Wire
Groundbreaking non-profit aims to transform transportation in Tampa Bay
TAMPA —There’s one thing in Tampa Bay just about everyone can agree on. There’s a need for better transportation systems. That’s what has ignited the new and groundbreaking non-profit, the Tampa Bay Mobility Alliance (TBMO), launching February 26th at 10 AM at Tampa International Airport ( in the special events space on the third floor of the main terminal next to the shuttle to Airside F ).
Over the course of the past year, the organization has brought together local thought leaders to build an entity that aims to enhance the region on land, water and air when it comes to getting around. That includes everything from testing out new apps, to suggesting ways to more efficiently improve traditional modes of transit. TBMO will represent three counties: Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas. It will serve as the public engagement arm advocating with one voice for transportation options in the area. TBMO members will listen to direct feedback from the community and take it to those making the decisions that affect us.
There’s three chairmen, one from each county involved: Roberto Torres (Hillsborough, owner of Blind Tiger Cafe; Andrew Machota (Pinellas, founder of Newtown Connections); and, Bill Cronin (Pasco, president of Pasco EDC).
“We want to make sure Pasco County has a seat at the table and gets involved,” said Bill Cronin, President of the Pasco EDC.
“Pasco is a booming area for homeowners and commerce, so we want to be engaged with how to improve transportation for those that live here and our visitors.”
“My first coffee shop located in Ybor City is a hub for professionals and visitors. I want to make sure we continue to improve their experience in the store and while traveling around Tampa Bay,” said Roberto Torres.
“That’s why I wanted to get immersed into this effort and serve as a board chairman.”
TBMO will present and safely debate options with high community input and advocate for transit solutions within the region.
The organization will focus on three main objectives:
- To be an entry point for transportation solutions into the Tampa Bay area.
- Be a safe place for transportation conversations and educate the community on the various transit projects aims and initiatives being proposed.
- Produce and advocate for tangible results around transportation and mobility.
This means the public will have an important role in the information TBMO presents. Every month there will be community events highlighting the diverse transit organizations and transportation thought leaders across the region, free for anyone to attend. This project was made possible through several donors, including: PNC Bank,Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Attorney Rhea Law and Cigar City Brewing founder, Joey Redner.
“It was a no brainer to get involved and help fund this project,” said Joey Redner.
“I love Tampa Bay and I’m excited about the growth we see throughout. So, I want to make sure the transportation is improving as the population and attractions continue to grow.”
“There’s a reason why we took our time to create the Tampa Bay Mobility Alliance over the past year,” said Cesar Hernandez, Founding Member of TBMO and Managing Director of consulting firm Omni Public.
“We wanted to make sure we found ways to come to the table with solutions on how to disrupt and improve transportation in the Tampa Bay area while building a board that was diverse across the three counties.”
About TBMO – TBMO is a non-profit and non-partisan organization aimed at boosting transportation options in the Tampa Bay region. Founders and board members spent a year cultivating the right team that will focus on highlighting solutions when it comes to how we all travel. TBMO will be dedicated to supporting pro transportation solutions.Those solutions are then brought before stakeholders and government leaders who can make decisions about transportation.
Founding Members: Adam Harden (Soho Capital), Andrew Machota (Newtown Connections), Ann Kulig (Westshore Alliance), Bill Cronin (Pasco EDC), Carlos Echeverry, Cesar Hernandez (Omni Public), Christine Acosta (Pedal Power Promoters, LLC), David Loos (Beaux-Arts Group), Ed Ellsaser (Prim Group Insurance), Janet Scherberger (TIA), Jamie Renee (Good Day Solutions), Joey Redner (Cigar City Brewing, LLC), Jonathan Davila (Diamond View Studios), Karen Kress (Tampa Downtown Partnership), Lauren Campbell, Mark Sharpe (Tampa Innovation Alliance), Merrill Stewart (Good Day Solutions), Michael Maurino (Westshore Alliance), Mike Griffin (Savills Studley), Paula Flores (ITE), Ray Chiaramonte, Rick Fernandez (Shutts & Bowen LLP), Roberto Torres (Black and Denim Apparel Company), Ronald Weaver (Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.), Steven Gillis (Transportation Control System), Suzi Bredbenner (1 Particular CFO, LLC), Taylor Ralph (REAL Building Consultants, LLC), Tim Moore (Diamond View Studios), Tim Heberlein (Organize Florida), Tracy Ingram, Todd Fultz.
