Podcast: How to Become St. Pete

Bank of Tampa’s Money Market interview with St. Pete EDC CEO Mike Swesey

St. Petersburg is on fire and not just with construction cranes on every corner. We’re back in this Bay boomtown on “Money” Market with host Owen LaFave as he sits down with Mike Swesey, President & CEO of St. Pete Economic Development Corporation, to talk about why businesses are flocking to this coastal city. With more than 30 years of experience driving growth, Mike shares how the EDC is putting St. Pete on the map as a destination for headquarters relocations, tech firms, and financial services companies. From high-profile business moves to a growing fintech hub, get the inside scoop on how St. Pete is winning projects that bring both investment and jobs.

But it’s not all sunshine and sailboats – Mike digs into challenges like office space, affordable housing, and transportation, while highlighting how the city is taking action to stay ahead. Tune in to hear how St. Pete is unique compared to Tampa and other coastal competitors: a walkable downtown, vibrant lifestyle, zero personal income tax, and a culture that blends business-friendly with laid-back charm. If you’ve ever wondered why national companies are packing their bags for Pinellas County, this conversation will tell you why.

About Money Market

Money Market, hosted by Bank of Tampa market president Owen LaFave, is a podcast designed for influential leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and industry pioneers eager to discover the dynamic business opportunities that make Tampa Bay the “Money” Market.

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Interested in learning how St. Pete helps innovative companies to thrive in our vibrant and authentically warm business community?

What will your company become when you Become St. Pete?

Find out how the St. Pete EDC can help you grow here.

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Mike Swesey at St. Pete EDC

Mike Swesey

President & CEO

Contact for site selectors and companies considering relocation to or expansion in St. Pete

Samantha LoGrasso

Business Recruitment Manager

Contact for general inquiries and  initial exploration of St. Pete as a business location

Morgan Lazzara

Chief of Staff

Contact for CEO, Board, committees

Visit us in St. Pete

The St. Pete EDC is located at 111 2nd Ave NE, Ste. 610, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.  Parking is available in the Plaza LAZ lot located next to the building; use GPS for 221 1st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, which is near the entrance located on 1st Street N. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.  

Parking is $5/hour for the first 3 hours and $20 thereafter; it is a card payment facility only (no cash). Visitor parking is on the 1st and 4th floors; please note there is no handicapped access from the parking garage above the first floor. 

There is also surrounding street parking; pay with ParkMobile or in the Sundial Garage located 2 blocks away.

Connect to St. Pete

We’ll put you in touch with the people, places, and programs you need to explore St. Pete as a new location for your business.

General Inquiries

We've moved! The St. Pete EDC office is now at 111 2nd Ave NE, Ste 610, St Petersburg, FL 33701