What’s next for the Ashley Drive Interchange?

Tampa receives $5.3 million for Ashley Drive Interchange transformation

A future look at Ashley Drive heading North. | Rendering by City of Tampa

Navigating Downtown Tampa as a pedestrian may one day be a little easier — and safer.

The City of Tampa just received a $5.3 million grant from the the US Department of Transportation for upgrades to the Ashley Drive Interchange, according to a release. The money comes from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program — which is poised to fund $1 billion in projects across the country.

Rendering of Ashley Drive going South | Rendering via the City of Tampa

The transformation is expected to cost more than $10 million and include:

🚧 Bringing the Ashley Drive Interchange ramp down to street level
🚧 Taking out the viaduct that elevates the ramp
🏗️ Adding new street connections
🌳 Looking at new spots for public parks + greenspace along Ashley Drive
🚴 Adding improvements for bikers and walkers

Overall, leaders expect that these upgrades will “slow traffic and better transition drivers from I-275 into Downtown Tampa,” according to the release.

“Ashley Drive is a vital corridor that has been disconnected by the existing on-ramp, causing a division between our communities and the heart of our city,” Alana Brasier, City of Tampa Chief Planner said in the release. “This federal grant will help people in the community be able to get to things they need, like jobs, hospitals, grocery stores, schools, homes that they can afford, and places to play outside.”

The shifts to the interchange will help reconnect the downtown to Tampa Heights, Rep. Kathy Castor said in the release. And, she noted, “pedestrians and cyclists will have safer access to workplaces, grocery stores, recreation, and housing in North Downtown.”

The news falls in line with Riverwalk expansion plans + new interconnecting developments that bridge Tampa’s gaps. Read more about the project on the city’s website.

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Today, Feb. 22

Immersive St. Pete: How New Technologies Can Help Us Preserve the Past | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 6-7 p.m. | 140 7th Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Dr. Lori Collins shows examples of how new tech can help preserve and and showcase historic places.
“Chicago” | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $54-$150 | See the Broadway musical right here in Tampa Bay.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Agriculture Workforce in Florida | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join for a panel discussion on agriculture policy in Florida and workforce issues.

Friday, Feb. 24

2023 UNCF Black History Month Luncheon | Friday, Feb. 24 | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Westshore Grand Hotel, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $125 | Enjoy lunch and an address by Judge Glenda Hatchett of “Judge Hatchett” and “The Verdict” fame.
The Judds: The Final Tour | Friday, Feb. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $25.75-$395.75 | Wynonna Judd (and special guest Brandi Carlile) performs some of the Judds’ signature hits.
Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend | Friday, Feb. 24-Saturday, Feb. 25 | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | Free | Registration is closed, but stop by to watch the runners make their way down Bayshore.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Iconic: Portrait Edition | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 7-10 p.m. | The Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete | $150-$175 | Watch three local icons have their portrait painted +vote on your favorite.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Weather

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Sunrise + Sunset

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Opening

Something new is replacing Backfin Blue. A new wine bar, The Wine House, is opening later this spring in the shuttered Gulfport cafe space. The pale pink eatery will offer ample bubbly and light bites dreamed up by Tampa chef Nathan Harding. 🍷 (St. Pete Rising)
Embrace the steamy temps with a summertime classic. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls opened earlier this week in Downtown St. Pete. The restaurant (501 1st Ave. N.) uses Maine lobster to craft lobster BLTs, grilled cheese, salads, and more. (I Love the Burg)

Civic

Missed last week’s Coffee with Castor? The mayor is hosting a few more community conversations this week and next at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Kate Jackson Community Center, Forest Hills Community Center, and the Ragan Park Community Center.

Plan Ahead

Catch up on some required reading before watching Wynonna Judd wow Amalie this weekend. Creative Loafing spoke with the star before the show. Find out more about the singer’s relationship with her mother.

Community

The Burg’s own KellyAnn Jenkins just completed the ultimate bucket list task for a runner. I Love the Burg first reported that the local ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Read more about the marathoner’s journey. 🏃 (I Love the Burg)

Real Estate

Feeling spendy? A huge Davis Islands estate could be yours — for just under $24 million. The 9,038-sqft home boasts seven bedrooms and baths — and the plot of land is bigger than that of the estate TB12 and Derek Jeter once occupied in the neighborhood. (Tampa Bay Times)

Eat

Every dinner’s a party when the food tastes good. Home Chef’s meal kit delivery service takes the stress out of mealtimes with fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards, delivered right to your door. Order your first box — for 75% off.*

Shop

What we’re eyeing: Zulily’s sneaker shop and some fresh kicks for spring. Shop street styles from Nike, versatile New Balance picks, or fashionable Tory Burch sneakers all on sale now. 👟*

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: It’s gonna be a hot week. I’m excited to work on my garden + get it up to snuff before spring. Have any recs for local nurseries/favorite varieties to grow? Send ‘em my way.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We dive into a little Ybor City history.

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