Greg Slater is the CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority and the former secretary of transportation for Maryland, and in this episode he walks through the full 752 million dollar Selmon Expressway improvement project and its impact on Tampa’s growth. Greg also breaks down how AI, real time data, smart signals, and new multimodal hubs could reshape mobility, including future connections between Tampa International Airport, Union Station, Brightline, and the cruise terminals. This episode is a deep look at how Tampa plans to handle growth, traffic, and urban design over the next decade.

0:00:00 - eVTOL

0:03:11 - Introduction

0:06:32 - $752 Million Investment Plan

0:34:43 - 3 Main Projects

0:40:45 - THEA Real Estate

0:51:16 - Tampa Union Station

0:57:53 - Activating Underpasses

1:10:03 - New Bridge Design

1:20:23 - Airport to Downtown Connection

1:30:47 - Private Equity Funding

1:49:09 - The Rays in Ybor

Leroy Moore of the Tampa Housing Authority breaks down the massive redevelopment reshaping the urban core, including Encore, West River, Rome Yard, and the full rebuild of Robles Park. We cover how 150 acres of public land is being converted into mixed income neighborhoods with thousands of new units, retail, parks, jobs, and long term community infrastructure. Leroy explains funding challenges, the push for density, the role of the private sector, how transportation ties into affordability, and why modern mixed income communities are replacing the old public housing model. A deep look at the future of Tampa and what these projects mean for the city’s growth.

Bob Henriquez is the Hillsborough county property appraiser, he breaks down how values are set and what actually determines your property tax bill. We cover mass appraisal, the January 1 effective date, Save Our Homes and the new buyer reset, storm recovery tools like prorated refunds for uninhabitable homes, the FEMA 50 percent rule, and how the 110 percent rebuild protection is moving to 130 percent under state law. Bob explains millage vs rollback, how to use the county tax estimator, how to appeal through the Value Adjustment Board, and how mega projects like Water Street are valued. Clear, practical guidance for homeowners, buyers, and anyone following Tampa’s growth.

In episode 158, Garrett sits down with architect and general contractor Tobin Green, founder of AADMIXX, to talk about what “modern” really means in architecture today. Tobin shares his philosophy of urban progressive design, the story behind his Strata Barn project in Hyde Park’s Dobieville, and how thoughtful design can honor history while moving Tampa forward. The conversation dives into the challenges of preservation, the lessons of the Jackson House, and why cities must balance authenticity, creativity, and growth.

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:13:53 - Hyde Park Homes

0:26:57 - Spanish Town Creek

0:36:18 - Historic Preservation

0:53:52 - Jackson House

0:40:04 - Art in Communities

1:11:21 - Ybor’s Future

1:28:13 - Market Conditions

1:39:56 - Local Businesses

1:50:51 - Entrees

2:03:20 - Outro

In episode 157, Garrett sits down with Joseph Dalessio, founder of Meacham Urban Farm, to talk about how he built a two acre organic farm right in the middle of downtown Tampa. What started as a vacant, rubble covered lot is now producing over 60,000 pounds of food a year, feeding the community, partnering with local schools, and proving that farming can thrive in the urban core. Joe shares the story behind the farm’s creation, Tampa’s forgotten agricultural roots, and his vision for bringing real food back to the city.

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:14:25 - Meacham’s Roots

0:27:00 - Urban Farming

0:42:51 - Ybor’s Historic Homestead’s

0:52:20 - The future of farming

1:08:30 - Garrett goes to Meacham

In episode 156, Garrett sits down with Nick Friedman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, to unpack how a summer side hustle became a national franchise. Nick explains the early “work on the business, not in it” shift inspired by The E-Myth, why franchising was far harder than the passive-income myth, and how they survived launching during the 2008 downturn.

He revisits their Shark Tank season-one appearance, shares his Four F’s framework for evaluating any franchise, and talks brand, culture, and service as advantages you can scale. Nick also highlights “Hunks vs. the Hurricanes,” a short film on their Tampa cleanup efforts, and offers actionable advice for founders on focus, systems, and leadership.

In Episode 155, Garrett Greco sits down with Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete–Clearwater, to unpack how tourism quietly powers the Tampa Bay region. Brian shares insight into Clearwater’s $80 million BayCare Sound waterfront project, the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of downtown Clearwater, and the county’s plan to relocate government buildings to open prime acreage for mixed-use development. They also discuss how visitor dollars fund beaches, bridges, and public projects.

In episode 154, Garrett sits down with Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak to unpack how the city is prioritizing streets, sidewalks, and stormwater after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, why council shifted millions from parking to paving, and how a one-year fare-free, higher-frequency Route 1 pilot is boosting ridership and setting the stage for bus rapid transit. We cover the rules behind city budgeting, the role of public comment, the case for public-private partnerships on EV charging, and the path to a HART millage ballot to expand service and fix the fleet. If you care about how Tampa actually gets things built and how to scale reliable transit, this one’s for you

In episode 153, Garrett sits down with Florida State Representative Danny Alvarez for a no-filter conversation about how policy actually gets made, why bureaucracy moves so slowly, and what it takes to pass meaningful legislation. They break down the push for single-member county districts to improve representation in Hillsborough, the growing tension between urban and suburban priorities, and how outdated systems hold back small businesses and infrastructure. Plus, they explore THEA’s evolving role in Tampa’s future, housing and insurance challenges facing Floridians, and why agriculture and food security are critical to the state’s long-term stability.

In episode 152, Garrett sits down with Tampa City Council District 5 candidates Naya Young and Thomas Scott for a special election debate ahead of the October 28 runoff election. They tackle the biggest issues shaping District 5 and Tampa as a whole, including affordable housing, gentrification, diversity across neighborhoods, the importance of four votes on City Council for approval, and historic preservation. Whether you live in East Tampa, Sulphur Springs, Channel District, or Water Street, this conversation breaks down what’s at stake and how each candidate plans to address the future of Tampa.

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:03:09 - Affordable Housing

0:07:15 - Candidates

0:11:56 - Affordable Housing Continued

0:19:30 - Gentrification

0:43:31 - Diversity of District

51:24:10 - 4 Votes for Approval

1:34:18 - Historic Preservation