How can Tampa Bay continue to build with a changing climate in mind?

TAMPA — Over the last five years, Tampa Bay has seen a surge in population growth. And naturally, that uptick has spurred a wave of new development.

From Water Street in downtown Tampa to Gasworx in Ybor City and the Historic Gas Plant District in St. Petersburg, more apartments, condos, retail and commercial development is on the way. But as strengthening storms, rising sea levels and other effects of climate change continue to impact Tampa Bay and beyond, how can our community continue to grow in a way that safeguards our future?

The Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with Tampa Electric, will host a free community conversation on responsible, sustainable development in our region at the upcoming event, Spotlight Tampa Bay: Sustainability in Growth. The forum will take place at Feeding Tampa Bay, 3624 Causeway Blvd., in Tampa, on May 7 at 5 p.m.

“The Tampa Bay Times is proud to host this conversation on sustainability and innovation, connecting thought leaders with the community,” said Conan Gallaty, chairperson and CEO of Times Publishing Co. ”Through civic dialogue, we bring journalism to life, ensuring that growth reflects our region’s shared values.”

Local experts and community leaders will participate in a panel discussion on the need for innovations in development and construction as Tampa Bay’s landscape continues to evolve.

Visitors are encouraged to come early to enjoy an interactive resource center with displays from local organizations, including Tampa Electric’s energy conservation team, the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Friends of Tampa Union Station, City of Tampa’s Green Team, USF Urban and Regional Planning Program, ULI Tampa Bay and Plan Hillsborough. Enjoy tastings from the catering team at Feeding Tampa Bay and meet the business reporters behind the headlines.

At 6 p.m., the panel discussion moderated by Tampa Bay Times Real Estate Reporter Rebecca Liebson will begin. Panelists include Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations at Metro Development Group; Melissa Zornitta, executive director of Plan Hillsborough; Taylor Ralph, president and founder of REAL Building Consultants LLC; Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Companies; and Abbye Feeley, administrator for development and economic opportunity at the city of Tampa.

“Tampa Electric is pleased to support this free forum for the community to discuss innovations that shape and enhance the future of our region,” said Stephanie Smith, vice president of State and Regional Affairs at Tampa Electric in a statement. “Our energy solutions are crucial to Tampa Bay’s development. By partnering with the community we serve, we are not simply fueling the future of sustainable growth but actively collaborating to shape it.”

Attendees should register ahead of time at tampabay.com/spotlight. Admission and parking are free.