Episode 99: How Doug Jackson Is Talking About The Future of The Rays, Downtown St. Pete Growth, and The Edge District
In Episode 99 of Talkin’ St. Pete, Ryan Bogden sits down with Doug Jackson, Founder of Douglas G. Jackson, P.A. and President of the Edge District Business Association, for a conversation about some of the biggest changes happening around Downtown St. Pete right now.
From the future of Tropicana Field and the Tampa Bay Rays to redevelopment, local business growth, and the rapid changes happening around the Edge District, this episode dives into many of the conversations locals have already been having across the city.
Doug shares a unique perspective because he is not only a business owner in St. Pete, but also someone heavily involved in helping shape the future of the Edge District during one of the city’s fastest periods of growth.
From Colorado to St. Pete
Doug Jackson also shares his story of moving from Colorado to St. Pete, building his law firm here, and eventually becoming involved with the Edge District during a major turning point for Downtown St. Pete.
Like many people who move here, Doug talks about being drawn to the local businesses, community feel, arts scene, and energy that make St. Pete feel different from other cities around Florida.
That local culture becomes a major theme throughout the entire episode.
What Losing The Rays Could Mean For Downtown St. Pete
One of the biggest topics throughout the conversation is what could happen if the Tampa Bay Rays eventually leave St. Pete.
Doug talks about how much restaurants, bars, breweries, and small businesses around Tropicana Field and the Edge District rely on the foot traffic and energy baseball season brings into Downtown St. Pete.
The episode also dives into the uncertainty surrounding the future of the stadium, redevelopment plans connected to the Historic Gas Plant District, and why so many local business owners are closely watching what happens next.
For many people in St. Pete, this conversation has become about much more than baseball.
It is about local businesses, jobs, community spaces, and the future feel of Downtown St. Pete.
The Growth Happening Around The Edge District
Doug also talks about the growth happening around the Edge District and why the neighborhood has become one of the fastest-growing areas in St. Pete over the last several years.
From new restaurants and breweries to residential development, community events, and local businesses, the district continues evolving while still trying to hold onto the neighborhood feel that made people love the area in the first place.
The episode also explores how the Edge District Business Association works alongside developers, local business owners, and community leaders to help guide growth while protecting the identity of the district.
Why Local Businesses Matter So Much in St. Pete
One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is the importance of local businesses in St. Pete.
Doug talks about why people connect so deeply with St. Pete’s local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, galleries, and small businesses compared to other cities around Florida.
The conversation highlights how much community spaces and locally owned businesses shape the personality of St. Pete and why so many residents want to protect that local feel as the city continues growing.
Development, Redevelopment, and The Future of Downtown St. Pete
The episode also dives into larger redevelopment conversations happening across Downtown St. Pete.
Doug shares thoughts on the Historic Gas Plant District, development surrounding Tropicana Field, and the balance between bringing new investment into the city while still protecting the businesses, culture, and people already here.
The conversation also touches on concerns many locals have about overdevelopment, rising costs, and how quickly St. Pete has changed over the last several years.
At the same time, Doug talks about why thoughtful growth could still create major opportunities for St. Pete if the city continues prioritizing community and local involvement moving forward.
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