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South County’s growth map and Tampa’s next hearing
Plus: two local fintech companies, a closed I-275 exit and October 8–11 events.
Taylor Gangis
October 07, 2026
THIS WEEK IN TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY, HERE’S WHAT CHANGED
South County residents have 2 chances this week to weigh in on a recommended growth map. Tampa has its own plan preview on Friday. Hillsborough is also preparing a major water and sewer program.
You can watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/@HillsboroughCountyMeetings/videos
Pendry tops out Friday, and we will be there, be on the lookout for that video. LifeTime in Lakewood Ranch sneak peak on Friday, also lookout for that one. Tentative opening date for that one is Oct 12th.
01 / STORY
SOUTH COUNTY’S GROWTH MAP REACHES ITS FINAL FEEDBACK ROUND
A. WHAT HAPPENED
The Little Manatee South urban-expansion study is entering its fourth and final round of community meetings. Residents can review the recommended land-use scenario, impact analysis and proposed Comprehensive Plan policies.
B. THE DETAILS
The in-person sessions are October 7, 6–8 p.m., and October 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at South County Career Acceleration Academy, 2810 John Sherman Way in Ruskin. Both present the same material.
These are study recommendations. The meetings do not approve a subdivision or rezone a property.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
For anyone comparing South County neighborhoods, this is a chance to ask how proposed growth relates to roads, utilities and existing communities before treating a map as a promise.
D. MY TAKE
Bring a specific location and a specific question. The useful conversation is about the tradeoffs behind the map and the steps needed to make it work.
02 / STORY
TAMPA’S NEXT GROWTH-PLAN HEARING IS SET FOR OCTOBER 22
A. WHAT HAPPENED
Tampa is preparing to consider updates to the Future Land Use, Housing and Coastal Management sections of its Comprehensive Plan. City Council’s adoption hearing is scheduled for October 22 at 5:01 p.m. at Old City Hall.
B. THE DETAILS
The update looks toward 2045. A virtual public preview is scheduled for October 9 at noon, giving residents another opportunity to review the proposed language before the hearing.
The Planning Commission says the Housing draft has not changed, while the adoption review includes minor updates to Future Land Use and Coastal Management in response to state review.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
The plan helps guide Tampa’s growth. For someone comparing properties, the practical question is how that citywide direction relates to a specific neighborhood and parcel.
The sections remain proposed. Current zoning, site-specific approvals and any later rezoning request still need their own review.
D. MY TAKE
Read the map and the rules together. A citywide headline offers context; the records for a particular site tell you more about what could happen there.
Use the preview to understand the draft before the hearing.
03 / STORY
HILLSBOROUGH’S BID PIPELINE INCLUDES A $255M WATER AND SEWER PROGRAM
A. WHAT HAPPENED
Hillsborough County’s updated advance-procurement list includes an estimated $255 million Water Resources Pipeline Renewal and Replacement Program. Formal issuance is anticipated October 22.
B. THE DETAILS
The planned five-year program covers pre-construction and construction services for water, reclaimed-water and wastewater infrastructure, including pipeline replacement, related repairs and emergency work.
The county’s October 6 update moves the anticipated issuance of a $16.5 million facilities construction term contract to October 12. Its $4.41 million low-pressure sewer notice also anticipates October 12.
Separately, the county’s construction engineering and inspection services solicitation was listed as open on October 1, with an October 29, 2 p.m. Eastern deadline.
C. WHY IT MATTERS
The notices show the scale of infrastructure work being prepared. Residents and contractors still need the actual solicitation, project scope and contract milestones to understand what will happen and when.
Estimated values are not awarded spending.
D. MY TAKE
Follow each procurement by its stage. An advance notice, an open solicitation and an executed contract answer different questions.
The next checks are the formal documents and any revised dates.
04 / DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS
Development Briefs
Tampa Bay’s next fintech class includes two local companies
Tampa Bay Wave selected 13 U.S. and U.K. companies for its 2026 FinTech X accelerator. The October 5 announcement includes PayShore of Riverview and PredictQ of St. Petersburg.
The program connects founders with mentors, investors and industry leaders. Selection is a business-network milestone; it does not establish new headquarters, funding rounds or jobs.
Read Tampa’s housing pipeline by application number
Tampa’s October Live Local report lists an approved application for 178 homes, including 71 affordable units, at 800 South Harbour Island Boulevard. An older denied application appears at the same address, and two approved Gandy Boulevard records have different unit totals.
These are application records, not a tally of completed homes. Check the specific record before adding up the pipeline or assuming construction has started.
The 38th Avenue N exit is now closed
FDOT says the southbound I-275 Exit 25 ramp to 38th Avenue N closed early October 5 for widening, drainage and lighting work. The estimated reopening is mid-December, weather permitting.
The signed detour uses Exit 24 at 22nd Avenue N, then heads west to US 19 / 34th Street N and north to 38th Avenue N.
A new cement terminal starts serving the region
SESCO Cement’s new Port Tampa Bay terminal has begun operating. The port’s October 2 update says the facility unloaded its first two vessels and started deliveries to regional customers.
Buddy Brew is expanding inside Sprouts
Six of ten planned Buddy Brew cafés inside Sprouts stores are reported open. Carrollwood, Palm Harbor, Trinity and South Sarasota remain announced for fall.
Pinellas park fees change on two dates
Annual boat and beach pass rate changes took effect October 1. Hourly and daily parking rate changes are scheduled for December 1.
Hillsborough expands emergency alerts
HCFL Alert can send hurricane, flood, evacuation, road-closure and other emergency notifications. The county says its evacuation-zone maps were updated for 2026.
05 / WEEKEND EVENTS
Weekend Events
Sounds of the Street
Thursday, October 8 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Water Street Tampa | Free
The posted lineup includes HoneyWhat at Raybon Plaza, Speak Easy at Via Corazon and Kiefer at The Pearl / 3 Corners. A big push to support and bring in local artists and musicians. Check out the event they had that was headlined by Chromeo
Oktoberfest Tampa
Friday, October 9, 4–11 p.m. | Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts the 17th annual celebration with music, dancing, food and the Friday keg tapping.
St. Pete Fall Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11 | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | St. Pete Pier
The free waterfront festival includes live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, family activities and a Kids Zone. Some activities require separate tickets or purchases.
Second Saturday ArtWalk
Saturday, October 10 | 5–9 p.m. | Multiple St. Petersburg arts districts
Studios and galleries open for the monthly ArtWalk. The Warehouse Arts District trolley is scheduled from 6–10 p.m.
Plan ahead
October 13: Witchy Wellness at Sparkman Wharf, 6:30–8 p.m.
October 18: Howl-O-Ween at Sparkman Wharf, 4–6 p.m.
October 20: Nightfall Vinyasa at Via Corazon, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
October 28: Whispers After Dark at Water Street, 6–9:30 p.m.
October 30: Halloween movie evening at Sparkman Wharf, 5–9 p.m.
Before you go: Check the organizer’s latest schedule, ticket availability and weather updates.
We post carousels every Sunday that shows you what is happening in Tampa Bay during the week. We post on Wednesdays to show you what is happening that weekend in Tampa Bay.
Follow here. https://www.instagram.com/realtampabay.dev/
More events here: https://www.waterstreettampa.com/events
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THE CLOSE
THE CLOSE
A useful growth story gives you something to check next.
For South County, it is the recommended map and this week’s public sessions. For Tampa, it is the October 9 preview before the October 22 hearing. For infrastructure, it is the formal bid documents after an advance notice.
Those details help turn a broad headline into a better local question.
Forward this issue to someone who wants the practical version of what is changing around Tampa Bay.
See you next week.