Unlocking Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Sun are in the playoffs and looking to add their own trophy to the Champa Bay case!

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Sun captain Jordyn Listro to hear her thoughts on the team’s inaugural season, how fun it is to ride a water taxi to games, and her affection for the Heat Wave, as Sun supporters are affectionately known. A native of Toronto, Listro fell in love with Tampa as a standout on the...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we chat with Jess Anderson, the Director of Business Development for Oxford Commons Hospitality Company. One of Oxford Commons’ new ventures involves the relocation of South Tampa institution Mad Dogs & Englishmen from its longtime digs on MacDill Avenue to its new home a mile down the street. The new location spans 6,000 square feet and is a modern take on a classic British pub with mult...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Tampa Bay Rays Chief Business Officer Bill Walsh to discuss what fans can expect this season as the Rays move across the bay to Tampa and temporarily call George M. Steinbrenner Field home for the 2025 season. We explore how the stadium is being transformed from the New York Yankees spring training facility to deliver an authentic Rays experience—switching out signage, incorp...

For nearly two decades, NYU Professor James D. Fernández and journalist-filmmaker Luis Argeo have worked to uncover the forgotten history of Spanish migration to the U.S. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of Spaniards settled in Tampa, shaping the cigar industry, and building strong communities. Yet, their stories remained largely untold. In this episode, Fernández and Argeo discuss their research and the In...

He’s the irrefutable king of Iron Gwazi having ridden the iconic roller coaster at Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay over 10,000 times since it opened with no signs of slowing down. Meet Kalin Profitt, a born and bred Tampa Bay resident with an insatiable appetite for all things Busch Gardens and Iron Gwazi, billed as North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we exp...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we're joined by Will Seccombe, the Executive Producer of Undiscovered America TV, a show that unveils hidden wonders and untold stories one adventure at a time and is returning to Tampa for a second time after featuring the city in the show’s first season. Will brings his expertise in marketing and destination management – he was the former President & CEO of Visit Florida -- to explore w...

Sion Walton-Guest started his professional career in corporate tax while dabbling on the side as an influencer before he went all in on content creation, quite literally quitting his day job and becoming a leading voice worldwide on social media for travelers. Walton-Guest recently visited Tampa as a part of a paid partnership with Visit Tampa Bay to highlight the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and activities for his audience to ...

Sion Walton-Guest started his professional career in corporate tax while dabbling on the side as an influencer before he went all in on content creation, quite literally quitting his day job and becoming a leading voice worldwide on social media for travelers. Walton-Guest recently visited Tampa as a part of a paid partnership with Visit Tampa Bay to highlight the best restaurants, neighborhoods, and activities for his audience to ...

She’s the chief of fun responsible for turning downtown Tampa into an entertainment hub.  Meet Ivy Lupco, the manager of public space, placemaking & programming at Tampa Downtown Partnership. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we discuss how downtown has transformed from ghost town to boom town after business hours and Ivy’s role in activating this surge of activities in downtown after dark. We also take listeners behind-t...

Have you started your holiday shopping? We have the perfect gift ideas for that hard-to-please person on your list. On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we sit down with Wes Balch, the retail manager of the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center, to uncover the secrets behind curating our collection of unique, locally-inspired merchandise. From Tampa-themed apparel and accessories to exclusive items you won't find anywhere else, get a...

Welcome back to another season of Unlocking Tampa Bay! In this episode, we sit down with Chef Joey Medellin, the Executive Chef of Tampa Bay’s premier dining cruise on the Hillsborough River. Hear about Chef Joey’s journey from self-taught chef to head of Craft Dining, where he brings family tradition and Florida flair to each dish. We dive into the unique challenges of preparing gourmet meals on the water and explore the standout ...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we explore the sweet side of Tampa Bay with two beloved local dessert destinations!

First, we sit down with Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, founded by the Chillura siblings. What started as a dream for the best local homemade ice cream became a reality in Ybor City. Max Chillura shares the story of turning their family passion into a community favorite.

Next, we meet the brothers behind Ham...

Discover how sports shape Tampa Bay's vibrant community and drive economic growth. Join us for a special Unlocking Tampa Bay episode featuring Christina Unkel, President and General Counsel of Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Christina shares insights on the journey of Tampa Bay's first professional women's sports team and the Sun's vision to become a global l...

Tampa Bay is celebrated as one of the most accessible destinations in the United States dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. Visit Tampa Bay is partnered with companies like Wheel the World, Enchroma, Ablevu, and more to create a welcoming experience for all visitors. In this episode, we sit down with Yoel Waisberg Avayu, Head of Business Development for Wheel the World, an accessible online travel agency helping people ...

In this extended Juneteenth episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we talk with two influential women who have significantly impacted Tampa Bay's history. First, we meet Bolaji Ajike, the founder of R.O.C. The Block INC., a Juneteenth festival held annually in Tampa Bay which focuses on Reconditioning Our Communities by inviting the local and global community to enjoy a block party atmosphere. Ajike strives to create a safe space for ...

In this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we do a deep dive into the winning ingredients that make these Tampa Bay MICHELIN recipients shine. From a boutique hotel inspired by residential flare to a culinary hot spot bursting with authentic flavors, we dive into the magic behind MICHELIN. First, we sit down with Chef Michael Brannock, owner of Streetlight Taco, who shares the journey of Streetlight Taco, a restaurant that opened in 2...

Did you know that of the 25,000 businesses in the city of Tampa, around 24,000 are small businesses? As our Honorable Mayor Jane Castor always says, “these inspired entrepreneurs and their ventures are not just the backbone of our community, but also the heart and soul that keep it thriving.” Our first guest, Wesley Roderick, a Tampa Bay native and the creative mind behind SuperNatural Food & Wine, shares his remarkable journey...

Get ready for a sweet and inspiring March episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay! First, meet Danielle Thibodeau, owner of Wicked Sweet Sugar Boutique, where every treat tells a tale of love and dedication. From guava pastries honoring Tampa Bay to a full espresso menu, indulging in these sweet treats is impossible to resist! Then, join Josie Curci from Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery as she shares the heartwarming story of her family'...

On this episode of Unlocking Tampa Bay, we celebrate Black History Month with two of Tampa Bay's treasures who are creating history of their own! First, we talk with CJ Thompson, the owner of Booze & Bubbles, a luxury bartending company, who started her journey as an epidemiologist. Yep, you read that right! Hear how she took a leap of faith and went from just 100 followers to brunchin' with the wives of the Tampa Bay B...