Think Differently about Art + Tech + Science
The fields of science, technology, and art are often thought of in silos. In the Tampa Bay region, we refer to our “scientific community,” our “technology entrepreneurs” or our “arts scene.” But this perspective overlooks the interplay that these fields have with one another. Think about a large, outdoor sculpture you admire. It is standing because of the engineering that the artist utilized. Think about the chemistry that goes into creating a piece of beautiful glass art. Now, at the same time consider the talents of a computer programmer who creates and reads code in the same way a musician looks a musical composition. In fact, some technology companies prefer that their programmers are also musicians. The Innovation District believes that this interplay is where MAGIC happens. The unexpected combinations are where the opportunities lie for new businesses, growth of existing organizations and future careers for our youth.
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STEAM Programs Coming Together - Join Us?
We would like to invite professionals who lead youth STEM/STEAM programs to join us for a virtual convening on August 14th at 8:30am. The purpose of this convening is exploration –share the successes, consider what is possible, and decide if there are opportunities for collaboration. If you are interested, please contact: abarlow@stpeteinnovationdistrict.com.
Why Is This Important?
Career opportunities in the fields of STEAM are continuing to increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts overall employment in the economy to grow by 7.4% between 2016 and 2026, while jobs in STEM fields are expected to grow by 10.8%. Imagine if you add the arts and humanities to these statistics.
The City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County have identified target industries that are believed to be the foundation of our economic growth. Each of these fields have numerous STEAM careers. For example, the City’s target industries are Marine/Life Science, Data Analytics, Creative Art & Design, Specialized Manufacturing, and Financial Services. Diverse representation matters in these fields to increase innovation, team performance, and future growth. We would like to come up with a collective approach on building the skill sets of underrepresented populations, particularly Black students and other communities of color, in the STEAM careers.
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Share Your Perspective on Downtown Mobility
Forward Pinellas, the City of St. Petersburg, and the Florida Department of Transportation are working together to conduct the Downtown St. Petersburg (DTSP) Mobility Study.
They are in the early stages of the project and would like to hear from residents, employees, and visitors about how they move around downtown; their biggest downtown transportation concern; and how people prefer to provide in as the study continues.
If you haven't already, please consider taking this SURVEY and sharing it with your professional and personal networks. The survey is scheduled to close on August 7, 2020.
The study has three major components:
- Defining a vision for multimodal mobility in the greater DTSP area
- Testing improvement strategies
- Identifying short- and long-term projects and programs that will improve mobility in and around DTSP
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Apply for Mini-Grants to Improve Tampa Bay
Funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license plate, Bay Mini-Grants are competitive cash awards (up to $5,000) for community groups with projects that will help improve Tampa Bay. Educators, non-profit organizations, citizen scientists, and neighborhood associations are all encouraged to apply.
Click here to sign up for an important webinar on August 4th
Click here for the grant application due September 25th |
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Make Masks for Kids and Families
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Volunteer Resources team has patterns and tips for how to make masks for kids and adults.
They are also collecting masks to be distributed.
Click here to learn more. Scroll down to the section “How can I help Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at this time?”
This site also has other useful information about COVID-19.
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Explore a New Place to Live in the District
There is a new apartment community to open in the Innovation District, The Exchange! The Exchange is just minutes from the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg and in the western corner of the District. This Richman Signature Property has one- and two-bedroom residences featuring upgraded chef-style kitchens, keyless home entry, washers and dryers in each residence, app-controlled smart home features and more. With only 132 residences, residents will enjoy room to spare at the resort-style pool, outdoor entertaining areas with kitchen and game tables, fitness center with on-demand classes, expansive lounge area with multiple work-from-home spaces and more!
Plus, for those employed by businesses belonging to the Innovation District, your application and administration fee are waived!
Visit www.TheExchangeStPete.com for more information or to schedule your tour.
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St. Pete Science Festival - October 16 and 17
The 10th Annual St. Pete Science Festival is a regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). In an abundance of caution, we will be holding the 2020 Festival virtually, along with MarineQuest. Stay tuned for exciting opportunities to participate in online live demonstrations, unique behind-the-scenes tours, and videos. For more information: https://www.stpetescifest.org/
Visit our website calendar for additional details of events.
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