January 8, 2026 • 9 mins
Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor At Large Ashley Kritzer joins to discuss commercial real estate and business stories, including a possible new Rays ballpark, whether or not Tampa could ge a Buc-ee's, new Walmart locations, and big changes coming to Water Street.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
And let's go to the hotline and bring in Tampa
Bay Business Journal Editor at large, Ashley Kreizer. You can
find all of her work and a whole lot more
at Tampa Bay business Journal dot com and you can
follow her on Instagram at Ashley Kreutzer. And Ashley, I
know I can rely on you. I can count on
you not to wish me a happy New Year during
(00:22):
this conversation.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Because you know the Larry David role. You're very familiar
with it. Three days.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
That's it you and I fully agree with it. It's
we're no longer in that happy New Year's season. I mean,
you won't like this, Ryan, but I it's Valentine's Day now.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Yeah, all right.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
So what is the big thing that you're going to
be keeping a close eye on here in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
Well, you know, this is kind of the Groundhog Day
of the song that Never ends story, and that is
the Tampa Bay Rays. So hopefully, if twenty twenty six
gives us anything, it is resolution and moving on from
this twenty year stadium saga of the Tampa Bay Rays.
So that's what we'll be watching. I think we should
see some movement in the next couple of months. I mean,
we will see them celebrate opening day back at Tropicana Field,
(01:06):
So there's that. It's just where do they go from here?
And I think, you know, we're going to be watching that.
Everyone's going to be watching that, and like I said,
hopefully everyone gets some resolution and some closure so we
can all move on.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
The new year. Same story.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
I wonder if it's possible that they might time things
out to where you know, started the season. That's kind
of when a big announcement might come, because right now
we know that they're actively searching for a location and
they have a time frame in mind, but beyond that
don't have a lot of details.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
You know. I think that would be interesting timing because
it would affect you know, it could potentially affect their
relationship with their current landlord, which is the city of
Saint Petersburg. And it also the thing is about real estate,
No matter how much you want to time something perfectly, yeah,
you know, there's too many forces at play, and so
that may be their ultimate goal, but I think in
real estate you're never totally in charge. Their's market forces
(02:02):
and usually too many players, so to speak. So we'll
see if they and that would be quick too, because okay,
today is what in April?
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Yeah, could twenty twenty six include a BUCkies come into
the Tampa Bay area.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
You know we won't see one open, but we certainly
could see a deal transpire to open one here. And
by that I mean that maybe a developer puts the
land under contract.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
That's all we want, That's all we're asking reassurance.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Yeah, we'll be here eventually.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Why is it not here yet?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I don't understand that they've been expanding around the state.
How come they haven't brought one to the Tampa Bay
Area yet.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
I haven't been to one. I just want to see
what all the fuss is about.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
I think Ryan, that you and I would both really
hate it. It sounds kind of like a Walmart supercenter
amped up to proportions that we really could not handle.
I have driven past one and I just stop at
Taco Belt. But in terms of why Tampa Bay doesn't
have a BUCkies, where victim of our own success? Because
they are not looking for densely populated development corridors like
(03:05):
we are surrounded by. They are looking for middle of
nowhere rural towns where not only can get the land
for cheap. They can be the only thing along the
air state. So if you think of where they are
currently open, that's kind of the vibe right middle of nowhere,
kind of like when you cross that line into South
Carolina and that south of the Border sign, it starts
(03:28):
kind of like that.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Yeah, Okay, I.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Mean we I guess if you go to the outer
areas of the Tampa Bay region you could find a
spot like that. So you know, maybe Rnando County there's
more there than there used to be, but there's still
a lot that's yeah, undeveloped.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And then think you think Citrus County more.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Like that, well something like that. There are plans underway
in Okalla and then closer to the Tampa Bay region.
The head of retail real estate for JLL, which is
a big commercial real estate firm, he has said that
he bucks to see BUCkies pop up near Sarasota and
near Lakeland as well as Lake City. So in terms
of how close it is, I mean we're talking about
maybe an hour in each direction depending on traffic, So
(04:11):
that's not terribly far. If you really wanted to go
see what all the fuss is about, you just make
a day trip out.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Of that all right.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
I think neither one of us is going to be
going down that road, but I'm sure a lot of
other people will. Ashley Kritzer, Tampa Bay Business Journal editor
at large with us this morning. So Bucky's maybe, but
another Walmart that seems pretty likely. Why is the company
so focused on the Wesley Chapel area.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
So I also just want to take a minute with
this new Walmart to explain you don't see a lot
of new Walmarts because they've really kind of captured the
whole country. There's always some insane stat about what amount
of the population of the United States lives within a
few miles of a Walmart, And it's crazy. Whether you're
in an urban center like the Tampa Bay region or
a more rural county, you're probably pretty close to a Walmart.
(04:58):
So the fact that they feel that I need another
store in Wesley Chapel really speaks to the growth that
you're seeing in Wesley Chapel on the retail side, but
it's all about rooftops. Walmart always follows rooftops, and this
is just another sign of the explosive residential growth in
Pasco County.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
And then Walmart's drone delivery service that now has arrived
to the region as well.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yeah, I've seen some really funny tiktoks of the drones,
like dropping the packages and they land in retention ponds,
And personally, I would just let the alligators have it
if that were me. But the video I saw they
went in and got their delivery. No, it's interesting. I
think it's one way to contend with the traffic the
growing pains that we have here in the Tampa Bay region.
On the flip side of that, drone delivery is really
(05:42):
not tailored to urban dwellers or people who live in
cities where you have multiple addresses that want address, whether
that's like a quadplex or a large apartment complex. But
we have a lot of suburban sprawl here that can
definitely be served by drone delivery.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
There must be something to it because you're seeing Amazon, dude,
you're seeing Walmart it. I mean, they're not investing that
kind of money and energy for no reason.
Speaker 3 (06:05):
Well, no, everyone wants their things instantaneously. I mean you
press the order button, then you start sitting by the door,
and these retailers know that, and the more they can
stroke those dopamine heads, right, you hit order the dope,
the drone drops it at your door. I mean, you're
just gonna stun more if it can get to you quicker.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Well, And I saw a video I think when you
were out Ryan of a drone delivery and Amazon one
in Texas, and the buzzing noise that the drone makes
is so annoyed. And then you just hear the package
like thud on the bar.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
It's not fragile written. Yeah, you can't.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Get anything, you know, fragile delivered that way. But it
looks like a little rocket and it just drops the
package out and it makes the most awful buzzing noise.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, I didn't think of that.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
That's going to piss the neighbors off, that's for sure,
especially if you're that one.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
I'll have to find the audio clip for you playing.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Yeah, if you're that one always ordering something.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
We're joined by Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor at large
Ashley Kreutzer. Last thing, looking ahead to twenty twenty seven,
big changes come into the area next to Water Street
and Benchmark International Arena.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
This is pretty exciting.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
It is exciting because this was the first big construction
we're going to see out of Water Street in a
couple of years since they wrapped up that first phase
in twenty twenty three, And this is that entertainment district
that they promised us a few years ago that they
said this will be the next phase of development, and
it's going to include a live music venue, of hotel
and a few more things on this lot that's it's
almost across the street from Benchmark International Arena, across from
(07:34):
Yard House, and it's a pretty sizeable piece of property
by urban standards. It's just under four acres.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
So this is.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Something that I know they've had in the works for
a long time. And the developer of Water Street is
also going to continue to work with Vinex Sports Group
and they will manage the entertainment bookings in that arena
because or in that venue. When you think about Benchmark
International Arena sea, it's about twenty thousand people. This will
be a more intimate venue for up and coming acts
that right now don't really have a venue to perform
in the Tampa Bay Area.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
It's interesting, and I mentioned this when this plan first
was floated. It feels like we have a ton of
those kinds of venues, but I guess there's a need
for more of them.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
I don't know. I think of Sound, and I think
of you know, Ruth Decker Hall and like Tampa Tea.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
You know, I don't know the exact capacity of every
single one, but it just feels like we have a
lot of intimate venues.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
But clearly there's a need. Other way, they wouldn't do it.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Right. And I think that if an exports group has
shown us anything over the years, it's that maybe Tampa
Bay doesn't know what they need us they create it.
I mean that certainly was the case with Water Street.
I was down there yesterday middle of the day and
could not believe the people just casually enjoying a nice
coffee sitting outside. I was like, does anybody work? You know,
as I'm walking around too. So I think that there
(08:49):
probably is a market for this. Nobody does their homework
better than a sports group. But and also I think
the tack will probably be you know, it'll be a
venue that we have experienced yet.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Yeah, if you build it, they will come.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Ashley Kreutzer Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor at large. You
can check out all of her work and a whole
lot more at Tampa Bay Business Journal dot com and
You can follow her on Instagram at Ashley Kretzer.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Ashley, thanks so much.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Thanks for having me a Ryan Gorman Show five to
nine every weekday morning on news radio twout u FLA
And let's go to the hotline and bring in Tampa
Bay Business Journal Editor at large, Ashley Kreizer. You can
find all of her work and a whole lot more
at Tampa Bay business Journal dot com and you can
follow her on Instagram at Ashley Kreutzer. And Ashley, I
know I can rely on you. I can count on
you not to wish me a happy New Year during
(00:22):
this conversation.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Because you know the Larry David role. You're very familiar
with it. Three days.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
That's it you and I fully agree with it. It's
we're no longer in that happy New Year's season. I mean,
you won't like this, Ryan, but I it's Valentine's Day now.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Yeah, all right.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
So what is the big thing that you're going to
be keeping a close eye on here in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
Well, you know, this is kind of the Groundhog Day
of the song that Never ends story, and that is
the Tampa Bay Rays. So hopefully, if twenty twenty six
gives us anything, it is resolution and moving on from
this twenty year stadium saga of the Tampa Bay Rays.
So that's what we'll be watching. I think we should
see some movement in the next couple of months. I mean,
we will see them celebrate opening day back at Tropicana Field,
(01:06):
So there's that. It's just where do they go from here?
And I think, you know, we're going to be watching that.
Everyone's going to be watching that, and like I said,
hopefully everyone gets some resolution and some closure so we
can all move on.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
The new year. Same story.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
I wonder if it's possible that they might time things
out to where you know, started the season. That's kind
of when a big announcement might come, because right now
we know that they're actively searching for a location and
they have a time frame in mind, but beyond that
don't have a lot of details.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
You know. I think that would be interesting timing because
it would affect you know, it could potentially affect their
relationship with their current landlord, which is the city of
Saint Petersburg. And it also the thing is about real estate,
No matter how much you want to time something perfectly, yeah,
you know, there's too many forces at play, and so
that may be their ultimate goal, but I think in
real estate you're never totally in charge. Their's market forces
(02:02):
and usually too many players, so to speak. So we'll
see if they and that would be quick too, because okay,
today is what in April?
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Yeah, could twenty twenty six include a BUCkies come into
the Tampa Bay area.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
You know we won't see one open, but we certainly
could see a deal transpire to open one here. And
by that I mean that maybe a developer puts the
land under contract.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
That's all we want, That's all we're asking reassurance.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Yeah, we'll be here eventually.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Why is it not here yet?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I don't understand that they've been expanding around the state.
How come they haven't brought one to the Tampa Bay
Area yet.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
I haven't been to one. I just want to see
what all the fuss is about.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
I think Ryan, that you and I would both really
hate it. It sounds kind of like a Walmart supercenter
amped up to proportions that we really could not handle.
I have driven past one and I just stop at
Taco Belt. But in terms of why Tampa Bay doesn't
have a BUCkies, where victim of our own success? Because
they are not looking for densely populated development corridors like
(03:05):
we are surrounded by. They are looking for middle of
nowhere rural towns where not only can get the land
for cheap. They can be the only thing along the
air state. So if you think of where they are
currently open, that's kind of the vibe right middle of nowhere,
kind of like when you cross that line into South
Carolina and that south of the Border sign, it starts
(03:28):
kind of like that.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Yeah, Okay, I.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Mean we I guess if you go to the outer
areas of the Tampa Bay region you could find a
spot like that. So you know, maybe Rnando County there's
more there than there used to be, but there's still
a lot that's yeah, undeveloped.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And then think you think Citrus County more.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Like that, well something like that. There are plans underway
in Okalla and then closer to the Tampa Bay region.
The head of retail real estate for JLL, which is
a big commercial real estate firm, he has said that
he bucks to see BUCkies pop up near Sarasota and
near Lakeland as well as Lake City. So in terms
of how close it is, I mean we're talking about
maybe an hour in each direction depending on traffic, So
(04:11):
that's not terribly far. If you really wanted to go
see what all the fuss is about, you just make
a day trip out.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Of that all right.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
I think neither one of us is going to be
going down that road, but I'm sure a lot of
other people will. Ashley Kritzer, Tampa Bay Business Journal editor
at large with us this morning. So Bucky's maybe, but
another Walmart that seems pretty likely. Why is the company
so focused on the Wesley Chapel area.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
So I also just want to take a minute with
this new Walmart to explain you don't see a lot
of new Walmarts because they've really kind of captured the
whole country. There's always some insane stat about what amount
of the population of the United States lives within a
few miles of a Walmart, And it's crazy. Whether you're
in an urban center like the Tampa Bay region or
a more rural county, you're probably pretty close to a Walmart.
(04:58):
So the fact that they feel that I need another
store in Wesley Chapel really speaks to the growth that
you're seeing in Wesley Chapel on the retail side, but
it's all about rooftops. Walmart always follows rooftops, and this
is just another sign of the explosive residential growth in
Pasco County.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
And then Walmart's drone delivery service that now has arrived
to the region as well.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Yeah, I've seen some really funny tiktoks of the drones,
like dropping the packages and they land in retention ponds,
And personally, I would just let the alligators have it
if that were me. But the video I saw they
went in and got their delivery. No, it's interesting. I
think it's one way to contend with the traffic the
growing pains that we have here in the Tampa Bay region.
On the flip side of that, drone delivery is really
(05:42):
not tailored to urban dwellers or people who live in
cities where you have multiple addresses that want address, whether
that's like a quadplex or a large apartment complex. But
we have a lot of suburban sprawl here that can
definitely be served by drone delivery.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
There must be something to it because you're seeing Amazon, dude,
you're seeing Walmart it. I mean, they're not investing that
kind of money and energy for no reason.
Speaker 3 (06:05):
Well, no, everyone wants their things instantaneously. I mean you
press the order button, then you start sitting by the door,
and these retailers know that, and the more they can
stroke those dopamine heads, right, you hit order the dope,
the drone drops it at your door. I mean, you're
just gonna stun more if it can get to you quicker.
Speaker 4 (06:21):
Well, And I saw a video I think when you
were out Ryan of a drone delivery and Amazon one
in Texas, and the buzzing noise that the drone makes
is so annoyed. And then you just hear the package
like thud on the bar.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
It's not fragile written. Yeah, you can't.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Get anything, you know, fragile delivered that way. But it
looks like a little rocket and it just drops the
package out and it makes the most awful buzzing noise.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, I didn't think of that.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
That's going to piss the neighbors off, that's for sure,
especially if you're that one.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
I'll have to find the audio clip for you playing.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Yeah, if you're that one always ordering something.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
We're joined by Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor at large
Ashley Kreutzer. Last thing, looking ahead to twenty twenty seven,
big changes come into the area next to Water Street
and Benchmark International Arena.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
This is pretty exciting.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
It is exciting because this was the first big construction
we're going to see out of Water Street in a
couple of years since they wrapped up that first phase
in twenty twenty three, And this is that entertainment district
that they promised us a few years ago that they
said this will be the next phase of development, and
it's going to include a live music venue, of hotel
and a few more things on this lot that's it's
almost across the street from Benchmark International Arena, across from
(07:34):
Yard House, and it's a pretty sizeable piece of property
by urban standards. It's just under four acres.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
So this is.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Something that I know they've had in the works for
a long time. And the developer of Water Street is
also going to continue to work with Vinex Sports Group
and they will manage the entertainment bookings in that arena
because or in that venue. When you think about Benchmark
International Arena sea, it's about twenty thousand people. This will
be a more intimate venue for up and coming acts
that right now don't really have a venue to perform
in the Tampa Bay Area.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
It's interesting, and I mentioned this when this plan first
was floated. It feels like we have a ton of
those kinds of venues, but I guess there's a need
for more of them.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
I don't know. I think of Sound, and I think
of you know, Ruth Decker Hall and like Tampa Tea.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
You know, I don't know the exact capacity of every
single one, but it just feels like we have a
lot of intimate venues.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
But clearly there's a need. Other way, they wouldn't do it.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Right. And I think that if an exports group has
shown us anything over the years, it's that maybe Tampa
Bay doesn't know what they need us they create it.
I mean that certainly was the case with Water Street.
I was down there yesterday middle of the day and
could not believe the people just casually enjoying a nice
coffee sitting outside. I was like, does anybody work? You know,
as I'm walking around too. So I think that there
(08:49):
probably is a market for this. Nobody does their homework
better than a sports group. But and also I think
the tack will probably be you know, it'll be a
venue that we have experienced yet.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Yeah, if you build it, they will come.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Ashley Kreutzer Tampa Bay Business Journal Editor at large. You
can check out all of her work and a whole
lot more at Tampa Bay Business Journal dot com and
You can follow her on Instagram at Ashley Kretzer.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Ashley, thanks so much.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Thanks for having me a Ryan Gorman Show five to
nine every weekday morning on news radio twout u FLA
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.