Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County is the heart of Tampa Bay’s economic and cultural growth, home to leading businesses, innovative startups and community changemakers shaping the region’s future. Explore the latest business news, investments, development projects and people driving progress across Tampa, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and beyond.

Ballast Point Pier rebuild could take 3 to 4 years, officials say Ballast Point Park pier at sundown in Tampa, Florida

Ballast Point Pier rebuild could take 3 to 4 years, officials say

Chuck Merlis February 6, 2026

Council hears a 3 to 4 year estimate as surplus park spending takes shape.

Rays release first renderings of proposed Dale Mabry ballpark Exterior rendering of the proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus in Tampa.

Exterior rendering of the proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus in Tampa.

Rays release first renderings of proposed Dale Mabry ballpark

Chuck Merlis February 5, 2026

New renderings preview the Dale Mabry plan as negotiations and community sessions begin.

County sets conditions as Rays stadium talks advance Hillsborough County commissioners meet at the dais during a public session discussing next steps in Rays stadium negotiations.

Hillsborough County commissioners meet at the dais during a public session discussing next steps in Rays stadium negotiations.

County sets conditions as Rays stadium talks advance

Chuck Merlis February 4, 2026

A 7-0 vote keeps talks alive as commissioners spell out funding limits and next steps.

Tampa to brief city council on $100M South Howard flood plan Rendering of a redesigned South Howard Avenue with widened sidewalks street trees and improved drainage

Rendering of a redesigned South Howard Avenue with widened sidewalks street trees and improved drainage

Tampa to brief city council on $100M South Howard flood plan

Chuck Merlis January 28, 2026

Tampa will brief City Council on a $100M South Howard flood project targeting chronic flooding.

Hillsborough College board unanimously backs Rays talks Conceptual rendering of Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus showing a proposed mixed-use development as stadium negotiations begin

Conceptual rendering of Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus showing a proposed mixed-use development as stadium negotiations begin

Hillsborough College board unanimously backs Rays talks

Chuck Merlis January 20, 2026

Hillsborough College trustees voted unanimously to begin formal Rays stadium negotiations.

Bavaro’s opens central kitchen on North Nebraska Exterior of Bavaro’s new central kitchen on North Nebraska Avenue used for bread, pasta and catering production.

Exterior of Bavaro’s new central kitchen on North Nebraska Avenue used for bread, pasta and catering production.

Bavaro’s opens central kitchen on North Nebraska

Chuck Merlis January 20, 2026

Bavaro’s opened a central kitchen on North Nebraska to shift catering and production out of its restaurants.

Hillsborough County to vote on $358.5M Lightning arena renovation Aerial view of Benchmark International Arena in downtown Tampa ahead of a Hillsborough County vote on expanded public funding for renovations.

Aerial view of Benchmark International Arena in downtown Tampa ahead of a Hillsborough County vote on expanded public funding for renovations.

Hillsborough County to vote on $358.5M Lightning arena renovation

Chuck Merlis January 20, 2026

Commissioners vote Jan. 21 on raising the arena renovation cap to $358.5M.

WM plans $88M recycling facility in East Ybor Rendering of Waste Management’s planned automated recycling facility in East Ybor, showing a long warehouse building with truck access and support structures.

Rendering of Waste Management’s planned automated recycling facility in East Ybor, showing a long warehouse building with truck access and support structures.

WM plans $88M recycling facility in East Ybor

Chuck Merlis January 16, 2026

WM of Florida is planning an $88 million redevelopment of its Tampa material recovery facility site in...

Tiny Tap Tavern sold after more than 70 years Exterior of Tiny Tap Tavern in Tampa with signage visible after the longtime neighborhood bar was sold.

Exterior of Tiny Tap Tavern in Tampa with signage visible after the longtime neighborhood bar was sold.

Tiny Tap Tavern sold after more than 70 years

Chuck Merlis December 29, 2025

After more than 70 years, Tiny Tap Tavern has been sold, with plans to preserve its legacy...

Why Lions World Vision Institute is moving beyond mobile care Rendering of Lions World Vision Institute’s planned Vision Health Center interior in Ybor City, showing a reception area, exam spaces and families receiving care.