Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Florida Attorney General Seeks Court Order Limiting OpenAI Model Development
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is asking a state judge to temporarily restrict the development of new artificial intelligence models by OpenAI, escalating an ongoing legal dispute over AI safety and the use of ChatGPT by minors. The motion, filed Sept. 28 in Highlands County Circuit Court, seeks a temporary injunction that would prevent OpenAI from developing new AI models without independent third-party safety guardrails and approval. The request is part of a lawsuit Florida filed against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman in June. FOX 13 Tampa Bay Importantly, these are restrictions Florida is asking the court to impose; the filing itself does not mean the requested injunction has been granted. WJXT Florida Seeks Broader Restrictions on ChatGPT The requested injunction goes beyond development of future AI models. Florida is also asking the court to restrict OpenAI from offering ChatGPT to minors and from presenting the service in ways the state alleges could cause users to perceive the chatbot as having human characteristics. The state also seeks restrictions related to claims about ChatGPT’s safety, accuracy and reliability. FOX 13 Tampa Bay Uthmeier’s office argues that stronger outside oversight is necessary because of potential risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems.…
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7 Brew Accelerates Expansion With More Than 50 New Locations Opening in October
One of the fastest-growing names in the drive-thru beverage industry is continuing its aggressive nationwide expansion. 7 Brew plans to open more than 50 new locations across 31 states during October 2026, according to a list the company provided to USA TODAY. The expansion represents another significant step in the Arkansas-based company’s rapid growth across the United States. AOL.com The October openings stretch from Florida and the Carolinas to Texas, Colorado, Connecticut and West Virginia. Among the announced markets are Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Anderson, Gaffney, Murrells Inlet and Rock Hill, South Carolina; Mobile and Northport, Alabama; and Millington, Tennessee. AOL.com Several of those locations have already received firm opening dates. Mobile’s new stand at 3180 Dauphin Street is scheduled for Oct. 5, while locations including Northport, Alabama; Anderson and Gaffney, South Carolina; and Norman, Oklahoma are expected to open Oct. 12. AOL.com 7 Brew’s Rapid Growth Continues Founded in Northwest Arkansas in 2017, 7 Brew has developed a real estate model centered around compact, high-throughput drive-thru stands. The company’s growth has accelerated dramatically in recent years. According to 7 Brew, the chain had just 38 stands in January 2023. Its official website now reports 900-plus stands, operations across 38…
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533-Bed Student Housing Development Underway Near University of Tampa
A major new student housing development is moving forward near the University of Tampa, adding more than 500 beds to Tampa’s rapidly evolving urban core . Verdex Construction has begun vertical construction on Coral Walk, a new student housing community located at 1000 W. Fig St. in Tampa. The project is planned to include 249 residential units and 533 student beds across three six-story residential buildings. The development will also feature a six-story precast parking garage along with additional residential amenities. Site work began in May, with construction now moving into the vertical phase. Developing a Challenging Infill Site One of the most notable aspects of Coral Walk is the configuration of the property itself. The development is being constructed on a long, narrow infill site measuring approximately 80 feet wide and 1,800 feet long, demonstrating how developers are finding creative ways to utilize increasingly scarce land near downtown Tampa and the University of Tampa. The project also highlights continued investment in purpose-built student housing surrounding the university. Another nearby community, Apella on Newport, contains 576 beds and was approximately 96% leased for the 2026-27 school year when it was listed for sale in September. The property sits less than…
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$15M Courtney Campbell Trail Project Adds New Pedestrian Overpass
A major improvement to one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable recreational trails is moving closer to completion as the Florida Department of Transportation continues work on a new pedestrian overpass along the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The approximately $15 million project is designed to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between Clearwater and the Courtney Campbell Trail. The Business Journals Trail Temporarily Closes for Construction Beginning Sept. 21, a section of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Pedestrian Trail between Bayshore Boulevard and Dr. Kiran C. Patel Boulevard closed for approximately 14 days, weather permitting. The temporary closure allows crews to install overhead structures associated with the new pedestrian overpass. Advanced warning signs have been installed to alert cyclists, runners and pedestrians. FDOT Tampa Bay Construction on the overall project is expected to be completed in late 2026. FDOT Tampa Bay New Overpass Improves Trail Connectivity The project centers around a new pedestrian overpass across State Road 60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard, east of Bayshore Boulevard. The overpass creates a dedicated connection between the Bayshore trail system and the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, eliminating the need for trail users to navigate the busy roadway at street level. FDOT Tampa Bay The…
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Bradenton Identifies 16 Areas for Potential Redevelopment
The City of Bradenton is taking another step toward expanding redevelopment efforts, identifying 16 areas across the city that could be targeted for future revitalization and investment On Sept. 23, the Bradenton City Council unanimously approved a Finding of Necessity, allowing the city to begin the process of establishing a new Community Redevelopment Area. City officials say the overall process of creating the new CRA is expected to take approximately one year. City of Bradenton 16 Areas Identified for Revitalization The redevelopment study identified 16 areas where conditions may justify additional public and private investment. Issues cited in the study include vacant or underutilized properties, deteriorating improvements, fragmented ownership, outdated lot configurations and concentrations of government-owned land. Pulse of Manatee Several prominent properties are included, including the former Bradenton City Hall site at 500 15th Street West. Six of the identified areas contain city- or county-owned property, according to reporting on the proposal. Pulse of Manatee Returning underutilized properties to productive private use could have a broader economic impact by encouraging new development while placing additional real estate on the tax rolls. Another Push for Investment in Bradenton Bradenton already operates three CRA districts: Downtown, Central and Tamiami Trail. CRA…
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Starbucks to Close 250 Stores as Coffee Chain Reshapes North American Footprint
Starbucks is preparing to close approximately 250 coffeehouses across North America, creating another wave of retail vacancies while the coffee giant continues reshaping its store portfolio. The closures represent roughly 1% of Starbucks’ more than 18,000 North American locations and are expected to be largely completed by the end of the company’s 2026 fiscal year. Starbucks said it identified locations where it does not believe it can consistently provide its desired customer and employee experience or where it sees no path toward acceptable financial performance. Part of the “Back to Starbucks” Strategy The closures are part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” turnaround strategy. While the company continues to see long-term expansion opportunities in North America, management has been reviewing existing stores more closely and investing in locations it believes have stronger long-term potential. At the same time, Starbucks has reduced its expected fiscal 2026 global net new store openings to approximately 440 locations, down from its previous guidance of 600 to 650. The restructuring is expected to result in approximately $300 million in charges, including about $200 million primarily related to lease exits and employee separation costs. What the Closures Mean for Commercial Real Estate For commercial real estate…
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Berry Bay Expansion Brings 436 More Homes to Wimauma
South Hillsborough County’s residential boom continues as Tampa-based Eisenhower Property Group moves forward with plans for another 436 homes at Berry Bay, its large master-planned community in Wimauma. The proposed seventh phase would span nearly 178 acres west of County Road 579 near Saffold Road. Plans submitted to the Southwest Florida Water Management District call for homes on 40- to 60-foot lots, along with new streets, sidewalks, water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater ponds and connections to existing sections of Berry Bay. Berry Bay Continues to Grow Berry Bay encompasses approximately 1,100 acres and is planned for at least 3,200 single-family homes. The community has already developed or platted at least 969 lots, with builders including D.R. Horton, M/I Homes, Ashton Woods and Perry Homes. Additional expansion is also planned. The recently created Berry Bay III Community Development District covers approximately 506 acres and currently anticipates another 1,389 detached homes, with zoning allowing as many as 1,600 attached or detached units. Infrastructure associated with that expansion is estimated at nearly $91 million. Wimauma Emerges as a Major Growth Corridor The expansion highlights the continued transformation of Wimauma and South Hillsborough County. Wimauma’s population increased from 9,467 residents in the 2020 Census…
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28-Story Apartment Tower Begins Rising in Downtown Clearwater
Downtown Clearwater’s redevelopment continues to take shape as construction moves above ground on The Bluffs, a major mixed-use apartment project overlooking Coachman Park. Developed by New York-based Gotham Organization, The Bluffs will rise 28 stories on the former Clearwater City Hall property at 100 and 150 S. Osceola Avenue. The project broke ground in April, and crews recently completed the first elevated concrete pour after spending approximately five months focused primarily on foundations and below-ground construction. (Tampa Bay Business Journal) Approximately 430 cubic yards of concrete were poured for the first elevated section, covering portions of the future lobby and main entrance. Moss, the project’s general contractor, expects the structure to begin its vertical rise later this month. (Tampa Bay Business Journal) 400 New Residences Coming to Clearwater’s Waterfront When completed, the approximately 630,000-square-foot development is expected to include 400 luxury rental residences, more than 10,000 square feet of retail space and 440 parking spaces. The tower is projected to top out in July 2027, with completion targeted for summer 2028. (Tampa Bay Business Journal) The project is being developed on city-owned property through a public-private partnership with the City of Clearwater, forming part of a broader effort to introduce…
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Bocelli Modern Italian Expanding to Downtown Largo
A popular South Tampa restaurant is crossing Tampa Bay as Bocelli Modern Italian prepares to open its second full-service location in downtown Largo. The restaurant has signed on for 6,400 square feet at 40 West Bay Drive within Horizon West Bay, the new mixed-use development anchored by Largo City Hall. Bocelli is currently in the design and permitting phase and is targeting an opening between March and April 2027. (St Pete Rising) The new restaurant will feature a full-liquor bar, private dining room, outdoor seating and a larger kitchen than its original South Tampa location. Bocelli plans to maintain its neighborhood-oriented concept, including live music several nights per week and a menu centered around housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza and Italian classics. (St Pete Rising) Horizon West Bay Continues to Build Its Tenant Mix The opening represents another significant addition to Horizon West Bay, Largo’s redevelopment project surrounding its new City Hall. Bocelli will join several food and beverage concepts at the development. Upcoming tenants include Live at Dead Bob’s and Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, while Parlor Doughnuts and Strachan’s Ice Cream have already opened. (St Pete Rising) The City of Largo approved a 10-year lease with Bocelli in August and…
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Bubbakoo’s Burritos Expands Tampa Bay Footprint with Wesley Chapel Opening
The Tampa Bay fast-casual restaurant market continues to attract expanding concepts, with Bubbakoo’s Burritos opening its newest Florida restaurant in Wesley Chapel. The New Jersey-based Mexican-fusion chain opened at 33791 Wesley Chapel Boulevard, near Summertree Plaza, on September 16. The location is locally owned and operated and represents Bubbakoo’s second restaurant in Pasco County, joining its existing Zephyrhills location. (Patch) The opening brings Bubbakoo’s to 18 Florida locations. The concept, founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 2008, has expanded to more than 140 restaurants nationwide. Its menu centers on customizable burritos, bowls, tacos and quesadillas, along with fusion offerings incorporating flavors ranging from hibachi to Nashville hot chicken. (Business Observer) Tampa Bay Part of a Larger Expansion Strategy The Wesley Chapel opening comes as Bubbakoo’s accelerates its national growth. The company has stated a long-term goal of reaching 300 locations within four to five years, supported by continued franchise development and investment in its operating infrastructure. (Bubbakoo’s Burritos) Tampa Bay is already becoming an important market for the brand, with locations in Plant City, Riverview and Zephyrhills, in addition to the new Wesley Chapel restaurant. (Patch) From a commercial real estate perspective, Bubbakoo’s is particularly notable because of its…
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