Skip to content

West Tampa History

Beginning in 2021, the West Tampa Chamber is initiating an effort to share West Tampa’s history with members.  Our area is set for tremendous growth and dynamic changes, and we want West Tampa’s important history to be remembered. Tampa town was a small, sleepy fishing village in its early years. In 1885 Henry Plant built…

Read More

WTC Member Spotlight: Tampa Housing Authority

WTC Member Spotlight: Tampa Housing Authority The West Tampa Community has always been like a second home to the Tampa Housing Authority as our offices had been located at 1529 Main Street for more than 40 years. The sprawling 44 acre community, built in 1941 was an answer to the prayers of many seeking affordable housing.…

Read More

WTC Member Spotlight: BayCare Health System

WTC Member Spotlight: BayCare Health System Three of BayCare Health System’s Hillsborough hospitals are getting upgrades. The Clearwater-based health care company will invest $308 million over the next three years to expand St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview. “The greater Tampa Bay area continues to…

Read More

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Opens

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Opens Tampa has many outstanding parks but none grander than the recently opened Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. The stunning 25-acre park along the west bank of the Hillsborough River just south of I-275 has something for everyone. Amenities include athletic courts and fields, picnic shelters, children’s play area and…

Read More

Renaissance Begins – Groundbreaking Helps West Tampa Renewal Project Pick Up Speed After Years of Planning

Renaissance Begins – Groundbreaking Helps West Tampa Renewal Project Pick Up Speed After Years of Planning (Tampa Bay Times story by Christopher O’Donnell, May 11, 2018 edition) As if West Tampa wasn’t getting enough attention with the opening of a new riverfront park, construction is set to begin on West River, a signature urban renewal…

Read More

Coach Strong Brings Bulls Fever to West Tampa Chamber

Coach Strong Brings Bulls Fever to West Tampa Chamber The West Tampa Chamber welcomed University of South Florida Head Football Coach Charlie Strong as the keynote speaker for the May 15th lunch.  In keeping with the Chamber’s commitment to promoting West Tampa venues, the event was held at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC and attendees…

Read More

St. Joseph’s Hospital Breaks Ground on $126 Million Expansion

St. Joseph’s Hospital Breaks Ground on $126 Million Expansion St. Joseph’s Hospital officially kicked off their latest expansion project with a ceremonial groundbreaking on April 19th at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd location.  The $126 million project will be completed in late 2019 and features a new six story tower, connecting bridge to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital,…

Read More

Governor Activates Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses

Governor Activates Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses TAMPA (March 18, 2020) – The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida will facilitate the loan process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, for small businesses in the Tampa Bay region. The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, activated by Governor Ron…

Read More

City of Tampa to Launch Tampa Recovery Hotline for Social Recovery and Business Relief in the face of COVID-19

City of Tampa to Launch Tampa Recovery Hotline for Social Recovery and Business Relief in the face of COVID-19 Tampa, Florida (March 18, 2020)–The City of Tampa is launching a new Tampa Recovery Hotline to keep residents informed on the latest social services and business relief efforts. As our community responds to COVID-19, the City…

Read More