chuck Merlis February 18, 2026

Buyer AAM adds a 125-key Brandon hotel near I-4 and I-75 to its Florida portfolio.

Storm-damaged Fowler Shopping Plaza sells near list price Fowler Shopping Plaza retail center on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa

Storm-damaged Fowler Shopping Plaza sells near list price

Chuck Merlis February 18, 2026

Restored to 96% occupancy, the Fowler Avenue center drew 17 offers before closing.

268-unit Tampa workforce housing project secures $19M mezzanine loan Rendering of a three-story multifamily apartment community planned along the Hillsborough River in Tampa

Rendering of a three-story multifamily apartment community planned along the Hillsborough River in Tampa

268-unit Tampa workforce housing project secures $19M mezzanine loan

Chuck Merlis February 17, 2026

A 268-unit rental project along the Hillsborough River adds $19M in new financing.

Pink-painted buildings mark next step for Roche Bobois tower Side-by-side image shows bright pink apartment buildings slated for demolition and a rendering of the proposed Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower in downtown St. Petersburg.

Side-by-side image shows bright pink apartment buildings slated for demolition and a rendering of the proposed Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower in downtown St. Petersburg.

Pink-painted buildings mark next step for Roche Bobois tower

Chuck Merlis February 17, 2026

Downtown St. Pete apartments are set for demolition as a $200M condo tower advances.

Here’s What Real Estate Pros Need to Do to Thrive in 2026

Tatiana Zagorovski February 16, 2026

The real estate market has become considerably more competitive over the past few years, and all economic...

MOSI redevelopment plan shows mixed-use district, hotel Rendering of a mid-rise hotel building included in the MOSI-area redevelopment concept in Tampa.

Rendering of a mid-rise hotel building included in the MOSI-area redevelopment concept in Tampa.

MOSI redevelopment plan shows mixed-use district, hotel

Chuck Merlis February 16, 2026

A county report lays out the timeline and studies behind the concept.

56-unit Lakeland community sells for $10M An aerial view shows the 56-unit apartment community at 915 Ariana Street in Lakeland that sold for $10 million, according to Colliers.

An aerial view shows the 56-unit apartment community at 915 Ariana Street in Lakeland that sold for $10 million, according to Colliers.

56-unit Lakeland community sells for $10M

Chuck Merlis February 13, 2026

The seller expanded the property in 2024 before the $10M sale.

Tampa City Council denies Magnolia Hotel land use change in Hyde Park Rendering of the proposed Magnolia Hotel & Residences at Swann and Magnolia avenues in Hyde Park, near Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.

Rendering of the proposed Magnolia Hotel & Residences at Swann and Magnolia avenues in Hyde Park, near Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.

Tampa City Council denies Magnolia Hotel land use change in Hyde Park

Chuck Merlis February 13, 2026

Council denies land use change for $136M Magnolia Hotel in Hyde Park.

Developer explains why Tampa’s downtown police HQ drew zero bids Tampa Police officers standing in a line in front of the Tampa Police Department headquarters, a tall blue-glass building in downtown Tampa.