Tampa's Incredible Comeback Story with Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn

In this powerful episode of Blueprints & Banter, ABC Florida Gulf Coast President & CEO Steve Cona sits down with Bob Buckhorn, Tampa's transformational 58th Mayor, to discuss leadership through crisis, city building, and Tampa's incredible renaissance. Here's what we cover:  ✔️ Leading Tampa through the Great Recession with a $30 million deficit  ✔️ The permitting crisis that's choking construction growth statewide ✔️ How Tampa became the Southeast's top destination for young talent  ✔️ Why Buckhorn is considering a 2027 mayoral run to finish the job  ✔️ Transportation solutions that could make or break Tampa's future  ✔️ The AI technology that could revolutionize permitting processes  ✔️ Lessons in resilience, tenacity, and never settling for mediocrity  ✔️ How public-private partnerships transformed a dying city into an economic powerhouse Key insights from Mayor Buckhorn: "We literally were facing a $30 million deficit. We set about stabilizing the budget, but more importantly, trying to figure out how we could inspire this community to believe not in what they were experiencing, but to believe in what we could be." "Time is money to somebody who's carrying a multi-million dollar loan. That interest clock is ticking every day. We can't cut our way out of this problem. We have to grow our way out." "The job's not done. We're on such an amazing trajectory, and the transformation of this city... I got another tour of duty left in me." This is your front-row seat to understanding how visionary leadership, strategic partnerships with the construction industry, and relentless focus on economic development can transform entire communities. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on leadership insights, construction industry trends, and real talk with the leaders shaping Florida's Gulf Coast region. #ABCMeritShopProud #ABCFLGulf #TampaRenaissance #ConstructionLeadership #BobBuckhorn