Government

Q&A: Francisco “Frank” Sanchez, Tampa

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September 14, 2010

As U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Tampa native son Francisco "Frank'' Sanchez travels the world to discuss opportunities to increase U.S. exports and create jobs for Americans. He was back in Tampa in August to meet with business, academic and community leaders interested in learning more about the National Export Initiative and how increasing exports can help fuel America's economic recovery. He and Congresswoman Kathy Castor of Tampa work closely together on issues such as travel and trade with Cuba.

Latest in Government

Hillsborough County Posts 2 Communications Positions, Hiring

By Mandy Erfourth

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General

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September 7, 2010

Two communications positions serving Hillsborough County government are open for applicants.Hillsborough County will be hiring a computer graphics designer and a community relations coordinator.The computer graphics designer position involves designing publication covers, brochures, pamphlets, signs, letterheads and other items. To apply for this position the applicant needs a bachelor's degree in arts, fine arts or science. The applicant also needs to have substantial knowledge of design, layout and preparation of graphic art work. This position also requires the applicant to be able to plan, design and create work at a professional level.The community relations coordinator position involves organizing studies to establish program priorities relative to getting funds and resources. This position also involves researching within human relations and planning and performing program analysis and statistical research. This position requires the applicant to have a bachelor's degree and three years of experience in planning, implementing or managing community relations or community education programs, or an associate's degree and four years of experience, or a high school diploma or GED with five years of experience.The applicant also needs to have extensive knowledge of education principles, methods and practices, and must be proficient in English grammar, punctuation, spelling and the use of photographic and audiovisual equipment. Hillsborough County government is offering good benefits with these positions, including participation in the Florida Retirement System, an employer contribution into a deferred compensation program (similar to a 401K plan), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, sick leave, newborn leave and affordable health, dental and vision insurance. For more information about these positions, contact Willie Puz at puzw@hillsboroughcounty.org.Writer: Mandy ErfourthSource: Willie Puz, Hillsborough County

Studies Underway For Proposed Tampa Bay Ferry

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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September 7, 2010

What if Tampa, like Seattle, had ferry service across its waterway?That's what officials from the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) are wondering. They've hired Jacobs Engineering and Cambridge Systematics to conduct preliminary studies to explore the possibility of a circular ferry route across Tampa Bay."It's a feasibility study to see if water transit is something we could pursue," explains Randy Kranjec of the Hillsborough County MPO . "Consultants will come back after this first phase to determine whether water transit is viable."According to Cambridge Systematics' Michael Williamson, initial stakeholder input suggests a water ferry service would be a viable option for commuting purposes as well as recreational and tourism-related activities. A connection between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg is one of the more favorable routes.. Factors still to be considered include water depth, speed restrictions and vessel characteristics (capacity, speed, amenities). Other connections being considered include Westshore, MacDill AFB, Safety Harbor/Oldsmar, Fort DeSoto and Gibsonton/Apollo Beach.The idea for ferry service has been debated for several years and is included in the Master Plan developed by the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA). Investigations began as early as 2003. In 2008 Hillsborough County received federal funds to conduct a feasibility study and later that year the Urban Charrette hosted a Design Charrette on behalf of the Tampa Downtown Partnership that explored the logistics of water taxi service across Tampa Bay. According to Williamson, next steps will focus on estimating potential ridership demand for select routes, further consideration of station locations and vessel technologies, and development of findings and recommendations to guide the next phase.Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Randy Kranjec, Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization; Michael Williamson, Cambridge Systematics

Tampa Bay Farmers Markets Re-Open For Fall, Winter Seasons

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Arts

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September 7, 2010

With autumn upon us, farmers markets across the Tampa Bay region are readying to share the harvest. It seems nearly every municipality has at least one. A few are new, and a few have made some changes. Here's a thumbnail sketch:Realize Bradenton hosts a farmers market downtown on Old Main Street between Manatee Avenue and 4th Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from October to May."We have built a community of vendors, residents, businesses, and most importantly, a community of dogs," says Johnette Isham, Realize Bradenton's executive director. "We have live music every Saturday. The first Saturday features a chef demo, the second raffles and prizes, on the third Saturday we join with Mainly Arts, showcasing artists and craftspeople and featuring art from a Manatee County elementary school. On the last Saturday of the month we do kids' activities."Isham says the market has generated foot traffic and revenue for Bradenton businesses since it opened a little over a year ago. "Ninety thousand people came downtown last year," she says. half of them for the farmers market. Next year 135,000 are predicted, due to more events we've planned. That equals projected consumer spending of $3.1 million for 2010-11."Wesley Chapel is opening a new market at the The Shops at Wiregrass at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and State Road 56 the first Saturday of every month starting in November. According to Tiffany Ferrecchia of Tampa Downtown Market, the Winegrass market will feature produce, plants and eco-friendly arts and crafts as well as products featured at existing Wiregrass stores and restaurants.Lizzy Lenk is a vendor who sells her Bag It Conscience products at several Tampa Bay markets. "I like going to the markets because it gives me an opportunity to talk to people and encourage them to do simple changes that can go a long way toward improving and changing the environment for the better," she says. "I find it a wonderful, creative, meaningful and fun way to earn my living. People absolutely love coming out. It gives them an opportunity to meet with friends and be outdoors. They can buy handmade, home-cooked or locally grown products. Many love not buying from the big corporations but supporting local crafters. We are fortunate that we have lots of these kinds of markets happening almost every day of the week. It brings life to the streets."Other area markets include St. Petersburg's mammoth Saturday Morning Market; Gulfport's Tuesday Morning Market; Clearwater's Open Air market, Dunedin's farmers market; Largo's Heritage Village and downtown markets, Tampa's downtown market, Ybor Market and Seminole Heights market; Parksdale Farm Market in Plant City; Brooksville's downtown market, Hernando Beach's Open Market; and Lakeland's Farmer's Curb Market and Farmer's and Flea Market.Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Johnette Isham, Realize Bradenton; Lizzy Lenk, Bag It; Tiffany A. Ferrecchia, Tampa Downtown Market

Florida Races Toward Education Reform With $700 M Grant

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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August 31, 2010

The U.S Department of Education recently announced Florida is one of nine states that will receive funding from the Obama administration's Race to the Top program. Florida, along with New York, will receive $700 million--the largest grants in the initiative for education reform. The remaining winners include Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio with $400 million each, Massachusetts and Maryland with $250 million each, and Rhode Island and the District of Columbia with $75 million each. The $4 billion that Congress approved for the program last year was awarded in two rounds of funding that started in March beginning with Delaware, which received $100 million, and $500 million awarded to Tennessee. Read the complete story.

It’s All About Kids At New Glazer Children’s Museum, Downtown Tampa

By Valerie Kalfrin

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General

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August 31, 2010

Are we there yet? Almost. Close your eyes and imagine! Sept. 25 is the magical day that will see eager eyes open wide at the grand opening of the new Glazer Children's Museum in downtown Tampa, adding to museum row along the Tampa Riverwalk from the Florida Aquarium to the Tampa Bay History Center to the Tampa Museum of Art.

Tampa Fixes Neglected Homes, Benefits People And Charities

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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August 24, 2010

Tampa neighborhoods are being revitalized thanks to the city of Tampa's Neighborhood Stabilization Program and its $13.6 million in funds. The program is a win-win situation for homeowners, renters, the city and Tampa charitable organizations.According to city officials, 30 homes will be repaired and sold to eligible home buyers, 18 lots will be preserved for future building, 77 rental units will be renovated and an additional 14 will be constructed to provide homes for low-income families and an income stream for Tampa charities. "We are extremely pleased that the Neighborhood Stabilization Program has provided the resources to take abandoned property and to redevelop it for new homes for our community," says Cynthia Miller, the city's Growth Management and Development Services director. "We look forward to the jobs that will be created as the homes and apartments are renovated."According to Miller, the program is designed to provide homes for purchase to eligible buyers who earn up to 120 percent of area median income and rental units to individuals and families who earn 50 percent less than area median income.Home buyers will be required to come up with 80 percent of the mortgage through a loan or other means. The city will provide the down payment. The exact percentage of down payment assistance will depend upon the cost of the house and the income level of the family. "The city loan will never have to be repaid as long as the house is inhabited," says Miller. "Once it sells, the homeowner must pay the city back."The rental homes will be owned by charities that will operate the rentals under requirements dictated by the city. "Rents will be monitored to make sure rent stays compatible with the agreement," says Miller.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Cynthia Miller, City of Tampa

New Overpasses Connect Tampa Bay Trails, New Trail Planned

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Development News

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August 17, 2010

Tampa Bay area trails from Sarasota to St. Petersburg to Tampa are becoming more user friendly.Plans are underway to build the Legacy Trail Pedestrian Overpass in Sarasota. The overpass will connect existing segments of Legacy Trail located on opposite sides of the U.S. 41 Bypass. The bridge will create a 12-foot path over the road and access sidewalks along the bypass. In addition, pedestrian bridges were recently completed that cross the Dona and Roberts bays along the Legacy Trail.In St. Petersburg, the 34th Street Pinellas Trail Bridge is now open for bicyclists and pedestrians crossing 34th Street in South St. Pete. The project is a cooperative effort between Pinellas County and the city of St. Petersburg. "It is an exceptional opportunity for the area and good for Gibbs High School, says Scott Daniels, president of Pinellas Trails, Inc. "The goal is to have the whole county looped by 2020. This is just one more piece that we're really proud of. The overpass itself has an artistic motif and they have done a remarkable job with plantings and landscaping. It's a beautiful addition to Pinellas County." And Tampa may get a new trail that will run along the Leroy Selmon Crosstown Expressway. Dubbed the Greenway, the trail will basically run along the crosstown to Ybor Channel. According to Karen Kress, Tampa's director of transportation and planning, studies are underway to determine which routes will work best."The expressway authority is on board," she says. "And Renaissance Planning Group is doing a study to determine how big the trail can be, where bikers will park, how the trail will connect to Riverwalk and where it will go. Ultimately it will will be part of a regional trailway."Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Karen Kress, City of Tampa; Scott Daniels, Pinellas Trails, Inc.

Tampa-Orlando Rail: Just One Of 10 High-Speed Corridors In Nation

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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August 17, 2010

High-speed rail is on its way to several cities in the U.S., including Tampa and Orlando. The Philadelphia Inquirer lists 10 corridors selected for high-speed rail development ranging from a 220-m.p.h. train between Los Angeles and San Francisco to upgrading existing service in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. Tampa's corridor would have an initial cost of $3.2 billion with an expansion to Miami bringing the total to $11.5 billion. Read the complete story.

Largo Karaoke Conglomerate Sings Praises Of Pinellas Economic Programs

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Arts

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August 10, 2010

What happens when your growth outruns capacity, and a conventional bank just won't do? Turn to the government.Largo karaoke conglomerate JS Karaoke (JSK), named for owner entrepreneur Jack Stauser, did just that, and is now tracking $30 million to $40 million sales and a 60 percent share of the mass merchant market. "We had actually never sought out public assistance before," explains Ron Crawley, JSK's project management coordinator. "But with our growth, we had to do something. If we hadn't sought it out, we would not be where we are."The company, which manufactures karaoke equipment for Emerson and owns international subsidiary IXT, was located in Pinellas Park. Needing to expand its manufacturing space due to an anticipated explosion in dot-com business, the company needed to expand into bigger digs than its existing 16,000-square-feet Pinellas Park facility provided. After reaching out to the Pinellas County Economic Development Council (PCEDC), JSK received assistance through not just one, but a multitude of services. JSK received a $250,000 loan through the PDEDC's Economic Gardening program to finance its expansion and equipment needs, then was directed to Worknet's LEAPS program to help staff its growth. The PDEDC then put JSK in touch with the right people at the city of Largo to find its current location at 1185 Gooden Crossing. The new Largo facility is 56,000 square feet and outfitted with equipment that streamlines JSK's production-line process.Crawley advises other companies, especially young startups, to investigate what the government has to offer."Government programs are a great way to start a new business, says Crawley. "People will never give you money for an idea. But they will give you money for a plan."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Ron Crawley, JS Karaoke