Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, joins Owen LaFave for an in-depth conversation on all things transportation in Tampa Bay. Forward Pinellas is a unique organization in Florida, combining transportation and land use planning to coordinate efforts across 24 municipalities–each with its own specific needs. As Pinellas County continues to grow and closes in on a population of 1 million, what will regional traffic patterns and transportation options look like over the next decade? From public transportation wins like the SunRunner to infrastructure projects like the Gateway Express to the possibility of a high-speed rail connecting Tampa to Miami, this discussion covers a lot of ground. Whit explains why transparent communication is crucial to transportation planning, highlighting how his organization fosters public engagement using focus groups, community ambassadors, and social media to increase awareness and encourage buy-in from communities. If you’ve ever sat in traffic and wondered if there was a better way to get to work or the beach, don’t miss this episode on the exciting transportation developments coming soon to Tampa Bay.
WATCH NEXT: VISTRA COMMUNICATIONS | BRIAN BUTLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO
youtu.be/VFbwwvGevYM?si=2zcQdByo1tem2gN2
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The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC
Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, joins Owen LaFave for an in-depth conversation on all things transportation in Tampa Bay. Forward Pinellas is a unique organization in Florida, combining transportation and land use planning to coordinate efforts across 24 municipalities–each with its own specific needs. As Pinellas County continues to grow and closes in on a population of 1 million, what will regional traffic patterns and transportation options look like over the next decade? From public transportation wins like the SunRunner to infrastructure projects like the Gateway Express to the possibility of a high-speed rail connecting Tampa to Miami, this discussion covers a lot of ground. Whit explains why transparent communication is crucial to transportation planning, highlighting how his organization fosters public engagement using focus groups, community ambassadors, and social media to increase awareness and encourage buy-in from communities. If you’ve ever sat in traffic and wondered if there was a better way to get to work or the beach, don’t miss this episode on the exciting transportation developments coming soon to Tampa Bay.
WATCH NEXT: VISTRA COMMUNICATIONS | BRIAN BUTLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO
youtu.be/VFbwwvGevYM?si=2zcQdByo1tem2gN2
SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/@UCz_7yNs7dOuyKApAkohqJIQ
Follow The Money Market Podcast here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=790711b61bc4466b
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143
Instagram: instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573906118470
Website: moneymarketpodcast.com
The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC
