The Westshore Alliance Transportation Committee is updating our comprehensive transportation plan. Upcoming interstate improvements, the addition of FDOT's multimodal center, the airport people mover, innovative transit technologies, and new rideshare operators such as Uber and Lyft are creating the opportunity to develop new options for how people travel to and within Westshore. The plan will address these options and more to ensure Westshore's continued economic prosperity. Alliance members who are interested in participating may email Chris Weber or call 813-289-5488.

The 15th Annual Westshore Development Forum presented by Highwoods Properties was held last month with a sold-out group of 200 attendees. Highlights included the latest Westshore commercial development, trends and transportation initiatives. Thank you to our event sponsors, presenters and everyone who joined us. Presentations are available on the website.

District Survey RFQ Opportunity: The Westshore Alliance is seeking a qualified firm to create and conduct a district-wide survey and analysis of those who work and live in Tampa's Westshore District. The RFQ can be viewed HERE for those choosing to submit information by the May 19 deadline. Contact Heather Mackin for more information. 

Residential Acceptance Corporation, a wholesale mortage lending company, relocated its headquarters last month to 5027 W. Laurel St. The company invested $1.6 million in renovating its new headquarters and will host a grand opening next month. MORE

ServisFirst, a $6.4 billion bank headquartered in Alabama, opened an office at 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd. with 20 employees. MORE

Mangrove Investments, LLC, has purchased Watermark 3, a 12,398-square-foot office building located at 101 S. Hoover Blvd. Elliott M. Ross, CCIM of Ciminelli Real Estate Services of Florida represented the buyer, and Jim Moler, CCIM with Jones Lang LaSalle represented the seller.

Cushman & Wakefield  recently published its Q1 2017 Tampa Office MarketBeat Report. Westshore's overall vacancy rates are reported at 10.6%, and the District continues to lead Hillsborough County with the highest asking rent rates. View the full report.

Frankie's Lobstah Trap Raw Bar and Grill is coming to International Plaza and Bay Street across from Doc B's Fresh Kitchen. Clams, lobster and quahogs are on the menu with a full liquor bar. Also opening soon in the plaza's food court is Johnny Rockets, known for its burgers, fries and milkshakes. Read more about Lobstah Trap HERE and Johnny Rockets HERE. 

Looking for more fantastic foodie destinations in Westshore? Read about some of the District's newest restaurants and existing favorites in the 83 Degrees article, " Not your father's Westshore Area serves up a smorgasbord of foodie fun."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently unveiled phase two of Raymond James Stadium renovations, which includes overhauling the West Stadium Club, adding a new team retail store, expanding the Hall of Fame Club and expanding and improving the home team locker room. These improvements are part of a multimillion-dollar stadium renovation that began in 2016. MORE

Lifsey Real Estate Holdings and Pinnacle Hotel Management are developing a 10-story, Marriott Autograph Collection hotel named Current, which will contain 180 rooms, 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a rooftop terrace. The 2500 N. Rocky Point Drive hotel also will contain an upscale restaurant, retail space by Tampa's Oxford Exchange and Buddy Brew coffee. Read The Business Observer's Q & A with Stan Lifsey HERE, and view the Current groundbreaking ceremony video HERE. 

The City of Tampa is considering changes to the tree and landscape code. Documents and background information regarding the changes are available on the city's website. Public information meetings regarding the proposed changes will be held on May 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Barksdale Senior Center at MacFarlane Park and on May 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ragan Community Center.  

Tampa International Airport has unveiled the second phase of its massive expansion project that includes express curbside drop-off for passengers without checked bags and the commercial development of 17 acres of airport property. It's part of roughly a $2.3 billion, long-term renovation and expansion that will allow the airport to eventually double its passenger traffic to 34 million. Read the article HERE, and register for the Alliance's May lunch with airport CEO Joe Lopano HERE. 

Amgen , one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, is bringing its Capability Center to Westshore and will soon occupy four floors of Corporate Center One. The company is actively hiring for positions in HR, IT, finance and many more. View the company's website for details. 

Visit Tampa Bay invites you to participate in its " Talk Up Tampa Bay" program to bring new meeting and convention business to town. Westshore is home to 38 hotels - the largest concentration of hotels in Hillsborough County. Visitors play an important role in the District's continued economic prosperity. Learn more.  

Find the tech talent you need today! Through the TechHire program, CareerSource Tampa Bay can connect you to hundreds of qualified candidates to fill your technology positions. Email or call 813-397-2035.