St. Pete State of the Economy

City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood, Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman and members of the City’s economic development team presented the state of the St. Pete economy, looking at economic inclusion and business opportunities for Sunshine City residents and how St. Pete is creating space for smart growth.


St. Petersburg is Growing

Growth in Pinellas County is concentrated primarily in St. Petersburg and employment increases and rates in the Sunshine City are outpacing those in the region or the state.

Support for Entrepreneurs

City leaders reported on the successes of the Greenhouse, St. Petersburg’s front-door to business growth, providing more than 1,000 business owners and entrepreneurs with the education, resources and assistance necessary in 2023 to thrive in the local economy.  Nearly 150 businesses have been accepted to or have received funding from the St. Pete CRA Microfund Program, which serves businesses throughout the South St. Pete CRA. 

Within the Tampa Bay innovation ecosystem, 100+ organizations assist entrepreneurs. St. Pete is the anchor of Florida’s Tech Corridor, with the Tampa Bay Innovation Center at the ARK Innovation Center leading the way in the St. Pete Innovation District.

ARK Invest and the New “Carousel of Progress”

ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood, who brought international attention to St. Petersburg when she relocated her company to St. Petersburg in 2021, discussed


“What we’re going to offer is not only high-end finishes and the latest technology. It will be highly amenitized and driven by the lessons we’ve learned in the hospitality space. It’ll be ideal for employers that are looking to entice their teams to come back to the office.”
Casey Ellison, CEO, Ellison Development

400 Central: Redefining Downtown Excellence

Meanwhile, in the bustling heart of Downtown St. Pete, another transformative project is making waves. 400 Central, reaching the halfway mark of its development, epitomizes luxury and sophistication. Rising majestically amidst the city skyline, 400 Central promises unparalleled views, premium amenities, and a prestigious address in one of St. Pete’s premier blocks.

400 Central, which will be the tallest building in Southwest Florida, is being developed by John Catsimitidis’s Red Apple Group New York. The 301 luxury condo site will feature a glass-enclosed Sky Lounge and Observatory; 60,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurants; and 45,000-80,000 square feet of Class A office space.  John Catsimatidis Sr., founder of the Red Apple Group, described it as a “wow building” to the St. Pete Catalyst.


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Attracting Talent and Investment in the Sunshine City

As these developments continue to take shape, their impact extends far beyond the realms of architecture and design. The emergence of new Class A office space in St. Petersburg signifies broader economic growth, attracting additional investment and innovation to the region. These projects provide opportunity for companies considering relocation or expansion in the Sunshine City to take advantage of St. Pete’s unique position as a premier destination for commerce, culture, and innovation.

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

Download your copy of our Become St. Pete brochure.

Get the Become St. Pete brochure

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

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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