Economic Growth

Pinellas tourism hits $10B impact, funds $153M projects

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Aerial view of downtown St. Petersburg showing waterfront, high-rise buildings and marina, highlighting how tourism dollars support local infrastructure and growth.

Tourism continues to anchor Pinellas County’s economy, generating more than $10 billion in economic impact in 2025 while supporting roughly 100,000 jobs across hospitality, retail, transportation and related sectors. Beyond visitor spending, tourism is also driving significant reinvestment back into the county. In 2025, tourism-generated dollars returned nearly $155 million directly into Pinellas County communities, … Read more

Buddy Brew Coffee to open 10 cafés inside Sprouts stores

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Buddy Brew Coffee storefront with black awnings during retail expansion into grocery stores

Buddy Brew Coffee plans 10 in-store cafés inside Sprouts locations across Tampa Bay.

Rhea Law’s lifetime bet on the University of South Florida

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Dr. Rhea Law sits on the University of South Florida campus, smiling and flashing the Bull Horns hand sign near the USF Bull statues.

Dr. Rhea Law reflects on four decades shaping USF and the responsibility that comes with growth.

Valspar Championship pumps $75M into Tampa Bay

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Golfer tees off at the Valspar Championship with spectators lined behind the fairway signage in Tampa Bay.

The Valspar Championship generates $75M a year in economic impact across Tampa Bay.

WM plans $88M recycling facility in East Ybor

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

WM of Florida is planning an $88 million redevelopment of its Tampa material recovery facility site in East Ybor. The project would replace the function of the existing plant with a larger, more automated recycling operation designed to expand processing capacity. The project is planned for an 11-acre site at 1400 N 35th St. Plans … Read more

Rays CEO Ken Babby commits to April 2029 ballpark opening

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Tampa Bay Rays executives pose together at a team event announcing a new ballpark timeline.

Babby commits to an April 2029 Rays ballpark and a mixed-use development plan.

New rental community brings 284 homes to Parrish

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Newly built rental homes in Parrish near the I-75 corridor

A new rental community adds 284 homes to Parrish as Tampa Bay housing growth pushes south.

Tampa real estate market enters a more selective phase

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Downtown Tampa skyline at dusk as the city’s commercial real estate market enters a more selective phase.

Tampa’s commercial real estate market is growing, but investors are moving more carefully.