About

The Spid

Overview

Decades ago, researchers conducted their work from remote locations, far removed from urban business centers. As a result, many of their efforts occurred behind a figurative and geographic shield of secrecy. As demands for work-life balance increase, communication channels broaden and urban centers enjoy a new phase of growth and development, institutions are beginning to recognize a factor that the former model could not effectively deliver: collaboration through proximity.

The St. Pete Innovation District (SPID) was established in 2016. Today, membership exceeds 30 organizations within the Life Science, Marine Science, Education, Data Analytics, Art and Technology sectors. Many of these institutions are within a designated boundary of the District, while others are engaged from throughout the region and nation.

SPID utilizes a framework in which three types of assets create an innovative ecosystem — the Economic Assets (institutions), the Physical Assets (infrastructure) and the Networking Assets (connections between institutions).

The origin of the St. Pete Innovation District was grounded in the possibilities of increased economic vibrancy and innovative problem solving.
The District has continued to evolve as potential is unleased and creative solutions are discovered.

SPID Map

ARK Innovation Center
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
City of St. Petersburg
Dalí Museum
Duke Energy
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Poynter Institute
U.S. Geological Survey
USF's College of Marine Science
United States Coast Guard
University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus

The St. Pete Innovation District is located south of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The 0.83 square mile area is bordered by several unique neighborhoods. Many of the member organizations have a footprint in the District. Others collaborate on District activities from their locations across the region and nation.

District Master Planning Initiative

Team

Staff

Lauren Bell
Hub Community Manager
Sarah Lindemuth
Research Director

Board Members

LaTasha Barnes
President
Chief Financial Officer
Melissa Macogay
Secretary/Treasurer
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Jackie Skryd
Board Member
Vice President of Workforce Development & Corporate Partnerships
James Corbett
Board Member (ex-officio)
City Development Administrator
Jeff Baker
Board Member
Government and Community Relations Manager
Julie Rocco
Board Member
Director of Strategic Investments
Brian Caper
Board Member (ex-officio alt)
Director of Economic and Workforce Development
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