News Summary
Tampa Bay is witnessing exciting developments across various sectors, including literacy programs, real estate ventures, healthcare advancements, and community projects. Notable initiatives like ‘Devan’s Book Club’ aim to enhance literacy, while new real estate partnerships and expansions in healthcare and dining signal economic growth. Furthermore, local organizations are working to provide affordable housing, and Tampa will host the 2030 World Education Congress, showcasing its importance as a hub for culture and business.
Tampa Bay is witnessing significant developments across various sectors, with recent initiatives highlighted in literacy, real estate, healthcare, and community projects. The latest updates illustrate a collective effort to enhance the quality of life for its residents while attracting more investment into the region.
In a stride towards improving literacy, Girls Inc. of Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast have launched “Devan’s Book Club,” honoring the late Devan Endlich, a former marketing leader at United Way. This initiative aims to promote literacy among students enrolled in United Way’s Summer Care program. This partnership underscores a commitment to foster reading skills and educational growth among the youth in the Tampa Bay area.
In real estate news, Marina Pointe has appointed Premier Sotheby’s International Realty as the exclusive sales team for its waterfront condominiums located in Tampa’s bustling Westshore Marina District. This partnership is expected to enhance the visibility and sales of the premium residential units, attracting potential homebuyers to the beautiful waterfront area.
Expanding beyond local boundaries, BDG Architects has merged with JRS Architect, marking a significant expansion into the Northeast. Their new offices in New York and New Jersey will increase their workforce to over 150 design professionals, allowing them to take on larger projects and foster innovative architectural solutions.
In the culinary scene, Fresh Kitchen is set to open its largest location to date near Kennedy Boulevard, transforming the site that was previously home to Ducky’s. Scheduled for early 2026, this new flagship restaurant will be located just 1.5 miles from the original restaurant, which closed due to a fire earlier this year.
On the events front, Tampa Bay has been selected to host Meeting Professionals International’s 2030 World Education Congress, expected to attract around 2,500 industry leaders. This event promises to bring valuable networking and educational opportunities to the region.
Contributing to affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough and its community partners have broken ground on Windhorst Commons. This hurricane-fortified neighborhood will consist of 23 homes in Brandon, providing safe, affordable housing solutions for families in need.
The University of South Florida (USF) continues to make strides in healthcare education by being named a 2025 National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. This distinction highlights their commitment to enhancing student learning and professional development in nursing.
Additionally, Phenix Salon Suites is expanding its presence in Tampa, planning two new locations after a successful local debut. This growth reflects the rising demand for beauty services in the area.
In grocery retail, Duckweed Urban Grocery is planning to open a new store at Gasworx’s La Unión Residence in Ybor City by the end of 2025, adding to the area’s diverse shopping options.
In tech innovation, Proforma has launched ProMatch, a software tool designed to facilitate team growth for distributor owners by matching them with potential acquisition and sales candidates.
In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, Gregory C. Yadley, a partner at Shumaker, received the Florida Bar Business Law Section’s Michael G. Williamson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Furthermore, USF Credit Union has been awarded the 2025 Digital Growth Award for creating innovative financial tools like Flex Pay and Plan Your Purchase.
Leadership within the local bar community has also shifted, with Luis A. Silva of Shumaker named president-elect of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association.
In educational entertainment, the Florida Aquarium has unveiled “The Tide Pool,” a new cold-water touch exhibit featuring over 200 marine invertebrates, aimed at enhancing educational experiences for visitors in downtown Tampa.
On the business front, Proforma has achieved recognition by climbing to No. 4 on the 2025 ASI Counselor Top 40 Distributor list, highlighting its robust performance based on 2024 North American revenues.
Continuing its tradition of excellence, Tampa General Hospital has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in the Tampa Bay region for the tenth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report, and is acknowledged among the top 50 hospitals nationwide across six medical specialties.
Ryan Companies have completed the IFF Global Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University, a 30,000-square-foot research and development hub dedicated to citrus scents and flavors.
In hospitality, the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in downtown St. Petersburg has opened its new signature restaurant, Elliott Aster, marking the initial phase of its renovation project.
Retail developments include the opening of a new Sprouts Farmers Market in Lutz at 23046 State Road 54, catering to the community’s demand for fresh produce.
Lastly, New Port Richey has unveiled “Tides of Time”, a permanent art installation featuring bronze mini-sculptures located at 11 historic MetroLagoons, adding cultural significance to the area.
In a partnership aimed at enhancing community experiences, MetroLagoons has collaborated with San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union to offer exclusive ticket promotions and amenities at their Epperson and Mirada Lagoon locations in Pasco County.
Finally, Merlin Entertainment has announced a substantial $90 million investment for a new indoor roller coaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, alongside a similar venture at LEGOLAND California Resort, set to open in Tampa.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Tampa Bay Trust Company Rebrands as Florida Trust Wealth Management
Tampa Hosts Impact Breakfast for Families Facing Homelessness
Coppertail Brewing Co. Launches THC-Infused High Dive Seltzer
Comcast Expands High-Speed Internet in Lehigh Acres, Florida
2 College Brothers Launch Free Hurricane Storage Program in Tampa
Tampa Bay Faces Economic and Environmental Crisis Due to Red Tide
Florida Schools Adapt to Changing Education Landscape
Top Private Schools in Tampa Metro Area Stand Out
Chris Chatterton Appointed to Jesuit High School Foundation Board
Florida Governor Announces $1 Billion Investment in Howard Franklin Bridge
Additional Resources
- New Haven Register: Literacy Volunteers Greater New Haven Closing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- 83 Degrees Media: Hillsborough Schools and Community Nonprofits
- Google Search: Childhood Literacy Initiatives
- Tampa Bay Business Journal: Financial Literacy for Florida Students
- Wikipedia: Financial Literacy
- Florida Phoenix: Florida High School Students Learning Life Skills
- Google News: High School Life Skills Education
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
