An independently organized version of the national TED conference and talks, TEDxTampaBay, now in its second year, generates conversations that prompt people to think more creatively and take actions to improve the world one idea at a time.
USF and Draper Lab are teaming up to develop novel medical devices that can make treatment less invasive and ease recovery for patients. The goal is to develop breakthrough technologies that improve patient safety, reduce surgical complications and increase medical-related benefits.
The USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation will be a sci-fi geek's dream when it opens in early 2012 in downtown Tampa. Designed and built by the Beck Group, CAMLS will feature the latest medical technology, including virtual reality surgery and human patient simulators.
The University of South Florida College of Marine Science is the centerpiece of a growing hub of marine-related organizations dubbed the Ocean Team by the City of St. Petersburg. The small graduate-level college sees its role as a steward of the oceans, sending scientists out globally to study important environmental issues.
Tampa Bay entrepreneur Ginger Watters' creation of TampaBayHelps is designed to leverage social media connections to grow donor support for local charities and build a community mindset that inspires greater philanthropic giving.
St. Petersburg's reputation as "City of the Arts" moves to a new level with 11:11, a "visionary" creative arts festival that combines music, art and dance. The three-day event starts Nov. 11.
"No one wants to turn Tampa into New York City or Boston," says Brian Seel of TRANSITion Tampa Bay, a group of young professionals calling for improved transportation. "The transit plan is ... simply a way to help us grow in a better pattern suited to the future of our region – a great tool to change the way we build new communities."
Gulfport residents take their unique lifestyle quite seriously. "Our quaintness is obvious and the people who come here and buy Gulfport properties are attracted by its quaintness. We want to keep the integrity of that," says Mike Yakes, who grew up in town and has been mayor since 1991. High-rise condos, chain restaurants, big hotels and brand-name stores are practically non-existent.
An amazing transformation is underway in downtown St. Petersburg. Dozens of small art galleries, an expanded clay studio and a new space dedicated to Chihuly glass will soon be open. By 2011, the Dali museum is expected to be in its new waterfront home. The arts scene is flourishing, attracting new investments, enthusiasm and creativity.
If you got a kick out of watching curling during the Winter Olympics, you might want to take a shot at shuffleboard. The longtime signature sport of Pinellas County -- much like curling, sans the ice -- is making a comeback. Just pick out a cue stick and try strategically shoving discs across a shuffleboard in downtown St. Petersburg, where public courts turn into popular gathering spots by evening to meet up with friends or have fun with the family.
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