In episode 74 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Joe Lopano, the CEO of Tampa International Airport. They discuss the history of the airport, the TPA expansion project, and a new flight concept called "Air Taxis". This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Joe Lopano was appointed on January 1, 2011 as Tampa International Airport Chief Executive Officer. A true visionary of the industry with more than 40 years of commercial aviation experience, he has led tremendous growth and service expansions at TPA. Prior to accepting the CEO role at America’s Favorite Airport, he worked at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport for 14 years as Executive Vice President for Marketing and Terminal Management and held leadership positions at Continental Airlines.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:01:35 - The History of TPA

0:08:42 - “Do Better Than George Bean”

0:12:34 - Why have design and ideas faltered over the decades?

0:14:31 - The Importance of Great Leadership

0:16:42 - Joe Lopano Backstory

0:26:14 - Becoming CEO of TPA

0:30:26 - Economic Impact of International Flights

0:31:52 - Backlash Against TPA Growth

0:35:40 - TPA Expansion Project

0:49:42 - Who Owns The Airport?

0052:33 - TPA Restaurants

0:55:32 - Air Taxi Drones

1:01:34 - TPA Expansion Continued

1:04:56 - Outro

In episode 73 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with developer Eddie Hall and architect Bob Hall to discuss their new venture, AQUA at Westshore Yacht Club. Built on the last available parcel in the highly desirable Westshore Yacht Club community, AQUA’s waterfront location offers amenity-rich living and unobstructed sunset bay views from luxury tower residences. AQUA features 77 grand waterfront condominium residences including two penthouses.

0:00:00 - Eddie Avila Introduction

0:05:08 - Bob Hall Introduction

0:07:41 - AQUA Project

0:16:38 - Past Tampa Condo Projects

0:19:00 - The Status of Older Condos in Florida

0:21:36 - Needing FAA Approval to Build

0:24:32 - How The Market Affects Development

0:33:26 -The Difference in Architecture From the 80’s Compared To Now

0:39:36 - West Shore Yacht Club

0:47:46 - AQUA Project Continued

1:01:44 - Outro

On Episode 72 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes, to discuss criminal justice reform, property insurance, transportation, and affordable housing.

Senator Jeff Brandes is a highly respected and accomplished leader who served in the Florida Legislature from 2010 to 2022. He represented District 24, which covered a majority of Pinellas County, and was known for his innovative and independent policy-making. Throughout his tenure, he consistently advocated for solutions to address Florida's most challenging issues.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:00:09 - The Issues of Term Limits

0:06:28 - The Florida Policy Project

0:12:08 - Criminal Justice Reform

0:29:54 - Property Insurance

0:54:58 - Housing Issues

1:14:45 - Public Transportation

1:24:17 - The Issues of Serving in Florida Government

1:30:35 - High Speed Rail in Florida

1:33:05 - Why Government isn’t Taking On Hard Issues

1:36:47 - The Downfall of the Political System

1:39:38 - Outro

On episode 71 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Fred Hearns and Ashley Morrow of the Tampa Bay History Center. Tune in as they discuss Tampa's black history, the history of Central Ave, the Scrub, and the consequences of urban renewal on the black community. Fred Hearns is the curator for black history at the history center and Ashley Morrow is the program manager for a partnership with the Tampa Housing Authority to provide educational experiences in the historic St. James Episcopal Church.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:14:06 - Seminole Wars

0:25:47 - Civil War

0:28:19 - Black Land Owners

0:37:18 - The Scrubs Black Militia 

0:43:01 - The Harlem of the South

0:46:34 - St. James Episcopal Church

0:47:58 - St. Peter Claver Burnt Down

0:51:11 - The Consequences of Urban Renewal

1:14:41 - Tampa Riots 

1:18:07 - Moses White

1:23:15 - Former Black Employers

1:26:05 - Outro

In episode 70 of the TBD Podcast, Garret sits down with Kimberlee Curtis to discuss the grand opening of her Gold's Gym in Tampa, the Gas Worx development, and the future plans to bring more green space to the Channel District.

Kimberlee Curtis is the owner of Gold’s Gym Tampa Gas Worx, which is set to open June 29th, 2024. This will be a 25,000 plus square foot gym located in the vibrant Gas Worx – Channel District. The state-of-the-art gym is poised to redefine the fitness experience for Tampa residents. With a plethora of amenities and a strong community ethos, Gold’s Gym Tampa Gas Worx aims to be more than just a place to work out—it’s set to become a fitness hub where members can thrive physically, mentally, and socially.

Kimberlee is also part of the Channel District Community Advisory Committee, which is responsible to ensure that the interests of residents, property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders in the area are represented in key decisions.

0:00:00 - Intro

0:00:30 - Gold’s Gym Gas Worx

0:15:07 - Gas Worx Development 

0:19:47 - Connecting Gas Worx to the Channel District 

0:24:10 - Channel District History and Future

0:32:17 - Channel District CRA

0:38:36 - Tampa Public Transportation 

0:40:34 - Public Parks Underneath the Expressway 

0:41:23 - Timeline for Gas Works Development 

0:49:17 - Future Plans for Gold’s Gym in Gas Worx 

0:53:24 - The Importance of Local Businesses Collaborating 

1:03:36 - Tampa International Airport 

1:06:05 - Tampa in the early 1900’s

1:10:26 - Gold’s Gym FAQ’s

1:12:32 - Gold’s Gym Membership Options

1:15:00 - Outro

In episode 69 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Sean Demartino, a widely respected veteran in the construction industry who has led multiple large scale projects for clients such as Walt Disney, Universal Orlando, LYNX and the Orlando Magic. Sean has overseen Tampa projects like the JW Marriott Water Street, the Ritz Carlton residences on Bayshore Boulevard, the Pendry Hotel in downtown, and the Arts and Entertainment residences.

In episode 68 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Kathy Castor, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida's 14th congresional district. She is Tampa Bay's voice in congress, elected in 2006, becoming the first woman to represent Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

In episode 67 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Joanna Olsen, the owner of the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Ybor City. Tune in as Garrett and Joanna discuss Ybors growth over the years, future Ybor development, and the biased news coverage surrounding Ybor nightlife.

In episode 66 of the TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Edgar Castrotello and Shelby Lewis, who are the recycling specialists for the Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management. Edgar and Shelby oversee the educational programs and public outreach relating to recycling, composting and waste diversion for the City of Tampa.

Brad Miller is the CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The PSTA is a government agency that provides public transportation for Pinellas County, Florida. The authority manages a fixed-route bus system that encompasses over 40 bus routes - including two express routes to Tampa; the Central Avenue Trolley; the Suncoast Beach Trolley; and the bus rapid transit service, the SunRunner.

In the nicest way possible, Brad Miller is a "transportation nerd" who has a huge role in the development of public transportation in the St. Pete area. Tune in to learn the fascinating history of public transportation in Tampa Bay and the exciting plans for the future!