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.

In Episode 90 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett Greco sits down with Phil Michaels, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and founder of Tembo Education. They dive into the exciting Red Bull Flugtag event, where teams build and pilot homemade flying machines off a 30-foot platform. Phil will captain The Coconut Pirates' flight, with all proceeds supporting Tembo's mission to educate children worldwide via messaging platforms. The conversation also covers why Tampa is a great place to live, blending fun, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this inspiring and high-flying episode!

In this episode of The TBD Podcast, host Garrett Greco sits down with two top-tier experts in emergency management—Josh Bellotti, Director of Engineering & Operations, and Katja Miller, Emergency Management Operations Section Chief for Hillsborough County. Together, they break down the phases of hurricane preparedness, including pre-hurricane preparation, the critical 24 hours before landfall, and the realities of post-storm safety. This essential conversation offers insights into what it takes to stay safe and resilient, no matter the storm.

0:00:00 - Intro

In episode 88 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Roger German, CEO of the Florida Aquarium, to discuss Tampa’s evolving vision, the Aquarium’s impact on the community, and its role in the city’s future development. They explore what Tampa could look like in the years ahead, offering valuable insights into how the Aquarium is helping shape the city’s future. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on leadership, conservation, and community growth.

0:00:00 - Intro