Plus, the Westshore Plaza Mall's potential demolition.
 
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A new era for Tampa Heights

Happening in the Heights: YMCA redevelopment project moves forward
The rendering of the new Tampa Heights development features a greenery-covered building, a few housing towers, and a smaller brick building side-by-side, with crosswalks and sidewalks leading up to them.
The new 6+-acre development will offer tons of resources to the neighborhood’s residents. | Rendering via @ellisondev
What’s happening in the Heights?

The redevelopment of the Central City YMCA’s Tampa Heights property is moving forward, after Tampa City Council gave its initial approval late last week.

Tampa-based Ellison Development will lead the 1.25 million-sqft project, right in the heart of the Tampa Heights Historic District at 110 E. Palm Ave.

Casey Ellison, Ellison Development president and CEO, added in a statement to social media that the project will allow the YMCA “to expand their reach while also creating a much-needed link between Ybor City and the Heights.”

What’s included?

The $600 million project will practically double the square footage of the current Central City YMCA + transform the 6.2 acres into a bustling core of activity with:
  • A 200-room hotel
  • 400 multi-family housing units (10% will be classified as affordable)
  • Retail space
  • 20,000 sqft of green space
  • 184,000 sqft of office space
  • Preservation of the Standard Oil Building located at 110 E. Oak Ave.
Snapinsta.app_433685370_17887168536001028_1874133779982236651_n_1080.jpg

The Ellison Development rendering shows a Skybridge that will connect the new YMCA with parking and offices.

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Rendering via @ellisondev

The plans for the new YMCA

  • Rooftop pool
  • Pickleball courts
  • Pre-school + before and after school care
  • Teen programs
  • Skybridge over Florida Avenue connecting to parking and offices
  • Summer day camps
  • Wellness resources
Check out more details on the plans.

What’s the timeline?

The project still needs final approval from Tampa City Council. A second hearing is booked for Thursday, April 18.

Construction is expected to start this summer, with work on the new Center City YMCA. Don’t worry, the current YMCA will not close its doors until the new facility is open. Ellison forecasts the new YMCA will be finished in early 2026.
 
Events
Tuesday, March 26
  • “The Truth About the Devlins” | Tuesday, March 26 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $30 | Join bestselling mystery author Lisa Scottoline for a discussion of her latest domestic thriller.
  • “Problemista” | Tuesday, March 26-Sunday, March 31 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $7-$12 | The newly released flick follows an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador trying to bring his dreams to life in New York City.
Wednesday, March 27
  • TogetHER 2024: Inspire Inclusion | Wednesday, March 27 | 4-7:30 p.m. | Hyde Park Village, 742 S. Village Cir., Tampa | $25-$50 | The annual Women’s History Month event boasts a panel discussion featuring folks from Zakarian Hospitality, Wheely Big Dreams, Tampa International Airport, and Ya La’Ford — a multidisciplinary artist.
  • “Girl From the North Country” | Wednesday, March 27-Sunday, March 31 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $48 | Set in 1934, a group of travelers interact in a Duluth, Minnesota guesthouse in this musical featuring some of Bob Dylan’s greatest songs.
  • Lightning vs. Bruins | Wednesday, March 27 | 7:30 | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $88+ | Watch the Bolts as they hope to further solidify their playoff hopes.
Thursday, March 28
  • PlaceMattersSP: The Historic Williams House | Thursday, March 28 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Historic Williams House, 140 7th Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $0-$10 | Take a peek at the history, restoration, and future of one of the Burg’s oldest homes with preservation architect Paul Palmer and USF staff member Sudsy Tschiderer.
Friday, March 29
  • Sugar Sammy: “US Tour” | Friday, March 29-Saturday, March 30 | Times vary | Side Splitters Comedy Club, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $28-$38 | The Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer from Montreal takes the Cigar City stage.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Number
  • $3 million. That’s how much federal money the City of St. Petersburg just allocated to create the Renter Utility Relief program. Funds will help renters + landlords whittle down overdue water, electric, and sanitation bills. Awards will average between $500 and $600. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Development
  • The Westshore Plaza Mall may be coming down. Developers have proposed fully demolishing the mall, with the exception of the Macy’s building + the parking to its west. Potential plans for the South Tampa land include housing, plus retail and office space. (WFTS)
Opening
  • Meet the Moxy. The Moxy Hotel, St. Pete’s newest home away from home, opens Friday, June 14 at at 1234 Central Ave. The EDGE District hotel boasts 163 rooms, a coffee shop and juice bar, a lobby bar, and a podcast studio. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
  • Hey, sunchasers. Tampa Bay Sun FC just released ticket pricing for their inaugural season, which kicks off in August, starting at $15 per game for season pass holders. The stadium will host a variety of seating options, from standing-room only zones to midfield views.
Coming Soon
  • What’s brewing in the Burg? Outcast Brewing Company plans to open this summer in the former home of the Brutalist Temple of Beer (1776 11th Ave. N.). The new spot will feature a prosecco bar and beer garden. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Ranked
  • No. 11. That’s where Hillsborough County ranked among the US Census Bureau’s fastest-growing counties in the country from 2020 to 2023. Hillsborough gained 69,309 residents over the time period. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Show
  • The upcoming Tampa Bay AirFest will be the last one for a while as MacDill Air Force Base prepares for construction. The free event at the base runs Friday, March 29-Saturday, March 30 + features the Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and tours of retro and new planes. (Tampa Bay Times)
Announced
  • Do we have any “Stranger Things” fans out there? You’re in luck — “Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical” is coming to The Straz Center March 26–April 21. The show is packed with familiar Hawkins faces like Mike, Eleven, and dancing monsters. Buy tickets. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
  • It’s never too early to check in on the Bucs’ roster for the upcoming season. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Plan Ahead
    • Psst — Taxes are almost due. Use E-file for quick, online filing. Plus, file your federal taxes for free with their basic software plan.*
    TEGNA
     
    Food

    🥁 Drumroll, please

    Vote in TBAYtoday’s coffee shop bracket
    A TBAYtoday coffee shop bracket graphic. There are coffee beans on a blue background, with the message "Coffee Shop Bracket Winner: Spaddy's Coffee Co."
    And the winner is: Spaddy’s Coffee Co. + | Graphic by TBAYtoday + photo by @spaddyscoffee
    And the bracket winner is… Spaddy’s Coffee Co., voted best coffee shop in the Tampa Bay area by our readers and social media followers in our TBAYtoday coffee shop bracket.

    The funky spot serves handcrafted java + Cuban bread and pastries straight out of an Airstream in Seminole Heights — and boasts a beautiful outdoor patio right in the heart of the area. If that’s not enough, animals are welcome too.

    We want to extend a major “thank you” to all of you for participating in our bracket challenge the past few weeks. We’ve had a blast seeing how the votes shook out, and we hope you did too. Looking for more coffee shops around town? Check out our guide.
    The Buy
    The Avryn & Co. wristlet sets. Bop around with all of your essentials and look stylish doing it.
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    The Wrap
     
    Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

    Today’s edition by:
    Bailey
    From the editor
    On the hunt for Easter weekend plans? Tampa Pickleball Crew is hosting Battle to the Basket this Saturday, March 30 from 8:30 to11:30 a.m. And the winning duos get to pick an easter egg from the prize basket.
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