What started as a routine morning for our leadership program (LT 25) quickly turned into an eye-opening moment when our group witnessed a car accident on the way to the program’s Transportation Day (February 19, 2025). The incident was a stark reminder of how crucial it is to have a safe, efficient, and well-planned transportation system for a growing community. This set the stage for a day of exploration, learning, and meaningful discussions about Tampa’s evolving transportation infrastructure.
A thriving city is built on the strength of its transportation infrastructure, and Tampa is no exception. As part of our leadership program, we embarked on an immersive Transportation Day to gain a deeper understanding of Tampa's evolving transportation landscape. From the economic impact of Tampa International Airport (TIA) to the strategic maritime developments shaping the area, the day was packed with insightful discussions, exclusive tours, and firsthand experiences.
Tampa International Airport
Our journey began at Tampa International Airport (TIA), where our day Chair, Vik Bhide (LT 23), Mobility Director with the City of Tampa, set the tone for the day and introduced Gina Dew, the Director of Government and Community Relations for Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) Tampa International Airport. Ms. Dew delivered an insightful presentation on TIA’s strategic and master plan, highlighting key initiatives in sustainability, passenger experience, and community engagement. She discussed the upcoming Airside D terminal (set to open in 2028), to accommodate increasing passenger demand. Additionally, she emphasized TIA’s commitment to fostering strong community partnership, working to enhance connectivity and accessibility. Shoe showcased the airport’s innovative customer-focused solutions aimed at making travel more seamless and efficient.
Innovation was a key theme, with Gina Dew quoting Michael Stephens, the incoming TIA’s CEO "Innovation is not just about technology, but how you approach problem-solving." One of the discussion points centered on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the potential for flying passenger drones, highlighting how TIA is preparing for the future of urban transportation.
Following this engaging introduction, we embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport, gaining firsthand insight into baggage logistics, and security protocols. This experience provided a deeper appreciation for the complex system - that keeps TIA running smoothly, safely and efficiently - including a five-mile network of conveyors, loops and scanners that process nearly 30,000 bags per day during peak season. One fascinating takeaway was that while passengers move between destinations inside the airport, their luggage is often traveling beneath them through the intricate conveyor system located below the tram.
Transportation Panel – Envisioning Tampa’s Transportation Future
The day continued with a dynamic panel discussion featuring key leaders at the forefront of Tampa’s evolving transportation landscape. Moderated by Vik Bhide, the conversation brought together Greg Slater, CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA); Dr. Johnny Wong, Executive Director of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization; and Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Greg Slater provided insight into the expansion of express lanes and major connectivity projects and plans. He touched on the restructuring of THEA’s procurement process over the years since joining the agency. Additionally, Mr. Slater highlighted THEA’s collaboration with the US Department of Transportation on a Connected Vehicle Pilot Program, which focuses on real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure to improve efficiency and safety on roadways.
Johnny Wong provided an overview of regional transportation strategies and long-term transportation and infrastructure needs, emphasizing the critical role of data-driven analytics in shaping effective planning and decision-making. Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges discussed the organization’s effort in enhancing urban mobility and improving the overall downtown experience. She highlighted the Downtown Ambassador and Clean Team programs, which play a key role in maintaining a clean, welcoming, and well-kept environment. Additionally, Ms. Hairston-Bridges covered emerging micro-transit opportunities, including the Dash program, aimed at providing convenient short-distance transportation options for the public.
A key theme resonated throughout the discussion for the need of a unified vision – one that the entire community can rally behind to drive the development of a more efficient and effective transit system. One panelist captured the sentiment with a powerful quote “The good gets in the way of great.” This engaging discussion shed light on current challenges and forward-looking solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors, and the need for alignment around a shared vision towards an outstanding transit system for the region.
Howard Frankland Bridge Tour
Before embarking on a tour of the Howard Frankland Bridge, we enjoyed a meal sponsored by TIA, providing a valuable opportunity to network with the Panelists and reflect on panel’s discussions.
The guided tour was led by Marianne Brinson Senior Project Engineer with AtkinsRealis, and Ricky Grogan, Project Director for the Howard Frankland Bridge, with Archer Western Construction. They provided an in-depth look at the construction and engineering aspects of this critical link between Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Stretching approximately three miles, the new southbound bridge, is the largest bridge project in the Tampa Bay Area.
Designed to ease congestion and support the region’s growing commuter needs, the bridge includes additional lanes, multi-modal enhancements, and forward-thinking resiliency measures to withstand Florida’s unique challenges.
With over 220,000 cubic yards of concrete used in construction, the bridge is built to accommodate future transit systems while providing expanded pedestrian/bicycle pathway. Mr. Grogan detailed the engineering complexities including incident management strategies, evacuation preparedness, and long-term traffic demand planning to improve overall functionality. As we drove through the site, we gained deeper understanding of the challenging subsurface conditions, which required complicated geotechnical and structural engineering solutions. Due to significant variations in subsurface and geological conditions, the bridge is supported by driven prestressed concrete piles that ranged in depth from 75 to 300 feet, to account for the diverse ground conditions and ensure the bridge long-term performance.
Tampa’s Urban Transformation - Strategic Property Partners Tour and GasWorx Overview
Next, our group explored the transformative developments shaping Tampa’s urban landscape, beginning with a look at Water Street Tampa, a mixed-use district redefining the city’s downtown. Brad Cooke, VP of Development at Strategic Property Partners (SPP), provided an insightful presentation on the history, vision, and ongoing progress of this groundbreaking project.
Spanning 56 acres along Tampa’s waterfront, Water Street is a $4+ billion investment, introducing 9 million square feet of new commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, cultural, entertainment, and educational spaces. On of the project’s innovative urban planning is the construction of a district-wide cooling system - a two-mile network of chilled water loops designed to improve energy efficiency across multiple buildings. The system reduces environmental impact while keeping the district cool. Next phases will expand across multiple locations, further driving Tampa’s economic growth.
Following the presentation, we were led on a tour of various spaces within the SPP building, where MK Michalak provided insights into Water Street design principles prioritizing wellness, walkability, technology, sustainability, and connectivity. The visit culminated in an interactive experience showcasing a digital twin of the area – a dynamic 3D model offering a visual representation of how this development integrates with Tampa’s evolving urban landscape while fueling its economic growth and job creation.
Our exploration of Tampa’s urban transformation continued with a presentation about GasWorx, a 50-acres redevelopment initiative. Mr. Graham Tyrrell, Senior Vice President at GasWorx, shared the vision for revitalizing Tampa’s historic industrial district by connecting the surrounding neighborhood while preserving the rich cultural heritage of both the GasWorx and Ybor City. The development plan blends historic architecture with modern urban living, creating a transition from Ybor City’s historic feel to the high-rise developments of the Channel District.
Water Taxi Tour – Exploring Tampa’s Maritime
After a day of land-based learning, it was time to explore Tampa’s transportation from a maritime perspective. We boarded the Water Taxi for a guided tour led by Karl Strauch, Vice President of Marketing at the Port of Tampa. As the boat traveled along the shoreline, Mr. Strauch provided an overview of the Port’s facilities and activities, highlighting its role as one of the largest and most economically significant port in Florida and the United States.
The discussion covered the port’s vast size and capacity, including the millions of tons of cargo handled annually. LT 25 members gained insight into the diverse range of goods transported, from petroleum and building materials to consumer goods and perishables, as well as the port’s booming cruise industry, which continues to drive tourism and economic activity in the region. Additionally, as we glided past massive shipping terminals and towering cranes, ongoing and future expansion projects were outlined, emphasizing efforts to increase capacity, enhance infrastructure, and improve efficiency to support Tampa’s growing economy.
Reflections & Key Takeaways
Transportation Day provided a unique opportunity to witness how Tampa’s interconnected transportation systems drive the region’s growth. From aviation and expanding expressways to resilient bridges, urban developments, and thriving maritime industry, the day highlighted critical role of strategic infrastructure investments. LT 25 members left with an awareness of how effective transportation planning drives economic growth and enhances quality of life in the Tampa Bay Area.
A key takeaway was the importance of a unified vision for the region’s transportation future. This highlights the need for bold, long-term planning and collaboration across public and private sectors to ensure Tampa’s continued growth as a connected, accessible, and innovative metropolitan hub.