ST. PETERSBURG SHINES NEWSLETTER
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Every other week we send our subscribers a newsletter covering economic development news, featured events, and important updates relevant to the City of St. Petersburg and the larger Tampa Bay area. Have a content request or suggestion?
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Headquarters Expansion Announcement: UPC Insurance
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UPC Insurance
has agreed to spend $5 million to purchase the 800 block of First Avenue South to expand and build a new headquarters in a deal that could bring 300 additional high-wage jobs to the City. On Thursday, Oct. 4th, the City Council unanimously approved a term sheet with the local company. A formal development agreement will follow.
The proposal includes 150,000 sf of highly demanded Class A office space and also a 500-space parking garage which would be available to the public on nights and weekends.
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Oct. 4th City Council - John Forney, Company President, UPC Insurance, "Our city has blossomed in a way that I have never seen during my time here. (The city) has become, for us, one of our most important recruiting tools."
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Record breaking year for construction in St. Petersburg
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During fiscal year 2018, the City issued more building permits than it has in each of the last nine years. In 2018, 34,382 permits were issued in the City of St. Petersburg with a total construction value of $695,872,865. There was a 10.3% increase in total permits issued in 2018 compared to a 7.9% increase in 2017. Development activity in St. Petersburg is projected to continue to rise.
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City of St. Petersburg to Renew Focus on Community Workforce Development
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The City of St. Petersburg’s City Development Administration has reorganized to create a new Economic and Workforce Development Department.
Sophia Sorolis has been named Director and
Rick Smith has been named Manager of the department, reporting to Alan DeLisle, City Development Administrator.
“These promotions illustrate the promise of the next chapter for St. Pete’s Eco Dev team. Community workforce development that advances our goals for inclusive prosperity will be at the forefront of every project. The expertise and proven experience of Sophia and others on her team will carry our city’s development success far into the future” said Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin.
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Sophia Sorolis has worked for the City for 31 years and served as the Economic Development Manager for 11 years.
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St. Petersburg's Permitting Office launches new feature
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Starting Oct. 1st, the Construction Services and Permitting office will be sending plan review comments in real time for applicants and/or owners that sign up to receive the notifications. The new feature will significantly enhance the current plan review process, as applicants will know where submitted plans are during the review phases and immediately notified when correction comments or approvals are issued.
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St. Pete Works: Showcase of Services & Career Fair
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St. Pete Works, an employment collaborative with Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition (PERC) and Pinellas Technical College, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, presents the 22nd Annual Showcase of Services and Career Fair! 100+ agencies and employers will be in attendance.
Monday, October 15th, 9am - 2pm
PTEC, 901 34th St S
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Maximo Marina completes renovations for Skyway Marina District's 5-year anniversary
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The Skyway Marina District, along with its master plan strategy, was adopted October of 2013 in an effort to boost the area of South St. Petersburg along 34th Street South, between 30th and 54th Avenues. It has continued to evolve as businesses, residents and the City work to create a vehicle to attract additional commercial and retail development, entertainment and restaurants to the area.
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$25 million in major renovations were completed at the Maximo Marina facility just in time for the District's 5-year anniversary celebration on October 6th. The multi-million dollar marina makeover is seen as a major lift to the area and is expected to be a foundation to draw new additional development in South St. Petersburg and the District.
More on Skyway Marina District Development...
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St. Pete SHINE Mural Festival is underway
Bringing more than 50 new murals to our City of the Arts since its inception in 2015, the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural festival returns for its fourth year
October 6th - 14th, showcasing vibrant special events and inspiring public murals by a diverse group of artists from around the world.
SHINE has turned St. Pete into an outdoor art museum. Visitors are flocking to tour the murals, and SHINE installs community pride in those who live and work near them. Check out the 20 talented artists participating in this year's festival!
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PSTA unveiled its first electric bus for St. Petersburg
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Join the CHARGE -
Last week, the PSTA unveiled two electric buses that started running October 7th in downtown St. Petersburg. The zero emission buses will operate along the 4.6-mile Looper route, which is now FREE for all riders.
The two $1.7 million buses are the first of six being purchased by the county with city, county, state and federal money.
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The improved emissions free e-Looper route through downtown and into the Innovation District is free to ride and runs every 15 minutes, 7 days a week
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St. Pete Foodie News
Located at 435 5th Ave N, is the new contemporary Asian fusion joint that combines the elegance of Japanese traditions with the energetic vibe of modern-day Japanese culture.
Located on the ground floor of the AER apartments at 320 3rd St S near USFSP campus, the fast-casual restaurant offers a "customizable" menu of pan Asian food featuring sushi, rice and noodle bowls, bento boxes, poke bowls and boba teas.
Located at 1101 1st Ave S in the Edge District, DR. BBQ is a New American smokehouse that celebrates regional and international ingredients by combining diverse flavors from around the world into classic barbecue dishes with a twist.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Sat, Oct 6-14
Location varies
Sun, Oct 14th, 1:00 pm
3745 9th Ave N
Mon, Oct 15th, 9am - 12pm
Pinellas Technical College, 901 34th St S
Applications due October 18th
244 2nd Ave N
Sat, Oct 20th, 10am - 4pm
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Ave SE
1 Million Cups
Oct 17th, 9 - 10 am
Special note:
The Greenhouse hosts 1 Million Cups every Wednesday, 9:00 am to 10:00 am, for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving peer network of founders in St. Petersburg. Can't make it in person?
It streams live here!
Legal Structures
Oct 17th, 6 - 9pm
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Economic Development | City of St. Petersburg | T: 727-893-7100 | F: 727-892-5465
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Have a development update, project announcement, or success story to share?
Contact Sarah Hughart, 727-893-7784
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