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.
Innovation and Expansion in Tampa Bay
Frontier Airlines is set to offer a new East Coast route flying out of Tampa. In a press release, the airline announced it would be launching 23 new routes across the United States in early 2026. In an effort to ‘celebrate its continued growth’ Frontier will be offering fares starting at just $39. VP of network and operations design at Frontier, Josh Flyr, said “there’s a lot to be excited about…and we’re thrilled to kick things off with the announcement of these new routes.” From April, passengers will be able to enjoy twice-weekly flights from Norfolk International Airport to Tampa, and back again.
Sarasota cybersecurity company TENEX.AI has announced it’s secured $27 million in Series A funding from DTCP, funds that will go towards entry into the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) market. Despite being relatively new to the market, TENEX has already generated more than $18 million in revenue within its first three quarters. The company offers an AI-native, cloud-native ‘managed detection and response’ (MDR) platform, which helps organizations automatically detect, triage, and respond to cyber threats.
A recent study has revealed that Florida Polytechnic University adds almost $1 billion in annual economic activity. Retired economics professor at the University of West Florida Rick Harper led the study, which found that Florida Poly contributes over $952 million, through wages, income to businesses, tax revenue, and high-salary jobs its graduates tend to secure. The average salary for graduates of Florida Poly’s degree programs pay an average of $90,235 statewide, which is nearly twice the average in Florida at $48,579.
Food + Beer, the Sarasota-based restaurant chain with origins in the early 2000s, has opened its first location in Pasco County (eighth overall). The location will seat 150 guests and features a TV wall and outdoor patio. Diners can enjoy hand-breaded boneless nuggets, specialty burgers, Korean beef bowls, and more, with daily lunch specials starting at $8 and regular seasonal menus. With food served until 1AM or later, what are you waiting for?!
Tampa Looks Forward
The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College is set to undergo a $13 million renovation project, after receiving a $2.5 million grant from the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council. In a motion approved “unanimously by county commissioners”, the plan will “modernize seating, sightlines and acoustics, along with additional technological and cosmetic upgrades.” The venue was originally built in 1925 as a Christian Science church and listed on the Register of Historic Places, and became a theater in 1998, operated by the College since 2007. Performances range from ballet to opera to community events, and it generates $14 million in annual economic impact. The renovation will also serve to enhance SPC’s performing arts technology program, “allowing students hands-on experience with new professional audio systems.”
Fifth Third Bank has officially opened its 200th branch in Florida. The Sunshine State has enjoyed the opening of 76 new branches in the last seven years, bringing countless employment opportunities to locals. Fifth Third’s regional president for North Florida and “lifelong Floridian” Scott Daigle said: “The sunshine has always been a draw, but the fact that there are jobs here, good living wages, great opportunity to raise your family and amazing amenities, as a lot of these communities have built out and continue to reinvest.” The bank currently employs over 700 people in North Florida, and a similar number in South Florida.
Passenger ferries are set to make a triumphant return to Tampa, after a vote by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority approved Hubbard’s Marina to operate the service. The Madeira Beach business will run the service under a five-year agreement, and has the option to extend its contract for an additional five years. The Transit Authority hopes it will lower adult fares, and increase the frequency of trips across the bay. With service planned to start in mid-2026, passengers can enjoy trips from the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa and Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg. Guido Maniscalco, Tampa council member, said “any alternative transportation options will help create regionalism and connectivity” and described the ferry as “another tool in the toolbox to get traffic off the street.”
Ready Stays is Here to Help!
With so many great reasons to visit Tampa Bay, one thing you’ll want to get sorted early is a clean, comfortable, safe place to stay. That’s where Ready Stays comes in. We offer fully furnished, all-inclusive apartments and homes across Tampa Bay. Best of all, everything you need for a happy stay is included.
Whether you’re relocating, on a work assignment, or simply visiting to soak up some sunshine, our friendly, dedicated team will find you the perfect place to stay. Our contract-free stays give you full flexibility, with the added benefit of trusted support whenever you need it. Let us find your home away from home. We can’t wait to welcome you to Tampa soon!
