SOtampa Sampler: Water Taxi Connects Channelside, Riverwalk, Tech Firm Moves Downtown…

One Year of Cult Classics at The Vault

What began as a passion project for local artists in Tampa has transformed into a monthly tradition. Second Screen Cinema has been bringing cinema's most beloved cult phenomenons to The Vault since Feb. 2015. One year later their resolve to bring great art to the city has never been stronger.

They screen Kubrick's masterful adaptation, A Clockwork Orange, February 10 and will announce their March and April screenings in the weeks to come. 

Screenings take place the second Wednesday of every month and begin at 7pm. They hold a cocktail hour beforehand at 6pm. There is a $5 suggested donation for each screening.

Each features local bites from the best restaurants in Tampa. Follow them on Facebook and on their website for updates on next month's screening.    

Ohio firm moves national headquarters to Tampa

Cohesion, an IT consulting firm from Ohio, is moving its HQ to Tampa. FL, Governor Rick Scott announced Feb. 8. The firm will create up to 100 new jobs within the year and generate and estimated $350,000 in capital investment. 

"By cutting $1 billion in taxes and creating the new $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund, Florida can continue to attract job creators to our state and become first in the nation for job growth," said Scott.

"The rich pool of IT consulting talent in this market will certainly help fuel our growth. Tampa International Airport’s close proximity and convenience is another big plus, and makes it very easy for us to travel to our clients all over the eastern United States," said John Owens, president and CEO of Cohesion.

The Tampa area is home to more than 20% of the state's information technology positions. From a release from the governor's office, "Cohesion joins a growing list of information technology firms that recently chose Hillsborough County for relocation or expansion, including Accusoft, BlueGrace Logistics, Cognizant, ConnectWise, LabTech Software, SunView Software, and Tribridge."

Cohesion's arrival is indicative a burgeoning interest in Tampa as an economic hub for growing and established businesses. Tampa International's growth certainly adds to the allure as more international, and direct flights to the west coast are added to their terminals. 

Pirate Water Taxi Launches

Tampa is one of Uber's top performing cities. Hillsborough, Tampa, Pinellas and St. Pete officials have all agreed on a tentative plan to bring a high-speed ferry service connecting the cities downtown areas. The ever growing Tampa Riverwalk and booming Channelside Districts have allowed pedestrian and cyclists alike safer and more connected paths to Tampa's social foodie and arts hubs. Clearly, residents and officials are eager for alternate forms of transportation. Pirate Water Taxi will provide yet another way for residents and visitors to traverse and explore the city.

Pirate Water Taxi officially launches on February 27. The service has three taxis and will feature 14 stops along the Tampa Riverwalk, Channel District and Davis and Harbour Islands. Water taxis can fit up to 50 passengers. Private charters will also be available for those interested. 

Hop on, hop off all day passes are $15 for adults, $8 for children. One way passes are $8 for adults, $5 for children.