Ferry Service connecting Tampa and St. Pete takes shape
Over the past few years both Tampa and St. Petersburg have grown as cultural, business, and food destinations. While they may be a short drive from one another, construction and traffic often serve as an inhibitor for residents to visit their neighboring city.
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A proposed ferry system could soon change that. Mayor Buckhorn met with Rick Kriseman, mayor of St. Petersburg, this week to discuss potential options for the ferry service. This would include docking stations at the waterfront by the Tampa Convention Center and Vinoy Park in St. Pete.
On January 6th, The Hillsborough BOCC approved the ferry program in a 5-1 vote. Along with Pinellas County, Tampa and St. Pete's tentative commitments ($350,000 each), this approval could mean the ferry service is on its way to operating by October of 2016. The service would be in partnership with HMS Ferries (St. Pete would head the negotiations with the company).
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FDOT wins bid on 9 acres in West Shore Business District
Earlier this week the FDOT won a bid on the land presently taken up by Charley's Steakhouse and the Doubletree in the West Shore Business District. They plan to build a state-of-the-art transportation hub, which will include a retail stores, a parking garage and restaurants.
Its purpose is to be a main intersection for our public transit system, high speed rail (if passed), as well as for cabs and Uber/Lyft drivers.
WFLA reports that the demolition of the Double Tree and Charley's won't be for another two years.
Three MAJOR entertainment happenings at Straz Center
In case you're in need of some solid entertainment in 2016, we have four shows you don't want to miss.
January 20th through February 14th, the smash hit Disney's The Lion King will arrive on the Straz Stage. The enigmatic minds of Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor and Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice brought this beloved classic to the stage. Click here and get your tickets today for this one of a kind entertainment event.
On January 24th the versatile actor, Alan Cumming will perform his one man show, "Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs," at the Straz Center. You know him from his multi award-nominated turn as Eli Gold on the hit CBS drama The Good Wife, as Sandy Frink in the cult classic Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, and from his Tony-winning turn as the Emcee in the 1998 and 2014 Broadway revivals of the Donmar Warehouse production of Cabaret. Click here and reserve your tickets today.
On April 15th director/writer/actor/comedian David Cross will bring his latest special to the Straz Center. Known for Mr. Show, Arrested Development, w/ Bob and David, and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, David Cross's talents know no bounds. Click here and reserve your tickets for the stand up special.
On April 22nd the celebrated American humorist David Sedaris invites the city of Tampa to enjoy an evening with him. He'll be speaking in Morsani Hall at the Straz Center. Click here to reserve your tickets.
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