It has been 40 years since the Westshore Alliance was established in 1983 and the organization has made a tremendous impact on the Tampa Bay community during that time. Founded by a group of business leaders, Westshore Alliance has been a driving force in transforming the Westshore district area into one of the busiest and most vibrant business centers in Greater Tampa Bay.
The Westshore area is one of the fastest growing areas in Tampa Bay. The Alliance is focused on ensuring that the area continues to thrive and develop in a positive and sustainable manner.
Westshore’s vision is to create an innovative and vibrant business district with a wide variety of employment and entertainment options, while also preserving and enhancing the unique character of the area.
New leadership with vision
Outgoing President, Kenneth Tinkler passed the gavel to the recently appointed 2023 President of the Alliance, Melanie Fowler.
Fowler, a Westshore native, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Before becoming Chairwoman, she served as Treasurer of the Westshore Alliance.
She is office principal for HDR Engineering, which specializes in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services.
Fowler has also served as a project manager, planning, design and construction phase services for numerous water resources, solid waste and site development projects.
“Many years ago, the original members of the Alliance created a master plan for the Westshore District. It prioritized improved traffic flow in and out of Westshore, better traffic circulation within the district, and more sidewalks and greenspaces,” said Fowler. “Through hard work – and an uncommon amount of patience – that vision has slowly become reality. The success of Midtown and the continued rebirth of West Shore Boulevard, led by Westshore City Center, is an example of our 40-years of partnerships to advance the Westshore District.”
According to Fowler, there are currently more than 20 projects in some phase of development in Westshore. The area has much to look forward to, including:
• The highly anticipated opening of Union New American at Westshore City Center
• The Emerson on Rocky Point nearing completion on one of the last remaining waterfront parcels in the District
• Continued openings in the hip and happening Midtown Tampa and excitement about TECO’s headquarters returning to Westshore in the soon to be built Midtown East
• The two new apartment communities coming online from Crescent Communities at Beach Park and Independence Park are nearing completion
• And of course, our friends at Hillsborough Community College have a beautiful new building for their combined campus administrative offices
Fowler is determined to make a positive impact on the Westshore community and is eager to work with the organization’s partners to continue supporting its mission. With her leadership, the Westshore Alliance is sure to make strides.
By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT.
