Flyin’ High
Tampa International Airport has been named the No. 1 Large Airport by the J.D. Power 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study for the second year in a row. TPA is only the third airport in 18 years of the study’s history to receive consecutive top rankings in the largest airport category.
When deciding rankings, the J.D. Power North American Airport Satisfaction Study looks at six factors: terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail. TPA also ranks highly for terminal facilities and airport arrival/departure categories in comparison to other large airports. To ensure satisfactory experiences for the 23 million passengers that TPA sees each year, it has been undergoing a three-phase Master Plan construction program to expand the airport.
Leveling Up for the Little Ones
John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Neonatal ICU has recently been designated a Level IV NICU by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). John Hopkins All Children’s applied for and received the designation when the AHCA expanded its highest NICU classification from Level III to Level IV in 2022. They are now the only AHCA-designated Level IV NICU in Pinellas County and one of only a few in the Greater Tampa Bay area.
For over a decade, John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s NICU has met the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criteria for the designation. In order to be classified as a Level IV NICU, hospitals must provide advanced medical and surgical care for newborns and premature infants. These facilities are also equipped to care for complex neonatal conditions and the smallest of sicknesses in newborns.
Swingin’ in a New Ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced plans for a new ballpark in St. Petersburg. The initial proposal for the redevelopment of the 86 acres at the Tropicana Field site dates back to November 2007. This state-of-the-art ballpark is expected to be a $1.3 billion project, with construction starting in 2024 and an opening date estimated in 2028.
The new ballpark will be built near The Trop, the current home of the Tampa Bay Rays. It will feature three seating levels, a fixed roof, an artificial turf field, operable walls and a pavilion design. This new ballpark is just a portion of the $6 billion investment to redevelop the Gas Plant District into a community that will feature affordable housing, public parks, new businesses, a museum and other amenities.
Winning Big
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council has been awarded the International Economic Development Council’s Gold Economic Development Organization of the Year Excellence Award for 2023. This award was for the large market category, designated for regions with a population over 500,000. The International EDC bestowed this award based on the Tampa Bay EDC’s ability to possess committed leadership, be consistent in its strategy and have defined goals and accomplishments.
The Tampa Bay EDC serves as the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. The Tampa Bay EDC was formed in 2009 and, since then, has helped 134 companies create 14,022 jobs and generate over $1.6 billion in capital investment in Hillsborough County from 2018 to 2022. The IEDC has also designated the Tampa Bay EDC as one of only 72 accredited economic organizations across the globe.
The Cookie has Crumbl’d
Pinellas Park Crumbl Cookies is set to open on September 29. The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with six of the weekly rotating flavors. This location will provide over 55 career opportunities in Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Crumbl Cookies will only serve in-person orders until October 4, when options for delivery, curbside pickup, catering and nationwide shipping will become available.
The store is owned by Kelly Cloward, Noelle Cloward, TJ Morgan and Stephanie Morgan, who are all excited to bring the taste of Crumbl to Pinellas Park. The Clowards and the Morgans, originally from Utah, have had their fair share of enjoying Crumbl Cookies, motivating them to open a Crumbl franchise after relocating to Pinellas County. Inspired by Crumbl’s mission of bringing family and friends together, the Clowards and Morgans hope to ensure their customers get the best cookie experience they have ever had.
