Economic Development

USF real estate program accelerates with $1.25M gift

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University of South Florida entrance sign with the USF Bulls logo on a brick and white monument surrounded by landscaping.

A $1.25M gift and new leadership are accelerating USF’s push to build a full real estate education pipeline in Tampa Bay.

$34.7M Fair Oaks Recreation Center opens in East Tampa

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Aerial view of the Fair Oaks Recreation Center in East Tampa showing solar panels on the roof and surrounding neighborhood

East Tampa’s $34.7M Fair Oaks Recreation Center opens as a major community investment heading into 2026.

St. Petersburg becomes 1st Florida city to adopt faith based affordable housing provision

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St. Petersburg officials and community partners break ground on SkyWay Lofts, an affordable housing development by Blue Sky Communities

St. Petersburg is the first Florida city to adopt a faith based policy aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities.

How does philanthropy fuel Tampa Bay’s economic growth?

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Aerial view of downtown Tampa showing the Hillsborough River, Riverwalk, high-rise office towers and neighborhoods stretching toward Tampa Bay under a bright blue sky.

Data shows how philanthropy powers Tampa Bay’s economic growth by strengthening the systems that help people and businesses thrive.

White Castle taps Sarasota firm for 1st fully automated airport kiosk

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Interior of Boston Logan Airport with travelers at check-in and an inset photo of a White Castle–branded Just Baked automated food kiosk.

White Castle partnered with a Sarasota tech firm to launch its first fully automated airport kiosk serving hot Sliders around the clock.

City of Tampa puts police HQ on the market for $36M. Why?

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Tampa Police officers standing in a line in front of the Tampa Police Department headquarters, a tall blue-glass building in downtown Tampa.

Tampa is putting its police HQ on the market for $36M — here’s why the city is selling and what comes next.

How CareerSource’s new CEO is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s workforce

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CareerSource Tampa Bay logo featuring four geometric shapes in orange, green, blue, and light blue, arranged in a triangular formation with the words “CareerSource” in green and orange and “TAMPA BAY” in blue.

CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO Keidrian Kunkel is reimagining how the region develops, connects and retains talent.

Fifth Third opens its 200th Florida branch as growth shifts south

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Modern exterior of a Fifth Third Bank branch with glass walls, green accents and a bright blue sky.

Fifth Third’s 200th Florida branch marks a major step in the bank’s Southeast expansion and its promise to build where growth is strongest.