Many in the Tampa Bay region are feeling the affects of Hurricane Ian. Though we were lucky to have relatively minor impacts locally - family, friends and colleagues across the state are dealing devastating damage. I've been impressed with the generosity of our community as people arrange caravans to take supplies south, or donate to nonprofits. I encourage you to show your support to our neighbors in any way you can. You never know when it will be us needing their kindness.
I also want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts by members of the Innovation District in the lead up and recovery after Hurricane Ian. Their work has local, state-wide and even national impact.
Click on the links below to read more about their impressive work.
Saildrone and NOAA collected data in the air and on the water surface to assist in the development of tracking models and impact analysis.
US Coast Guard Sector St Pete and Air Station Clearwater conducted search and rescue operations during and after the storm.
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Bayfront Health St. Pete assisted in evacuating hospitalized patients.
Poynter Institute prepared journalists behind the scenes.
USF St. Pete campus opened their student center to community members without electricity so that they could recharge their cell phones and take a break in air conditioning.
Stay safe!
Alison Barlow, Executive Director
Last month, the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub kicked off the school year with a lively Retro Back-to-School themed Happy Hour. Tenants brought their families, and the space was filled with throwback snacks, classic laser backdrop photo ops, and plenty of nostalgic fun.
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay's 3DE initiative connects high school students with local and national businesses, giving them hands-on experience in problem-solving.
October always feels like conference season — a time when professionals from around the world gather to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen collaborations. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the OCEANS 2025 Conference in Chicago, a global gathering for those advancing ocean science and maritime technology.