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.
Investing in Tampa
Tampa General Hospital has received a significant boost for cancer research in the form of a $10 million gift from Ian and Jean MacKechnie. The donation from the founders of Amscot Financial will establish the Ian & Jean MacKechnie Immunotherapy Lab within the TGH Cancer Institute. The 8,000-square-foot lab will be housed in the USF Health building in downtown Tampa, deepening the already strong partnership between TGH and the University of South Florida. Part of the donation will also go towards the Taneja Surgical, Neuroscience & Transplant Tower, currently under construction on Davis Islands.
Big things are happening at the University of South Florida. Hillsborough County commissioners have unanimously approved $24 million to support the Fletcher District. The major mixed-use development is planned for the site of USF’s former golf course, just north of campus. The funding will go towards road upgrades, new turn lanes, and a pedestrian bridge across Fletcher Avenue linking the campus to the new district. Once complete, the Fletcher District will bring student housing, apartments, a hotel, retail, restaurants, and a research facility to the area. Construction begins this spring, with the first phase expected to open in summer 2028.
If you’ve ever visited the Dalí Museum in downtown St. Petersburg, you’ll know it’s already a pretty special place, and it’s about to get even better. The museum has announced a $65 million expansion that will add 35,000 square feet to its waterfront campus, which will more than double its current size. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with new spaces opening in 2028. Visitors can look forward to immersive tech-driven galleries, a dedicated learning center for students, and new community event spaces. The museum will stay open during construction. Executive director of The Dali Museum, Hank Hine, said: “We are creating a museum that will stand with the great cultural institutions of the world”.
Tampa Bay Innovation and Developments
A new Mexican restaurant is heading to the city, brought to life by a restaurateur already well established in the Water Street district. Gus Thieken is the former General Manager of The Pearl, a “well-polished culinary jewel that features seasonal seafood, unique shareables, handcrafted cocktails and more”. Early concept renderings of the project, named La Victoria, have been released, and it’s clear it’s set to be a characterful, soul-filled space rather than just another lunch option for the office crowd. It’ll sit neatly within the ever-expanding Water Street neighbourhood, which has been steadily filling out with new homes, hotels, and businesses. Thieken said he’s “going to bring some soul to Tampa”.
Excellent news, soccer fans! British clubs Leeds United and Wrexham AFC (made famous by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney) are coming to Raymond James Stadium on Saturday 25th July, as part of TEG Sport’s 2026 Summer Soccer Series. Tickets go on general sale on 12th March, so make sure to set a reminder. A great excuse to be in Tampa this summer (as if you needed another one).
St. Pete has always had a proud place in aviation history; the world’s first scheduled commercial airline flight took off from its waterfront back in 1914. Now, the city has its sights set on the next chapter. An Advanced Air Mobility Task Force has delivered its final recommendations to the City Council, laying out a roadmap for bringing electric air taxis (eVTOLs) to Albert Whitted Airport. Short-term plans include charging infrastructure and safety upgrades, with purpose-built vertiports potentially following within a decade. Proposed routes could eventually link St. Pete with Tampa International and beyond.
A fast-casual chain that’s amassed a loyal following across the western United States since originally opening in Utah, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill, is opening its very first Florida location right here in the Tampa Bay area. Known for scratch-made tortillas, house salsas, and fire-grilled proteins served up in burritos, bowls, and tacos, the Grill will bring fresh food and good vibes to Pinellas County.
If you’ve ever caught a film or a show at the Tampa Theatre, you’ll know there’s nowhere quite like it. One of downtown Tampa’s most treasured landmarks, the ornate 1925 movie palace has closed its main auditorium for a six-month, $30 million restoration as part of its Second Century Campaign, with work getting underway this month. The project will bring the historic space back to its original glory, with infrastructure, plaster, and original fixtures all carefully restored. Doors are set to reopen in late September, just in time for the venue’s 100th birthday celebrations in October.
Ready Stays is Here to Help!
Whether your trip to Tampa is due to a new career opportunity, to get involved in our many construction projects, or to sample the delights of our world-class food, drink and entertainment scene, Ready Stays is here to provide you with the short-term rental solution you need.
Our contract-free stays mean you can spend as much time as you like with us here in Tampa, at one of our fabulously decorated, fully furnished, full-service properties. All our properties come with everything you’ll need for a safe, secure, comfortable stay, including utilities, WiFi, comfortable beds and couches, dressers, wardrobes, kitchenware and more!
Our belief that comfortable, relaxing stays should be available for everyone fuels everything we do, and our competitive prices mean we’re cheaper than hotel rooms, with all the added comfort of your new home away from home.
Get in touch with our friendly, helpful team today on 813-358-1478. We can’t wait to welcome you soon!
