In The News

New Growth Emerges In Pinellas Beach Towns

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Developers and residents of Pinellas County beach towns have long clashed over how growth should take shape, but disagreements may be lessening as both become more sensitive to each other's perspectives and value.

The new economy is attracting tourists back in droves and cities looking for part of that economic boost are finding ways to accommodate growth without turning their backs on the natural environment.

Read the complete story.

Hillsborough Joins Tampa In Push For Recycling

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The unincorporated parts of Hillsborough County -- everywhere except Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City -- are about to become part of a new effort to encourage recycling among residents who now through everything in the garbage.

The county will soon distribute two cans, one for waste / one for recycling, to each household, making it easier to sort and pickup waste. The long-term goal is for the investment to pay off in sales of recyclable material as well as reductions in garbage disposal.

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Smart Cans Among Innovations For Tampa's Recycling Program

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, January 08, 2013

New giant green recylcing bins on wheels, "smart'' cans that can measure how much you recycle and new fuel-efficient trucks that run on natural gas are among the green updates taking place in the trash hauling business for the city of Tampa.

Tonja Brickhouse, chief of the city's trash hauling department, is implementing newer equipment and processes designed to generate more revenue while encouraging recycling.

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Moving To Florida: More In Than Out In 2012

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, January 08, 2013

The numbers are adding up to show a return to the traditional trend of more people moving to Florida than out of the "Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams.''

Despite a slowdown during the recession, population growth in Florida continues. The U.S. Census projects the population of Florida soon will surpass New York state, meaning only California and Texas have more people.

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Florida Springs Suffer Despite Efforts To Save Them

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A program put in place by former Gov. Jeb Bush was designed to save Florida's freshwater springs, but Gov. Rick Scott disbanded the program.

The lack of effort has caused a regression that threatens many of the state's natural springs.

Read the complete story.

Tampa Bay Rays Want To Look In Tampa For New Stadium Site

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays, suffering financially from some of the poorest attendance in Major League Baseball, are seeking permission to look outside Pinellas County and St. Petersburg for a new stadium.

The Rays are widely thought to desire a place in downtown Tampa, but need out of their long-term contract in St. Pete to make it happen.

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Green Can Project: Recycling For Charities, Tampa

The Tampa Tribune Tuesday, September 25, 2012

When can one man's pursuit of an idea really make a difference?

Meet Dennis Gallagher. The Tampa painter noticed that most apartment buildings aren't serviced by city recycling programs. Yet apartment dwellers use lots of recyclables. What to do with the empty aluminum cans? Gallagher to the rescue. He sets up collection barrells, sells the donated cans and gives the money back to charities. All in a day's work.

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CNBC: Challenges In Florida's Business Climate

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Florida's ranking in an annual CNBC survey dropped primarily based on difficulties for businesses to obtain capital, fluctuating education standards and increasing transportation needs.

The survey follows changes implemented by unpopular Gov. Rick Scott, including the Florida governor's rejection of federal money for high-speed rail.

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Florida Banks Rebounding, Making More Money

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The banking industry in Florida is finally rebounding after the financial plunge of recent years following the collapse of the real estate market.

Profits are up. Bank failures are down. Stability is becoming the catchword for describing a more dependable lending environment.

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Urban Charrette Helps Design Tampa's Future

Architect Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The urban design project Urban Charrette in Tampa is helping shape what's next for Tampa by engaging community members in conversation and actions, including the city's InVision Tampa process.

The group aims to create strategic partnerships among design specialists -- architects, urban planners, builders, etc. -- to create a more sustainable community that nurtures more livable spaces.

Read the complete story.

Bike Sharing Slowly Re-Emerges In St. Pete, Tampa

Creative Loafing Tampa Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Bike sharing programs are sweeping the nation's cities as commuters and downtown dwellers look for alternative transportation.

The Tampa Bay region is no different as two young men try to convince public office holders and private investors that bicycles are worth the investment.

Read the complete story.

Columnist Lists Reasons For Optimism About Tampa Bay's Economy

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Tampa Bay Times Columnist Bob Trigaux lists 10 key indicators that the Florida region's economy is getting better.

On the list: More new cars sold, more tourists visiting, housing prices ticking upward, jobs being created.

Read the complete column.

Image Vs. Reality: Truths About St. Pete, Orlando

Florida Trend Tuesday, May 08, 2012

People working to lure business and industry to Florida know that the narrative created by traditional media about the state's economy often doesn't match what's happening on the ground.

Florida Trend takes a look at image vs. reality in St. Petersburg and Orlando.

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Connect People And Better Transit Will Follow, Tampa

Tampa Bay Times Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn urges residents to help shape the city's next 25 years by actively participating in the city's InVision process.

Tampa Bay Times Columnist Ernest Hooper suggests the best path to follow is on that successfully connects people to the places where they live, work and play.

Read the complete column.

InVision Tampa Starts With Knowledge Exchange

Fox 13 Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The process for creating a new 25-year strategic plan for downtown Tampa and surrounding neighborhoods gets underway with Mayor Bob Buckhorn calling for citizen involvement in InVision Tampa.

The first of four Knowledge Exchanges took place on April 11. Three more are planned.

Watch the complete story.

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