Economic Development

Moez Limayem says USF is ‘open for business’ USF President Moez Limayem tours the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus during his first weeks in office.

USF President Moez Limayem tours the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus during his first weeks in office.

Moez Limayem says USF is ‘open for business’

Chuck Merlis March 2, 2026

Limayem ties internships and AI strategy to Tampa Bay workforce needs.

Thousand & One hits 95% leased at Water Street Aerial view of Thousand & One office tower at Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa.

Aerial view of Thousand & One office tower at Water Street Tampa in downtown Tampa.

Thousand & One hits 95% leased at Water Street

Chuck Merlis March 2, 2026

Berkadia relocation and RSM growth push the Water Street tower toward full lease-up.

Weatherford Capital invests in USL ahead of 2028 Division I launch United Soccer League logo on navy background

Weatherford Capital invests in USL ahead of 2028 Division I launch

Chuck Merlis February 26, 2026

Tampa investor joins USL backers as the league readies a 2028 Division I launch.

Hancock Whitney targets Tampa middle market with banker-led model Hancock Whitney bank sign outside branch location

Hancock Whitney bank sign outside branch location

Hancock Whitney targets Tampa middle market with banker-led model

Chuck Merlis February 25, 2026

Obeck says the bank wins with local decisioning and treasury tools built for owners.

$59M Bernie McCabe Courthouse opens for 2nd District Court of Appeal Interior ceremonial courtroom at the $59 million Bernie McCabe Courthouse, home of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal in St. Petersburg.

Interior ceremonial courtroom at the $59 million Bernie McCabe Courthouse, home of Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal in St. Petersburg.

$59M Bernie McCabe Courthouse opens for 2nd District Court of Appeal

Chuck Merlis February 25, 2026

New St. Petersburg courthouse becomes permanent home for Second DCA.

Gasparilla Music Festival returns, projects 10,000 daily Crowd at Gasparilla Music Festival performance in downtown Tampa

Crowd at Gasparilla Music Festival performance in downtown Tampa

Gasparilla Music Festival returns, projects 10,000 daily

Chuck Merlis February 25, 2026

Festival projects 10,000 daily attendees inside Water Street district.

Walmart plans eight-pump fuel station in South Tampa Walmart fuel station with multiple gas pumps and convenience store under blue Walmart canopy

Walmart fuel station with multiple gas pumps and convenience store under blue Walmart canopy

Walmart plans eight-pump fuel station in South Tampa

Chuck Merlis February 24, 2026

Walmart is moving to add a fuel station at its South Tampa store on West Gandy Boulevard,...

West River closes housing phase, eyes Main Street Aerial view of Canopy at West River redevelopment site in Tampa

Aerial view of Canopy at West River redevelopment site in Tampa

West River closes housing phase, eyes Main Street

Chuck Merlis February 23, 2026

Completion of 384 units shifts focus to commercial buildout along the corridor.

Ryan Serhant to lead sales for Roche Bobois tower in St. Pete Rendering of the Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower planned for downtown St. Petersburg.

Rendering of the Roche Bobois St. Pete Tower planned for downtown St. Petersburg.

Ryan Serhant to lead sales for Roche Bobois tower in St. Pete

Chuck Merlis February 18, 2026

Sales launch for the $200M, 164-unit Roche Bobois tower in downtown St. Pete.

Welch details $600M bond, Gas Plant push in State of the City St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch delivers the 2026 State of the City address at the Palladium in downtown St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch delivers the 2026 State of the City address at the Palladium in downtown St. Petersburg.

Welch details $600M bond, Gas Plant push in State of the City

Chuck Merlis February 19, 2026

Welch laid out bond plans, recovery spending and next steps for the Gas Plant redevelopment.