Let’s take a look at everything that’s happening in the Tampa Bay area, what’s coming up in the next few weeks and months, and how Ready Stays is here for your month-to-month rental needs in Tampa.
Pete Buttigieg has announced a $12.6 million grant for Port Tampa Bay. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation visited Tampa on August 23 to speak about the money, which comes from a RAISE Grant funded in part by infrastructure legislation passed by Congress, and will be used to build a new berth at Port Redwing. This new berth will not only increase capacity at the port, but also create 800 jobs and reduce emissions. It’ll also mean the port can process more cargo at any one time. Buttigieg said during his 8-minute speech that the addition would save almost 3 million miles of unnecessary travel during its first year.
In similar news, Tampa’s Urban Centre has received a $3.5 million renovation in an attempt to help tenants retain employees. The bronze building has been a landmark on Kennedy Boulevard since it was built in 1984. Despite grim predictions of the crash of the office market during the pandemic, it managed to maintain occupancy at 90%. Despite reluctance from workers to give up remote working completely, the Centre is hoping that the investment will go toward it becoming more of a recruitment tool for tenants. The renovation has included an overhaul of open space, which was underutilized beforehand, with pergolas, a garden chess board, and quiet courtyard for decompressing or reading.
Tampa has begun the demolition of the Penny Saver Food Market in efforts to redevelop a nearby park. Mayor Jane Castor began proceedings by ripping into the former market, located on North 34th Street, next to Fair Oaks Park, using a backhoe. Among plans for the redevelopment is a senior center, as well as a recreation center, exercise trails and athletic fields. City officials are in negotiations with Swedish construction firm Skanska to lead on the design and building of the redevelopment.
A local transit authority has received an $18 million grant to buy more electric buses. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will now be able to purchase 60 electric buses over the next 5 years. The funds have come as a result of the U.S. government’s settlement with German car manufacturer Volkswagen, which was accused of violating the clean air act. It’s the second largest amount ever awarded to a Florida transit agency.
The University of South Florida has been named a top employer by Forbes Magazine. According to Forbes’ rankings of America’s Best Employers by State, USF is number 21 of 100 public and private organizations in Florida, and number 2 of colleges and universities in the state. Market research company Statista helped to compile the rankings. University President Rhea Law stated the “University of South Florida is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of the top employers in Florida,” going on to say that “our faculty and staff are crucial to achieving our strategic goals promoting student success, strengthening excellence in research and enhancing partnerships and collaborations within and outside of USF.”
So, there’s lots to get excited about in Tampa Bay! Whether you’re coming here to work on one of the many construction opportunities, start a new job or enroll in university or college, Ready Stays is the perfect solution to your short-term rental needs. We have properties located throughout Tampa, all in safe, secure communities, and all fully furnished with everything you’ll need for a successful stay.
Our contract-free stays mean you won’t be locked into staying any longer than you need to. Come and enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer, and rest assured that when you choose Ready Stays, we’re completely devoted to ensuring you settle into your life in Tampa with the greatest of ease.
