Tampa Bay Developer

In episode 100 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco sits down with Jeff Vinik, a pivotal figure in Tampa’s transformation. Former majority owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the visionary behind the Water Street Tampa development, Vinik has played a monumental role in shaping the city’s future.

0:04:15 - Buying the Tampa Bay Lightning

0:23:40 - Developing Water Street Tampa

0:56:28 - Bonuses for Lightning Employees

1:05:00 - Selling Stake in Water Street

In Episode 99 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco talks with Jim Shimberg, the former Tampa City Attorney, general counsel for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and general council for SPP (the developer of Water Street Tampa). They discuss Tampa’s growth and the challenges that come with it. Jim shares his experience working on projects like Water Street Tampa and discusses affordable housing, zoning, and infrastructure issues in the city. He explains what it takes to balance development with community needs and why decisions made today will shape Tampa’s future. This conversation gives you a clear look at what’s happening in Tampa’s real estate and what to expect moving forward.

0:00:01 - Introduction to Water Street

In Episode 98 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson about Tampa’s growth and the challenges that come with it. They discuss Ybor City’s transformation, the push to preserve its history, and how development is reshaping the area. Bill shares his thoughts on housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and how Tampa can grow while keeping its character. This conversation gives you a clear look at the decisions shaping Tampa’s future.

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:04:01 - Historical Ybor architectural vision

0:06:09 - Tampa-Cuba historical connections

0:10:51 - Williamsburg's historic recreation parallels

0:13:19 - Saint Augustine and cultural reflection

0:16:18 - Ybor parking, cultural preservation

0:24:55 - Maximizing development around sites

0:26:00 - Tampa Union Station Renovation

0:27:16 - CRA funding for historic properties

0:30:24 - Union Station and urban vision

0:31:38 - Tampa's infrastructure challenges

0:46:29 - City transit funding limitations

1:05:57 - Autonomous transit in Tampa

1:10:12 - Gondolas and transit funding

1:57:18 - Ferry commuter service setbacks

In Episode 97 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Raul Alfonso, the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Port Tampa Bay. They explore the port's significant role in fueling Central Florida’s growth, discussing its economic impact, future expansion projects, and the increasing importance of shipping containers and cruise industries. Raul shares insights into the port's master plan, infrastructure investments, and its vision for Tampa Bay as a hub for logistics, tourism, and commerce. This episode offers a deep dive into the inner workings of one of Florida's most critical economic engines.

0:00:00 - Introduction and Raul’s Background

0:02:33 - Tampa’s Growth and Port’s Role

0:05:27 - Port’s Economic Impact on Florida

0:12:55 - Covid-19 and Supply Chain Disruptions

0:16:25 - Container Growth and Infrastructure Investments

0:20:04 - Hurricane Impact on Fuel Distribution

0:27:00 - Vision 2030 and Future Expansion

0:33:41 - Skyway Bridge and Cruise Limitations

0:39:18 - Labor Strikes and Automation Challenges

0:44:00 - Cruise Industry Growth and Tourism

0:50:26 - Channel District and Urban Development

In Episode 96 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Ron Francis, a craftsman specializing in Venetian plaster and custom finishes. Ron shares how he built his career, the techniques he uses, and how he works with developers and designers to create lasting designs. They also talk about what it takes to live out your dream—turning your passion into a profession and staying true to what you love. You’ll hear about the materials he imports from Italy, his focus on quality, and his thoughts on working in both traditional and modern spaces. If you’re interested in design or craftsmanship, you’ll get a lot out of this conversation.

0:00:00 - Chasing happiness and personal fulfillment

0:05:04 - Recovery and career transformation

0:10:13 - Learning plaster techniques and faux finishes

0:15:45 - Traditional vs. synthetic plaster differences

0:20:23 - Partnerships with Tampa developers

0:25:44 - Scaling business and training apprentices

0:30:34 - Large-scale plaster projects overview

0:36:12 - Craftsmanship and building community

In Episode 95 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Nolan Gray, the research director at California YIMBY and the author of Arbitrary Lines. Nolan explains the roots of zoning in the U.S., how it affects housing and cities today, and what steps can improve these challenges. They cover topics like the influence of cars on urban planning, why housing has become so expensive, and how better rules can make cities more livable for everyone. This conversation gives you a clear understanding of how zoning impacts your life and what can change for the better.

0:00:00 - Nolan Gray introduction

0:01:31 - Why cities fascinated Nolan

0:02:13 - Housing affordability challenges

0:03:12 - YIMBY movement origins

0:05:10 - Suburban vs. urban development

0:05:47 - Inspiration for Arbitrary Lines

0:07:42 - Federal involvement in housing

0:08:56 - Suburbanization of America explained

0:09:35 - Evolution of zoning rules

0:11:18 - Effects of land-use segregation

0:13:39 - Cars’ role in zoning history

0:19:00 - Local entrepreneurship restrictions

0:21:39 - Race and zoning after WWI

0:27:30 - Housing affordability affecting middle-class

0:29:56 - Suburbs, cars, and urban form

0:32:40 - Managing parking for better cities

0:37:56 - Observing cities to plan better

0:43:20 - Preserving walkability in cities

0:47:11 - Rural vs. urban voting challenges

0:51:10 - Future of housing and demographics

In Episode 94 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Patrick Manteiga, editor and publisher of La Gaceta, the nation’s only tri-lingual newspaper. Patrick shares the story of his family's 102-year-old publication, Tampa's rich cultural heritage, and the evolution of its immigrant communities. From the role of cigar factories in shaping the city to the politics that have defined its growth, this conversation provides a thoughtful look at the past, present, and future of Tampa. Join us for an episode that connects Tampa’s history with its ongoing development.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:01:35 - History of La Gaceta

0:04:20 - Cigar Factories and Tampa’s Growth

0:10:15 - Immigrant Contributions

0:16:50 - Urban Renewal Impacts

0:23:30 - Cuban Revolution and La Gaceta

0:31:45 - Evolution of La Gaceta

0:37:10 - Urban Development Challenges

0:45:25 - Preserving Tampa’s Identity

0:53:00 - Community Leadership

1:02:15 - Tampa’s Future

1:10:00 - Closing Remarks

In Episode 93 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Nick DiCosola of St Pete Box to dive into the innovative world of building homes and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) out of shipping containers. They discuss the durability of these structures, their potential to provide resilience against Florida’s hurricanes and storms, and the challenges posed by zoning regulations. Nick explains how these container homes offer practical solutions for challenging lots and budget constraints.

0:00:00 - Introduction of Guest and St Pete Box

0:02:00 - Shipping Container Benefits and Materials

0:07:00 - Company History and Initial Projects

0:12:00 - Popularization and Unique Customer Requests

0:17:00 - Technical Aspects and Container Dimensions

0:22:00 - Scaling the Business and Customer Types

0:27:00 - Building Codes and Permitting Challenges

0:34:00 - Container Resilience in Storms

0:40:00 - Affordability and Price Range for ADUs

0:45:00 - Market Demand and Applications for ADUs

0:52:00 - Government and Community Support for Shipping Containers

1:00:00 - Future of Shipping Containers and Modular Construction

1:05:00 - Commercial Applications and Examples

1:12:00 - Unique Projects and Customer Collaborations

1:20:00 - Long-Term Vision for St Pete Box and Lumara Containers

In Episode 92 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Ian Anderson, the president of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, to explore the shifting landscape of media from traditional formats to innovative, community-centered approaches. Ian shares insights into what sets The Business Journal apart from other networks, including its focus on high-quality, timely business news, in-depth research, and market data that fuel Tampa Bay's economic narrative. Discover how The Business Journal adapts to industry trends and audience expectations to remain an essential source of information and connection in the local business ecosystem.

In Episode 91 of The TBD Podcast, host Garrett Greco explores the City of Tampa's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton with guest Riley Tuff, the Lead Emergency Planner for the city, shedding light on the challenges and strategies involved in disaster management. With recent storms highlighting the importance of preparedness, Garrett and Riley discuss how the city has mobilized resources, engaged the community, and implemented effective emergency plans. Tune in to discover the proactive measures taken to ensure the safety and resilience of Tampa's residents during times of crisis.