08.14.2023

Today’s Forecast

What’s coming “just around the riverbend” (quite literally)

What’s going on with the Tampa Riverwalk Expansion?

Rendering of the Rome Yards development showing two large buildings with a row of palm trees between and grassy area in front.

Rome Yards will feature green spaces, affordable housing, retail, and shopping. | Rendering via Related Group

Since our initial write-up on the Tampa Riverwalk Expansion, a lot more has developed with the plan. We figured we may as well bring you all up to speed.

The major talking piece? 15-minute neighborhoods coming to spots along the Riverwalk.

(If you need a refresher, read our previous story about the Tampa Riverwalk Expansion before heading back here for the updates.)

Since our last article...

Plans for the new West Riverwalk call for three new residential towers around W. Kennedy Boulevard and S. Parker Street.
Developer Related Group anticipates breaking ground on the three new towers in early 2024.
The new neighborhood’s name? The Riverwalk District.
Related Group also has preliminary plans for retail space to accompany the ~1,000 housing units.
Another West Riverwalk development, Rome Yards (also headed by Related Group), will bring ~600 affordable housing units — 954 units in total — to the area between Rome Avenue and the Hillsborough River.
Rome Yards will also feature retail + dining, a workforce training center, a great lawn, amphitheater, and a cultural arts center.

Rendering showing the Rome Yards development sitting along the river. — The riverwalk extension will cut through the development from the Hillsborough River in the East to Rome Avenue in the West.
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Rendering via Related Group

So... what’s a 15-minute neighborhood?

Think: dense, walkable communities that provide everything you may need within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

Neighborhoods on the Riverwalk can make this easier to accomplish by providing easy, walkable access to places like work, restaurants, services, and retail, thanks to the Riverwalk expansion.

Curious about what these neighborhoods could look like? Cities like Portland and Detroit have deployed similar plans, but every city’s approach can be different — from widening bike lanes or sidewalks to making Riverwalk mobility more accessible, like Tampa.

You can stay updated on Riverwalk expansion progress via the City of Tampa’s website — or you could just wait for our next update. 😉

Events

Monday, Aug. 14

Romance Week Speed Dating | Monday, Aug. 14 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Good Intentions, 1900 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $30 | Join this speed dating event while celebrating the bookstore’s romance week.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

Tai Chi | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Northwest Park, 5801 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Learn the Tai Chi basics with this free class from Suncoast Martial Arts — make sure to digitally sign in.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Restorative Yoga | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 5:30-6 p.m. | Florida Blue Center, 3758 Park Blvd. Ste. 5, Pinellas Park | Free | Get your flow on, clear your mind, and relieve pressure in your body — bring your own mat.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Surreal Summer Nights at The Dalí | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | The Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | $29 | Jam out to a DJ while roaming the museum — plus, watch a live painting + sip on cocktails.

Friday, Aug. 18

3rd Friday Street Celebration | Friday, Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | Main St., Safety Harbor | Free | Shop, eat, and sip from nine blocks of restaurants, bars, shops and nonprofits — the street is open carry for boozy beverages.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

We’ve got more walkable community news. Plans for the mixed-use Gas Worx district include turning it into a unique, walkable neighborhood. Renderings for the project’s second phase include a five-story apartment building + the historic warehouse at 1301 E. Fourth Ave. being split into two retail and restaurant spaces. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Active

Speaking of Gas Worx, construction just started on Gold’s Gym Tampa Gas Worx. The $3 million, 25,000-sqft club (802 N. 12th St., Tampa) will feature state of the art gym equipment + a large coworking space. The fitness club is projected to open later this year.

Eat

Clearwater’s Indian Bistro recently opened a location in St. Pete Beach at 4785 Gulf Blvd. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner with items like garlic naan, tikka masala, and samosas. Pro tip: Portions are fairly large. (I Love the Burg)

Outdoors

Now for some good coral news. Coral scientists at the Florida Aquarium recently celebrated the spawning of coral bundles. Now, the aquarium team will separate the eggs and sperm to pair them with the releases from other corals in order to improve genetic diversity and combat coral bleaching. (WUSF News)

Transit

The increasingly-popular Tampa Streetcar just broke another record. In July, ridership reached 164,325 — the biggest month for the streetcar in modern history. Learn how to ride the streetcar with this guide. (That’s So Tampa)

Real Estate

Prepare for a jaw drop. This South Tampa waterfront mansion is currently listed for $14.95 million. The five-bedroom, six full and two half-bath home includes a gym, wine cellar, four-car garage, and a three-level cascading pool. Brb, we’re going to buy a lottery ticket. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Giveaway

We need your help, TBAY: We’re partnering with Publix on the Publix Giveback Giveaway to award two local nonprofits a free TBAYtoday advertising package, totaling $6,200 in value. The two organizations with the most nominations win — so cast your vote before Wednesday, Aug. 16 (and help us spread the word).

Edu

Indiana University is one of the leading American research universities at the forefront of test-optional admissions — which means greater opportunity for your student to succeed in college and beyond. Explore your student’s application options at IU.*

Shop

Last chance: MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale ends in just two days. Now’s your chance to take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount.*

Answered

Yesterday we asked you to vote on your favorite bathroom in Tampa Bay, and here’s what you said:

8FC0552C-3ECA-4E70-96C8-F4075F8A0CC3 (1).jpg — The pristine latrine gives the same Old World feel as the rest of OE.
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Photo via Oxford Exchange

🥇 First place | Oxford Exchange
🥈 Second place | Tampa International Airport
🥉 Third place | King State

Urban StillHouse and Bern’s Steak House both tied for last place.

Wanna read about these luxurious local latrines and where to find them? You can do that here.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Brianna

From the editor

As someone who lives in Chicago (don’t worry, I’m only a temporary helper — another local co-editor will be back at Bailey’s side soon), I know firsthand just how much a fantastic riverwalk can elevate cities. I’m excited to see how TBAY continues to strategically utilize its riverfront space with this project.

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