In episode 107 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Mercedes Gonzales, a senior leader from MacDill Air Force Base, about the military’s role in Tampa and the challenges service members face. They cover how rising home prices affect military families, the struggle to find affordable housing, and efforts to improve infrastructure, including a proposed ferry system.

0:00:00 - Introduction to the guest

In episode 106 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco sits down with Erica Moody to discuss the transformative efforts of the University Area CDC in Tampa. They explore the challenges and opportunities in developing attainable housing, creating community spaces, and integrating transportation with urban planning. Erica shares insights into the importance of fostering strong relationships with the community, addressing systemic barriers, and the innovative ways her team is helping improve the quality of life in the university area. You can expect an engaging conversation about sustainable growth, urban design, and the essential role of collaboration in building stronger neighborhoods.

In episode 105, Garrett sits down with Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities shaping Tampa’s future. From funding public transit and addressing flooding to the $50 million West Riverwalk expansion, they explore how Tampa balances growth, infrastructure, and community needs. They also touch on the importance of educated voters, the evolving political landscape, and the city’s efforts to ensure safety and equity for its residents.

In Episode 104 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Dawn Shirreffs to discuss Florida’s environmental challenges and the critical steps needed to address them. From the impact of major hurricanes on local infrastructure to the rising costs of insurance, this conversation examines how policies and nature-based solutions like mangroves can protect communities. Dawn, representing the Environmental Defense Fund, shares insights on renewable energy, flood zone awareness, and why resilience planning is essential for the state’s future. This episode is a deep dive into the strategies shaping Florida’s approach to these pressing issues.

0:01:20 - Environmental Defense Fund’s Florida focus

0:02:15 - Mangroves for storm surge protection

0:03:17 - Insurance challenges and development risks

0:06:24 - Hurricanes, heat, and climate change

0:09:32 - Mitigating storm impacts in Florida

0:12:33 - Mangroves as natural storm defense

0:18:23 - Resilience projects and state funding

0:24:17 - Transition to renewable solar energy

0:32:52 - Federal incentives for clean energy

0:54:45 - FEMA maps and flood risks

In Episode 103 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco sits down with County Commissioner Joshua Wostal to talk about how Tampa’s growth is shaped by local politics, ethics, and infrastructure decisions. They discuss the impact of outdated policies, challenges in transportation planning, and the need for fair representation. Commissioner Wostal shares straightforward views on leadership and practical ideas for improving how local government serves the community. If you want to understand the issues shaping Tampa Bay’s future, this episode breaks it down clearly.

Joshua Wostal is a County Commissioner, successful entrepreneur, and decorated Navy veteran. He owns a logistics business near Raymond James Stadium and previously served as COO of a family-owned manufacturing company, where he helped turn the business around financially. During his decade of Navy service, he led a team of over 1,000, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and was honored for his courage under fire in Taliban attacks. Wostal is also a passionate advocate for children, partnering with ChildHelp.org to support foster kids and volunteering with organizations like Caps for Kids and All Children’s Hospital. He lives in Hillsborough County with his wife, Noelle, their son, Matthew, and three rescue pets.

0:00:00 - Local Political Corruption?

0:02:30 - Introduction

0:09:11 - Public Transportation

0:12:36 - Reducing Property Tax

0:19:24 - Removing Politicians From Board of Directors

0:22:54 - Why "All For Transportation" Failed

0:26:42 - The Street Car and Future Transportation

0:44:25 - Property Rights

0:50:39 - Transportation Discussion Continued

1:03:09 - HART

1:24:04 - Joshua's Transportation Solution

1:38:58 - Affordable Housing

1:49:31 - Induced Demand

1:54:31 - The Worst Deal in Tampa History

In episode 102 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett talks with Ishaan and Shree from Serenity Capital Management and Realty Dynamics. They share how they tackle challenges in real estate development, like high land prices, rezoning delays, and balancing risk and opportunity. They also explain how they use data and technology to find the best sites for development and make smarter decisions. If you’re in real estate or interested in how the industry works, this episode gives you practical insights.

Realty Dynamics was created by developers who know the real struggles of finding and managing properties. Ishaan and Shree worked with Apratim Biswas, an expert in technology and data systems, to create tools that make real estate easier to handle. The software gives you quick access to important information, streamlines your work, and helps you make better decisions. Realty Dynamics aims to save you time and help you focus on growing your business in a smarter, more efficient way.

0:00:00 - Introduction

In Episode 101 of The TBD Podcast, host Garrett Greco sits down with his producer, David, to discuss the growth of the podcast and their vision for the future. They explore Tampa’s rapid growth, the push for walkable communities, and exciting development projects on the horizon.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:10:00 - West Tampa

0:41:15 - Dave Portnoy

1:04:58 - The Past 100 Episodes

1:25:42 - Viral Moments

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