By Ryan Walsh
Westshore Means Business: The Greater Tampa Bay District Determined to Have it All
Tampa’s famous Westshore district means business.
It is a place like no other. Modern business suites, acclaimed restaurants and residential communities exist in a harmonious synergy that makes this 10 square mile region one of the hottest in Greater Tampa Bay. As one of the top employment areas on Florida’s west coast, it is no surprise that it shows no sign of slowing down.
Opportunities in the Westshore area are boundless. Companies of all sizes, from tech startups to Fortune 500s, grow amongst each other and foster development. From retail to dining, exciting entertainment to convenient travel, the Westshore area is one of the best places to live, work and play in Greater Tampa Bay.
What’s New?
In a word – everything.
This year will feature an exciting slate of new homes, eateries and offices that will make Westshore even better.
Novel Beach Park by Crescent Communities is a beautiful, 289-unit multi-family complex that sits on Old Tampa Bay. This recently opened residential experience features a ninth-floor sky bar, resort-style pool and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Midtown East, a new commercial tower coming to Westshore’s Midtown area, holds a unique distinction: it is currently the only new office building being constructed in Hillsborough County. A testament to the business appeal of Westshore, Midtown East will see Tampa Electric as a tenant of several of the building’s floors. A topping-off ceremony will take place in early May 2024, with the offices set to be fully open in 2025.
Other recently opened developments include Casa Cami, a high-end Mexican restaurant located at the Current Hotel, the Sheltair Executive Hanger Complex expansion and the new offices for Johnson and Johnson Global Services at the International Plaza.
Business – Why Do it Here?
Location, location, location. Key to Westshore’s success is its position in between downtown Tampa and Pinellas County. The Courtney Campbell Causeway connects Westshore to Clearwater while the Howard Frankland Bridge does the same with St. Petersburg. And with Tampa International Airport in its backyard, Westshore is a hub that attracts employees, clients and customers from around the area and around the country.
For those who live and work in Westshore, developments in transportation and accessibility have made it even easier to get around. 2022’s Transportation Action Plan included an additional 30 miles of bike lanes and trails, as well as walkability improvements on West Shore Boulevard.
Eats and Drinks
WestShore is known for its impressive number of bars and restaurants and its culinary excellence. Recent additions that opened last year include restaurateur Jeff Gigante’s Union New American and Hall of Fame Chef Chris Ponte’s Ponte Modern American.
Nearby in Westshore Plaza, Kura, a revolving sushi restaurant, opened in October 2023. The Florida-based eatery, which also employs robot servers, opened its debut location in Central Florida before bringing the high-tech idea to Westshore.
Other classic Westshore staples include Ocean Prime, Charley’s Steak House (relocating within Westshore next year), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (currently building new flagship location scheduled to open September 2024 in Westshore next to existing location) and over 250 more fantastic restaurants. For a cozy, laidback beach atmosphere, Rocky Point spots like Bahama Breeze and the Rusty Pelican provide that classic Florida feel that GTB is known for.
Entertainment
It might be easier to ask, ‘what can’t you do?’ in Westshore.
For the diehard sports fan, there is no better place to get in on the action. The two-time Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host opponents at Raymond James Stadium, while in the springtime, the New York Yankees hold spring training in Westshore’s George M. Steinbrenner Field. During the season, the AAA Tampa Tarpons call GMS Field home.
In addition to football, Raymond James sees the biggest names in music and entertainment perform each year. Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll and Zach Bryan all performed concerts this year. In the last twelve months, the stadium has hosted Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Luke Combs and Ed Sheeran.
The International Plaza is a shopper’s dream with over 200 stores across its 1.25 million square feet, complete with offerings like Gucci, Burberry, Neimen Marcus, Nordstrom and the interactive new concept Dick’s House of Sport scheduled to open later this year. The Rocky Point Golf Course, one of the first in the state, features 18 holes of waterfront golf and is open to the public.
Westshore Alliance
With over 400 members, the Westshore Alliance is the voice of the area’s businesses. Designed to advocate for and advance the interests of the area’s economic success, this nonprofit organization offers its member businesses networking opportunities, marketing and employee programs and services.
“We convene businesspeople in the areas, serve as an advocate for improved transportation and bring dialogue between businesses,” said Westshore Alliance Executive Director Michael Maurino.
Future and Beyond
2024 is only the beginning.
As part of last year’s 2023-2033 strategic plan, the Westshore Alliance aims to redesign the look and feel of West Shore Boulevard, create more green space and walkability, install more electric vehicle charging stations and finish construction on the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Additional housing is also set to be added in May 2024 with the opening of NOVEL Independence Park.
The Westshore District is a continuously evolving project, striving always to maintain its position as one of GTB’s best places to live, work and relax.
Westshore By the Numbers
- 45 hotels
- 15.5 million square feet of commercial office space
- 100,000 employees
- 6,500 businesses
- 250+ restaurants
- 350 retail stores
- 15,000 residents
- 3,600 apartments added since 2009
- 26,000 students attending colleges in Westshore
NOVEL Beach Park
The newest multifamily residential development in Westshore is Tampa Bay personified. Waterfront views, luxurious amenities and centralized location make it a coveted place to call home. Currently open for leasing, NOVEL Beach Park has 289 units offering 9-foot ceilings, oversized kitchens and many floorplans.
- Amenities Include:
- Waterside pool and lounge
- Sunset lounge with indoor/outdoor terrace
- Co-working space
- Fitness club
- Pet facilities
Westshore Trail Access
The Courtney Campbell Trail – Whether biking, walking or rollerblading, this walk along the water is perfect for great workouts and greater views. Stretching across the expanse of the bay itself, this nearly 11-mile trail runs from Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater to W. Cypress Street in Tampa.
Cypress Point Park – Located just north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, is everything a Tampa park should be. Beach access, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court and miles of walking trails. Rent a paddle board from PADL Standup and watch the sunset across Old Tampa Bay or take a picnic lunch under one of their many shaded shelter areas.
