Jeff Vinik Sells Majority Stake in Lightning
Jeff Vinik, who purchased the Tampa Bay hockey team, arena lease, and five nearby acres in 2010 for a reported $170 million, has sold a majority stake to two Wall Street investors from Blue Owl Capital Corp. Retaining a minority share, Vinik will continue to oversee operations through 2027. Although the sale price wasn’t disclosed, Sportsnet previously valued the team at nearly $2 billion.
Tampa Bay Hotel Gets Recognition from Condé Nast
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach has been honored with Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Award. Every year, Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle magazine, publishes its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, selected by readers worldwide who vote for their favorite hotels, resorts and travel experiences.
Multi-Day Music Fest Returns to Tampa
Breakaway Music Festival, the nation’s largest touring electronic music festival, returns to Raymond James Stadium on April 25-26, 2025. Following its Tampa debut in 2024, which drew thousands of festivalgoers, the two-day event is already selling early bird tickets. Attendees can look forward to live music, art installations, food vendors and interactive activities.
The Cross Bay Ferry Connects St. Pete and Tampa
The Cross Bay Ferry, which links St. Petersburg and Tampa commuters and was initially introduced in 2016, will now offer year-round service. The 149-passenger ferry, which previously operated from October through May, will now run continuously, offering a 50-minute ride between Port St. Pete (250 8th Avenue SE) and the Tampa Convention Center.
Tampa Bay is One of the Country’s Hottest Real Estate Markets
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) projects Tampa Bay will lead all major U.S. markets in new home construction in 2025. According to ULI and PwC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2025 survey, Tampa Bay ranks No. 1 for homebuilding prospects, with Fort Lauderdale and California’s Inland Empire metro area following. Tampa Bay also secured the No. 4 spot in ULI’s overall market rankings.
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