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
There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation.
Congratulations to Sarah Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for being named a 2024 BusinessWoman of the Year honoree. We are also thrilled that Sarah has recently joined the Board of Directors for the Innovation District.
Even with an extra day in the month, I am running late with the February newsletter. Its been a busy and exciting time. Last Tuesday we announced a new project - Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy.