Get on the water for a behind-the-scenes tour of Port Tampa Bay. Workshop participants will view the inner workings of Florida’s largest port from the perspectives of infrastructure, logistics, security and more. Port Tampa Bay is a crucial supply chain link in a region that is home to almost half of Florida’s population and over 60 million annual visitors. Learn about Port Tampa Bay’s efforts to preserve and expand habitat for endangered birds in partnership with the Audubon Society. You may even catch a glimpse of some dolphins! A warm jacket is recommended.

Ride along the route and learn the history and exciting future of Tampa’s historic streetcar. Tampa’s Historic Streetcar’s ridership is second only to Kansas City, with a projected 1.6 million riders this year. It reflects the city’s rapid growth over the past decade, with 2015 ridership at 285,000.  Tampa’s first electric streetcar lines, built in 1892, quickly became an essential part of everyday life as workers took the streetcar downtown and to the cigar factories of west Tampa. Reaching the peak of its popularity in the 1920s, with almost 24 million passengers in 1926, Tampa’s streetcar system rolled to a stop in August 1946 following World War II as it was largely replaced by automobiles and buses. Beginning in 1984, the Tampa & Ybor City Street Railway Society (TYCSRS) acted as a catalyst, promoting the return of streetcar service to Tampa. In October 2002, electric streetcars started operating again in Tampa, supporting expansive growth downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City

If the sun and sand weren’t enough, add sporting events to the top of Tampa’s list of tourist draws.  From Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Championships, to NCAA tournaments, Tampa rolls out the red carpet and knocks it out of the park when it comes to hosting events. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission manage facilities, bid for sporting events, and keep drawing events to Bay Area venues. One of the most successful examples is the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2024, which brought an event record-setting 39,325 visitors to Amalie Arena. Explore Tampa’s professional sports economy through the economic impact, but also through social legacy projects, and the significant marketing impact on the region as a whole

Take a tour of Tampa’s Historic District, Ybor City with City of Tampa preservation and economic development officials.  City officials will discuss the development of the Ybor Community Redevelopment Area, the Community and its Historic District.  Guest will get a flavor of Ybor City’s rich history and culture as we tour historic buildings such as the Centro Espanol de Ybor ( c. 1912) Spanish social club listed as a National Historic Landmark; Florida Brewery Building (c. 1897) the tallest building in Tampa at the time of its construction; L’Unione Italiano (c. 1918) Italian social club; Columbia Restaurant (c. 1905) Florida’s oldest restaurant; VM Ybor Factory complex (c.1886), the factory of the individual that established Ybor City.

Catholic Charities and the City of Tampa joined forces to create Tampa Hope to support those who are experiencing homelessness by offering temporary housing and wraparound services. Tampa Hope is a Catholic Charities operated shelter presently serving roughly 200 homeless adults with plans to expand to 345. Our goal is to assist these women and men in achieving permanent housing and self-sufficiency in four months. This time may be extended. Additionally, case managers and housing specialists help clients navigate services to obtain permanent housing, including basic health and dental care, mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment skills and assistance, education assistance and more (for e.g., financial literacy training).

Soulwalk is an arts and heritage “trail” that tells the rich history of Tampa’s Black communities and highlights the diverse, thriving creative community in present-day Tampa. The tour explores public art installations, historic landmarks, museums, cemeteries and more. The collaborative initiative, with partners such as the Tampa Bay History Center and the University of South Florida, brings fresh insights and opportunities to engage, remember and explore Tampa’s rich and diverse history. The Soulwalk cookbook companion will curate recipes and other points of interest into one cohesive journey through the hearts and bellies of Tampa’s community of color.

As the first community in North America to achieve WELL Certification™ for Design and Operations designation under the WELL Community Standard™, Water Street Tampa is designed to positively impact the health and well-being of individuals in the public spaces where they spend their time.  The massive 56-acre development has nearly doubled the footprint of downtown Tampa and will be a showpiece for the future of sustainable urban waterfront design. The WELL Community Standard is an evidence-based system used for measuring, certifying and monitoring features that impact the human experience. These core concepts are central to the Water Street Tampa ethos, helping our community set new standards for wellness worldwide. 

Take a tour of Tampa’s Historic District, Ybor City with City of Tampa preservation and economic development officials.  City officials will discuss the development of the Ybor Community Redevelopment Area, the Community and its Historic District.  Guest will get a flavor of Ybor City’s rich history and culture as we tour historic buildings such as the Centro Espanol de Ybor ( c. 1912) Spanish social club listed as a National Historic Landmark; Florida Brewery Building (c. 1897) the tallest building in Tampa at the time of its construction; L’Unione Italiano (c. 1918) Italian social club; Columbia Restaurant (c. 1905) Florida’s oldest restaurant; VM Ybor Factory complex (c.1886), the factory of the individual that established Ybor City.