Originally from Vero Beach, Antonio Taylor has lived in the Tampa area for the past decade. He is now a real estate agent with KVA Group, specializing in luxury and development services with a focus on Tampa Heights. Outside of real estate, Taylor is a social media content creator with a brand centered on all things Tampa Bay.
ABOUT ME
I was climbing the corporate ladder as a project engineer in construction when I realized that path wasn’t the life I wanted. I wanted nicer things, more freedom with my time, and I didn’t want to wait 50 years for a full 401(k) to enjoy them. Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be part of building and creating spaces. In Tampa specifically, my love for real estate grew because the city had so much potential — and not enough design to match it. I wanted to help people see what Tampa could look like with thoughtful architecture and development.
Tampa is a modern example of the American Dream. You can move here, start fresh, work hard, meet the right people, and build a real life for yourself. In real estate and development, if you design and build with quality, the product will sell.
The social media side happened by accident. I started documenting Tampa’s growth while still an intern in construction, and the real estate path became inevitable — I was already talking about development, design, and where the city was going.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
West Tampa’s restaurant scene is my favorite hidden gem. The Latin food over there never misses — chicken, rice, beans, plantains, a drink, all under $20. And if I’m craving a café con leche, the cafés in West Tampa always take care of me.
For lunch, On Swann is easily a favorite for a casual meal or business meeting. It’s consistent, casual and the perfect neutral environment for a meeting. The menu is straightforward, and if you let the staff know you’re in a business conversation, they keep touches light. I’m ordering the hot chicken and kale salad — a Tampa staple.
Elliott Aster has me in a chokehold right now. It’s my favorite restaurant in Tampa Bay — the design, the presentation, the service, the menu, the execution… everything is a 10/10. I’m recommending it to everyone who asks me where to eat.
I’m a big coffee drinker, and people are going to hate me for saying this, but my first choice is the Starbucks on Howard. The team there makes it feel like a neighborhood café — they know your name, your order, and what’s going on in your life. If I’m grabbing an iced drink, I’m heading to Paradeco in St. Pete. Their iced coffee is unmatched.
If I were designing a day out with family, we’d start at Himes for breakfast. Then I’d take everyone to Armature Works and walk the Riverwalk down into downtown. For lunch, we’d head straight to West Tampa — probably La Cabaña. Evening would be a movie at CineBistro, followed by dinner at ro Hyde Park. I’ve really been enjoying their food lately.
When visitors are in town, I bring them to Water Street. It’s the most active neighborhood in the city, with great energy, constant activity, and our most aesthetic district. Great food, great energy — it’s a good introduction to modern Tampa.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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