A recent Construction Coverage report found that multifamily developments account for 41.5% of all new homes in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area. The rate slightly surpasses the national average of 39.1%. The trade magazine’s researchers stated that multifamily homes encompass 30.3% of Tampa Bay’s housing stock.
St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Florida said its self-healing technology prevented over 300,000 customer outages and saved more than 300 million minutes of downtime during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The grid technology quickly identifies outages and reroutes power to quickly restore service. The system encompasses roughly 77% of Duke Florida customers.
A recent Redfin report found that year-over-year monthly rents fell by 8.5% in Tampa Bay, the second-sharpest decline among the nation’s major metropolitan areas. Raleigh, North Carolina rents decreased 8.8% in October, to $1,450. While the median asking price in Tampa Bay is still $1,736, the real estate platform’s senior economist said supply now outweighs demand.
City officials will host “Together, St. Pete: Hurricane Recovery and Resources Meeting to share pertinent storm-related information with the community Wednesday evening. The Coliseum, at 535 4th Ave. N., will host the workshop from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Residents can also attend virtually. For more information, visit the website here.
Experts from the Ocean Conservancy and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper will highlight the environmental impacts caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton at a public event Thursday evening. Green Bench Brewing Co. will host the discussion, “Our Bay, Our Future,” Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. Panelists will discuss sewage spills, water quality, public health and the future of area marine life.
The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board voted Tuesday to select Michael Stephens and Tampa International Airport’s next CEO. Stephens currently serves as the facility’s executive vice president and general counsel and will replace Joe Lopano in April 2025. Stephens will become the airport's first Black CEO, and fourth overall.
Einstein Bros. Bagels and Rita’s Italian Ice are opening new locations in separate shopping along West St. Petersburg’s 66th Street corridor. Einstein Bros. Bagels will replace the shuttered Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream shop at 2216 66th St. N. Rita’s Italian Ice will open across the street at 2141 66th St. N. in the former Doctors’ Weightloss Center space.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, awaiting trial on charges stemming from his relationship with a minor, was arrested Monday in the Dominican Republic for his role in a gun-related incident. ESPN reported that “guns were drawn” during an argument Sunday, and Franco, a woman and another man were detained. Police also seized two guns. Major League Baseball placed Franco on indefinite administrative leave in August 2023, and he is due to stand trial for his previous case on Dec. 12.
The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2024 season ended Sunday in a 2-1 road playoff loss to the Charleston Battery. The Rowdies struck first with Manuel Arteaga’s team-leading 18th goal of the year. However, Charleston advanced to the USL’s Easter Conference Final with a go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute.
Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive free admission to The Florida Aquarium over the weekend and through Monday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. The complimentary tickets are only redeemable in person with a valid military ID or DD Form 214. For more information, visit the website here.
WalletHub compared the nation’s 100 largest cities across 19 metrics, including military skill-related jobs and U.S. Veterans Administration health facilities, to determine the “Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live.” St. Petersburg placed 9th in the personal finance platform's rankings, released two days before Veterans Day. The city ranked 1st for its veteran unemployment rate, 8th for its veteran population and 34th for its percentage of veterans who live in poverty.
A $225 million Waldorf Astoria-branded condominium project has cleared its second bureaucratic hurdle as St. Petersburg’s Development Review Commission approved the development team’s plans Wednesday afternoon. The city council, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, found the 49-story mixed-use development consistent with the Intown Community Redevelopment Area plan last week. The Federal Aviation Administration must now sign off on the building’s 540-foot height due to its proximity to Albert Whitted Airport.
