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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 best live bands in Singapore for your next event
The live band scene in Singapore is diverse, vibrant and influenced by both local and international music styles. Venues range from intimate jazz clubs to energetic rock bars, commonly reflecting the character of their surrounding estates. The scene is supported by government initiatives and thrives as a platform for established and emerging local artists. Check out our list of the 10 best live bands in Singapore to book for your next event. 1) Musical Touch Musical Touch is an organiser of live bands in Singapore, focusing on music for weddings and other occasions. They provide a diverse selection of wedding live bands, ranging from a basic 2-piece ensemble to a comprehensive 16-piece orchestra. They prioritise heartfelt music and have entertained at thousands of events since 2012. Their live bands perform at weddings, with starting prices from S$1,900 for a simple 2-piece band including a sound system. The wedding band is also capable of performing at corporate events and a wide range of musical genres, including Pop, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues (R&B), and Classic hits. Their skilled team will work with you to create a customised playlist that aligns with the vibe of your event. Additionally, their musicians can serve as emcees to help ensure that your launch event proceeds without a hitch. 10 Anson Road, International Plaza, #27-15, Singapore 079903 +65 9888 3007 Daily: 24 hours (Phone Enquiries) | | 2) Vocalise Since 2008, Vocalise has provided live entertainment for events of all sizes. After 16 years, the company boasts 2 flagship quartets with musicians who have been in the business for a long time. Their performers include DJs who are also proficient in electronic dance music and other artists who specialise in pop, rock, and jazz. At important local occasions, their musicians have drawn attention. These include, among other things, the Singapore Yacht Show, the Youth Olympic Games, the F1 Grand Prix, and Singapore Fashion Week. Additionally, Vocalise had the privilege of performing live for the President and Prime Minister of Singapore's guests at the Istana. Since they think every occasion is different, the live band in Singapore is particularly committed to making sure that every event has its own individual identity. They have the means to create a dynamic array of life-changing experiences for their customers, from the planning phase to the customised repertoire selection. 5A Pahang Street, Singapore 198606 +65 8887 0076 Mon to Fri: 11am – 5pm Closed on Sat & Sun | | 3) Merry Bees Merry Band, the talented musicians from the local entertainment agency Merry Bees, deliver a vibrant mix of enthusiasm for your event. With a range of soothing melodies to energetic tunes, they craft a memorable musical atmosphere that your guests won't be able to forget. They recognise that each programme is distinctive and offer customised packages, allowing you to create your own musical experience. Whether you desire an acoustic performance or a full-on concert, Merry Band adjusts to your wishes, ensuring your event is unique. Their highly favoured Dynamic Duo ShiLi and Adi is a 2-person band known for their fresh piano arrangements, smooth vocal harmonies and engaging stage presence. This pair can simplify an R&B duet with their rich voices or elevate their act to an energetic dance performance. They have headlined major festivals such as the Singapore Arts Festival. 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Suite 12, #10-16, Singapore 415979 +65 9232 9395 Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm Sat & Sun: 24 hours (WhatsApp only) | | 4) Bella Entertainment Bella Entertainment is a local entertainment and event management agency based in Singapore. They provide entertainment solutions for both corporate and private events. They specialise in providing harpists for a range of occasions and festivities, from weddings and business gatherings to important concerts and festivals. Their gifted harpists are devoted to creating beautiful, moving music in addition to having a great deal of skill and expertise. The live band features skilled musicians with extensive experience. These artists hail from renowned music institutions globally and showcase a variety of musical genres, such as classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary. 21 Bukit Batok Crescent, WCEGA Tower, #15-75, Singapore 658065 +65 9428 4249 Sun, Mon & Wed: 8am – 8pm Fri & Sat: 7.30am – 8pm Tue & Thu: 8.30am – 8pm | | 5) Love Notes Since 2009, Love Notes, a subsidiary of High Notes, has been a maestro of musical enchantment. Their Cupid's Offer Wedding Package (S$1,388) includes 1 Wedding Vocalist, 1 Professional Musician (Keyboardist or Guitarist) and Professional Live Audio Support (1 pair front speakers, 1 live sound engineer, instrument rental, band support). One of their signature live bands is the Love Notes Treasures. They have performed for distinguished audiences, such as presidents and dignitaries and have teamed up with well-known celebrity singers and entertainers. Their unmatched adaptability guarantees to enthral guests of all tastes and blend in well with any wedding theme you have in mind. Their dedication extends beyond simply having musicians and artists present. They also assign a dedicated Show-Meister to assist you throughout the process. This expert is knowledgeable in event coordination, music, sound systems, and all the crucial elements needed to make an event outstanding. 50 Bukit Batok Street 23, Midview Building, #05-25, Singapore 659578 +65 8035 3288 | | 10 Best LIVE Music Restaurants & Bars in Singapore For an Eargasm 6) White Ribbon Live bands for weddings and other events are the speciality of White Ribbon, a live music agency based in Singapore. They may customize their live musical performances to fit different event kinds and tastes, and they provide a wide variety of musical styles, from pop and timeless favourites to jazz and classic ballads. Ruth Kueo, a local singer-songwriter, founded the live band agency, which is renowned for its staff of extremely skilled and adaptable musicians. One of their exclusive performers is Sean, a dynamic Taiwanese singer, celebrated for his electrifying performances that captivate audiences. Born in 1989, he honed his musical skills at the National Taiwan University of Arts, graduating with a degree in applied music. Another of their exclusive singers is Miaoru, a singer-songwriter for weddings and corporate events. She can switch between pop jazz, bossa nova and high-energy pop songs without a hitch. She is recognised for her ability to speak well and switch between 2 languages for live concerts. Beneath her mellow and meek demeanour lies a set of powerhouse vocals. 362 Joo Chiat Road, #02-01, Singapore 427607 +65 9150 4584 | | 7) Afterworkers Afterworkers is a Chinese live band specialising in Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien pop songs. They perform at various events, including weddings, functions and festivals. The band consists of pianist Yeo Ying Hao and vocalists Joelyn Koh and Shaun Wong. They also busk regularly, showcasing their talents and performing original songs. The pianist and arranger, Ying Hao (centre), has a remarkable talent for turning any song into a stunning musical composition. With more than a decade of experience in the field, he has collaborated with music ensembles ranging from string quartets to Chinese orchestras. The main female singer, Joelyn (left), possesses a soothing and gentle voice that resonates with her audience. The singer has sung a variety of Chinese pop songs for diverse crowds during live performances, including open houses, roadshows and university programmes. | | 8) La Vie Music At La Vie Music, it is believed that the essence of music is embedded in a complex network of experiences, ideas, and feelings. The blend of unique personal influences and life experiences creates a unique charm in live music, with every performance possessing its distinct character. Stella, their primary vocalist, has a smooth, sweet voice that is delightful to listen to. Moreover, her vocal ability carries significant heft. She exemplifies the idea that great talent can come in petite forms. In 2014, she launched her debut Extended Play, and in 2019, she released her first album, 《朋友说》. Versatile singer-songwriter Elton Lee is also part of their artist roster. He embarked on his musical journey professionally at the age of 17, when his composition 'Is This Alright' was published as the MediaCorp Channel 8 drama House of Fortune's sub-theme song. He is always looking to hone his craft in composition, arrangement, recording and production. +65 8286 7170 Daily: 24 hours | | 9) Singapore Funeral Live Band Funeral Live Band Singapore offers live music services, in particular, funeral bands. Instead of a sombre mood, they create a lively atmosphere by playing the deceased's favourite songs. This allows families and friends to acknowledge the life of the departed. A 2-piece band (1 singer and 1 instrument) will set you back by S$1,280, a 3-piece band (1 singer and 2 instruments) by S$1,690 and a 4-piece band (1 singer and 3 instruments) by S$2,080. All of their musicians come to work in a standard blue vest to appear more professional while performing at the funeral. They have also invested in a top-quality sound system to bring the best sounds to your guests with their live band. Song dedication slips are placed on every table for your guests to dedicate their favourite songs to the deceased with heartfelt messages. They are highly confident of their quality standards. They will give you a full refund if you are unsatisfied with their live funeral band. 100 Peck Seah Street, Oasia Hotel Downtown, #08-14, Singapore 079333 +65 8875 7111 Daily: 24 hours (Phone Enquiry) | | 10) Glittering Carousel Live Music Glittering Carousel Live Music is an entertainment agency specialising in weddings and events. They offer a spectrum of services, including live bands, wedding singers and client-tailored solutions. The company is known for its dedication to creating memorable events. Perfect Harmony is a 3-piece band known for their versatile performances. They play a mix of oldies, evergreens and Top 40 hits in bilingual, Cantonese, Hokkien and some Korean. The band features vocalists Fong and Si Ling, with Jian Li playing the keyboard and guitar. Your guests will be amazed by the musicians' amazing dancing performances in addition to their live music performances. Their flawless performances, which range from ballroom to modern, include coordinated routines. +65 9755 0302 Daily: 10am – 10pm | | 11 best family karaoke studios in Singapore to sing your lungs out The post 10 best live bands in Singapore for your next event appeared first on
CNA
24-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Police investigating alleged S$500,000 construction equipment scam after 3 firms duped
SINGAPORE: Three firms have made police reports against a consultancy company over an alleged construction equipment scam, after rented machines worth about S$500,000 (US$392,000) went missing in recent months. The affected rental companies told CNA they did not receive payment from the firm, Revivify, which also turned out to have a bogus company address. Investigations are ongoing, said the Singapore Police Force in response to CNA's queries. 'RAISED MY SUSPICIONS' One construction equipment firm, New Town Engineering, said a representative from Revivify first reached out to them in May to ask about renting two excavators. The man paid for a month's rental in June. When New Town asked if he wanted to extend the lease, he agreed but requested a grace period to make payment, which New Town accepted. 'However, when we visited his office, we were actually told that there's no such company at this address,' said a New Town employee who only wanted to be known as Anne. She added that they were not the first ones to show up at Revivify's registered office at International Plaza. 'This raised my suspicions and I tried to (find out) where my excavators were. But the customer self-collected and delivered to his own site so we did not have details of the address,' she said. 'We didn't want to alert him that we knew it might be a scam, so we contacted him and asked for the location of the excavators, which he did give. But unfortunately, there is no such address.' Revivify was registered as a company in 2021 for port and maritime related consultancy services. When CNA visited its registered address, the office was occupied by another company. Revivify did not respond to CNA's attempts to contact them. According to New Town's police report, the firm eventually tracked one of its excavators down to a work site at 29 Penjuru Lane. After roughly 10 hours of administrative tussle involving the police, New Town was able to reclaim its excavator. But the company could not locate its other machine or contact Revivify. Anne said their losses came up to around S$55,000 to S$60,000. She added that when she made enquiries within the industry, she realised another company – Cherly Equipment Service – had lost four excavators worth a total of S$240,000 to the same alleged scammer. Cherly's CEO and managing director Tang Siang Hong said three of the machines belonged to his firm, while one was owned by a friend. ASKED FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT Revivify also approached a third company, Multi Ways Equipment, to rent welding machines and wheel loaders. The latter are used at construction sites to move or load materials like soil or rock. 'They seemed to know the industry well because they requested special equipment to be installed on the wheel loader, things like cameras, sensors, to accommodate the safety on site. Hence, we went on with the deal,' said a Multi Ways employee who only wanted to be known as Derrick. He said the Revivify representative initially wanted the machines delivered to Seletar North for a project, but changed the site to 29 Penjuru Lane in late May when the equipment was ready. Derrick allowed Revivify to inspect the machines there. But when he asked when they would be sent to Seletar North, he did not receive a clear response. 'So, I went down on Jun 10 to … have a look. When I reached there, it looked like just bare land, like a dumping ground,' he added. Derrick found just one of the wheel loaders there. Three others worth about US$200,000 remain missing and may not be in Singapore anymore, he said. The company received a letter from Revivify after it tried to retrieve its equipment. The letter was signed off purportedly by Revivify's in-house legal team, claiming Multi Ways had breached the deal. Multi Ways did not hear back from Revivify after that. Moving forward, Derrick said he will be placing trackers on its equipment and conducting more background checks on hirers. "As a rental company, every (piece of) equipment is a stream of income … so when this machine is immediately lost, this is loss of income for the company,' he lamented. 'There are many people that suffer (from this). It's not good for business and it makes us very wary of our next few clients.'
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Yahoo
What to do alone in Singapore
Are you an introvert who needs some time alone? Or maybe an extrovert who needs space to recharge. Or perhaps you're between relationships and want to go somewhere on your own that won't feel awkward. You're in luck because there are a surprisingly large number of options for what to do alone in Singapore. From dining alone to exploring the world to getting creative and much more, here is your guide to the best things to do by yourself in Singapore. What to do alone? Why, eat, of course! There are few things more Singaporean than heading down to a tried-and-tested eatery or the latest trending cafe. There are plenty of places in Singapore that cater to the solo diner and some that even cater specifically to a crowd of 1. Super cosy with just 9 seats at the counter, Enishi was made with the solo diner in mind. The open kitchen will provide you with all the entertainment you need as the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning team goes about its business. It's quiet, intimate and satisfying all at once. 10 Anson Road, International Plaza,#02-85A, Singapore 079903 +65 6220 5680 Sun to Wed: 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm Thu to Sat: 11am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm | | Any hawker centre is the perfect addition to this list of what to do alone in Singapore. Everyone is too busy eating to even notice you, and it's great if you want to people-watch while nursing a drink or savouring a Michelin-recognised plate. Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most famous and popular hawker centres in all of Singapore. Try the dumplings at Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum with its 40-year legacy, and the super-affordable Yi Jia Chao Zhou Yu Zhou. Check out our list of the best hawker centres in Singapore to find one near you. 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184 +65 6224 9395 Daily: 8am – 2am Facebook This is where Singapore shines in terms of what to do alone. Be inspired by artistic beauty, ancient civilisations and ideas from the far side of the world. Read, watch and absorb in the cocoon of your own silence and revel in learning. I have found that going to museums and art exhibits solo makes for the best experiences — I don't have to wait on anybody in the boring sections and no one has to wait on me when I get into reading or inspecting every display. The Asian Civilisations Museum explores Asia's diverse cultural heritage through art, artefacts, and stories that highlight historical connections across China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, it features immersive exhibitions on trade, religion and craftsmanship. Interactive galleries and rotating special exhibitions make it engaging for solo visitors and families alike. 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555+65 6332 7798Sat to Thu: 10am – 7pmFri: 10am – 9pm | | Spanning 6.4 hectares of conserved lush grounds, Gillman Barracks is a 1936 British colonial military camp transformed into Singapore's premier contemporary art enclave. I could lose myself for days in the 12 (as of Jun 2025) separate art galleries and institutions, both local and international. You will also find a heap of dining options, as well as an evolving roster of talks, exhibitions and live performances. There are several different art galleries across Gillman Barracks. You can find their locations and opening times here. 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937+65 6570 2283 | | Libraries are another haven for the solo wanderer in Singapore. Neighbourhood editions are usually pretty ordinary and quite similar to each other; the National Library on Victoria Street, however, is huge and spacious, and boasts some of the best views across our little red dot. With a collection of over 600,000 microfilms, manuscripts, rare books and maps as well as books and comics, it truly has something for everyone. 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064+65 6250 9500Daily: 10am – 9pm | | Best free things to do in Singapore The Projector is the hub of Singapore's indie cinema. The original is located inside the retro-chic Golden Mile Tower. Its 3 distinctive halls — Green Room, Redrum and Blue Room — feature flip‑up seats and plush beanbags, and there is bar access as well as a foyer café-bar with craft beer and artisanal snacks. In late 2023, it opened a second location at Cineleisure Orchard in a hybrid space with Golden Village, adding another 6 screens and a bar with DJ. As both a film-lover and an introvert, the cinema is a wonderful escape — you're in the middle of a crowd but expected to not communicate with anyone — perfect! 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower, #05-00, Singapore 199589+65 6297 2658 | | Like to be all by your lonesome surrounded by Mother Nature? Reconnect with the earth, breathe in the fresh, clean air, and get the blood pumping in the Great Outdoors. The 250-metre MacRitchie TreeTop Walk is one of the most unique nature experiences you can have in Singapore. For a while, you can imagine yourself perhaps even in the Amazon as you traverse a narrow walkway up to 25 metres above the ground. I was surprised that there is this much dense vegetation in Singapore. Besides the verdant canopy and reservoir views, you also have the chance to spot wildlife such as macaques, uncommon birds and flying lemurs. It is part of a longer trail that's about 2.5 to 4.5 km long and takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete. MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Rifle Range Road, Singapore 588291 +65 6471 878 | | Ok, now we are getting into serious nature… and being rewarded for it with amazing sights and experiences. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore's first and only protected wetland reserve. Its mangroves, mudflats, ponds and secondary forest cover 130 hectares, and are home to migratory shorebirds, otters, monitor lizards, mudskippers and even estuarine crocodiles! I never knew there were so many exotic creatures native to Singapore! 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925 +65 6794 1406 | | Running is too painful an activity for some so this list includes others that you can enjoy alone, too. Remember, besides the solo enjoyment, there's always the joy of a leaner, fitter body that fits your clothes like it's meant to. The right protein powder can really help. As a lifelong distance runner, I've always loved the solitude of the open road. The hypnotic chhk chhk chhk of your shoes on the bitumen lulls you into a dreamlike state interspersed with moments of lucidity that help you find solutions to all sorts of problems. Here are the best places to go for a solo run in Singapore. Length: About 15 km of scenic seaside and greeneryVibe: Ocean breeze, ample food optionsBest for: Long runs, tempo work, social jogs Tip: Start at Marine Parade, end at Bedok Jetty Length: 10.5 km loop trailVibe: Forested, quiet, hilly — serious runners love itBest for: Trail running, stamina training Tip: Watch out for roots and uneven ground Length: 3–10 km, depending on routeVibe: Waterfront and modern skylineBest for: Tourists who want to explore, and people watching Tip: Include Marina Barrage, Helix Bridge and Bay East Garden Length: 10 km elevated trailVibe: Wooden bridges, canopy walks and undulating terrainBest for: Nature runners, hill intervals Tip: Henderson Waves is stunning at dawn I love swimming. After pounding the tarmac, the impact-free exercise in a pool keeps me fit while my poor knees take a well-deserved break. Fortunately, there are many pools all over Singapore and the cost of entry is just S$1 per adult on weekdays and S$1.30 on weekends. Find a swimming pool close to your home or office at ActiveSG. Solo or not, the grind is a constant in our lives. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a work-from-home or hybrid work arrangement, or are a digital nomad, here are the best places in Singapore to keep the cash flowing while you enjoy your solitude. Soul Brew in Holiday Inn Little India is easily one of the most popular work cafes in Singapore. Its modern, hotel-lobby vibe of minimalist design and warm lighting is perfect for professionals looking to concentrate but perhaps also people-watch. It is also known for its range of healthy choices juices and brunch dishes to keep you fuelled. Lobby Level, Holiday Inn Singapore, Singapore 217564 +65 6824 8888 Daily: 8am – 9pm | The Ritual Cafe is hidden within a Bukit Timah condo, and it's a serene sanctuary away from Singapore's chaos. A wood-accented minimalist interior with plush seats makes for a comfortable work session, however long. Food-wise, The Ritual Cafe is famous for its wholesome fresh bakes, acai bowls and coffee. It offers excellent vegan and gluten-free options as well. 383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-09B, Singapore 259727 +65 6208 7496 Daily: 8am – 6.30pm | | 101 Best things to do in Singapore – Ideas for tourists & locals [Mar 2025 update] The post What to do alone in Singapore appeared first on
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GRAND OPENING OF INTERNATIONAL PLAZA AND BAY STREET AND TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL'S TROPICAL PLAYGROUND OASIS
The Children's play area mirrors the new Muma Children's Hospital at TGH. TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International Plaza and Bay Street (IP), along with the Muma Children's Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), will celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed play area at International Plaza on Tuesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. This one-of-a-kind collaboration features a tropical playground oasis taking inspiration from the new Tampa-themed renovations at Muma Children's Hospital. The hospital's pediatric wing recently completed the first phase of renovations, with full construction set to be complete in Winter 2025. When families find their children in need of healthcare, it can often be a stressful and unimaginable time. The play area attempts to mirror the thoughtfully-designed hospital environment. The goal is that familiarity and feelings of safety, hope and healing are brought to children and their families who may find themselves in need of care. "International Plaza is thrilled to continue to grow our long-standing partnership with TGH and now the Muma Children's Hospital," said Julia Wyman, Director of Marketing and Sponsorships at International Plaza and Bay Street. "We are sure that many of Tampa Bay's children and tourists that visit the area will be enjoying this play area for years to come!" In addition to reflecting the children's hospital, the play area gives a nod to landmarks and Tampa Bay region treasures, including: Bayshore Boulevard's balustrades wrapping the play area and a pirate ship and treasure chest to highlight Gasparilla pride. This new playground is yet another sign of Muma Children's Hospital's dedication to families in the Tampa Bay area," said Nikki Hurley, interim vice president of the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH and TGH Women's Institute. "This newly renovated space blends play with healing in a vibrant and family-friendly environment for all ages to enjoy." The sponsorship and collaboration spans over five years with TGH and the Muma Children's Hospital. "Playgrounds are essential for keeping children healthy and active, and our new area offers a space to build strength, coordination and a love for movement," said Dr. Patricia Emmanuel, medical chief of the Muma Children's Hospital, Lewis A. Barness Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. "Muma Children's Hospital is proud to offer a beautiful indoor space for families that promotes physical, emotional and social development in children." For more information about the play area at International Plaza, visit: About International PlazaInternational Plaza and Bay Street is the leading shopping and dining destination of Florida's West Coast. The shopping center features over 200 specialty stores and restaurants, including a curated mix of luxury and specialty brands. It is anchored by the only Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus combination in the Gulf Coast region, plus Dillard's, the first RH Gallery in Florida and Dick's House of Sport. Bay Street, the center's open-air dining destination, boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of fast-casual restaurants including The Capital Grille, Rocco's Taco's & Tequila Bar, Whiskey Cake, The Cheesecake Factory and more. Conveniently located adjacent to the Tampa International Airport and less than five miles from the Port of Tampa; visitors from over 50 miles can receive access to Shop & Dine that is full of discounts and special offers from select resstaurants and retailers. Explore stores, dining, events and deals at internationalplaza (Instagram) and intlplazabayst (Snapchat). ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals, with two medical specialties ranking among the top 20 in the nation and eight medical specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by three prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – in the top 100 nationally in the 2024 America's Best Large Employers, the top 50 in Florida in the 2024 America's Best Employers by State and the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2022, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It was the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant center in 2024 and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North, which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, two TGH Outpatient Centers, TGH Virtual Health, and 20 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by the Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital ( As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE International Plaza and Bay Street Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With Macy's closing, what's next for Tampa's WestShore Plaza mall?
Since the 1960s, WestShore Plaza has been a gathering place for Tampa residents to shop, catch a movie or grab a bite to eat. But like many aging malls, it's seen better days. Earlier this month, Macy's announced it was shuttering its outpost in the mall along with 65 other locations nationwide. WestShore Plaza said farewell to another major tenant in October when Dick's Sporting Goods moved up the road to the rival mall International Plaza. Losing an anchor store is ordinarily a death knell for a mall. But Westshore Plaza was already slated for a reincarnation of sorts. In April, Tampa City Council rezoned the 53-acre site to make way for a major redevelopment proposed by WestShore Plaza's Ohio-based owner, WPG. The plan calls for hundreds of residential units, a hotel, offices, shops, restaurants, recreational space, medical facilities and more. Though e-commerce has put a dent in brick-and-mortar sales, people are still shopping in person, they're just seeking a different experience said Justin Greider, vice president and Florida retail lead for the commercial real estate firm JLL. As more traditional enclosed malls shut down, mixed-use developments that give visitors the chance to 'live, work and play' all in the same space are popping up . It's a slow evolution seen across Tampa Bay in recent years. At Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg, the former big-box center has experimented by adding its own Dick's Sporting Goods and a grocery store. In Tampa, wildly popular shopping centers like Midtown and Hyde Park Village prove the success of this more community-centric model. When it opened more than half a century ago, WestShore Plaza was the only fully indoor, air conditioned mall in town. It was so popular, another wing had to be added in the 1970s. But as more options emerged, WestShore struggled to compete. When International Plaza opened in 2001, it didn't take long for it to overtake WestShore as the city's premier premier shopping destination. Over the years, International Plaza drew luxury brands away from WestShore and Hyde Park. And today, the culture of in-person shopping has dampened the need for more than one major mall. A case study from the National Association of Realtors analyzed 94 vacant malls and found that 16% were being repurposed as mixed-use developments. WPG has yet to secure financing for the WestShore Plaza redevelopment and no demolition permit has been filed. The company declined to comment for this story. It can often take months or years for work to begin even after approvals are won, Greider said. Plus, WPG is facing a 'challenging lending market,' where even the smallest details could make or break a financing deal. It may take time to find the right buyer if WPG decides to sell instead of developing themselves. 'Buyers are pickier than they've ever been before, there are fewer than there's ever been before and there are a lot more opportunities for them to consider,' Greider said. If sales at WestShore Plaza continue to decline, there's a chance the mall could shut down before there is a path forward for redevelopment. Despite the obstacles, Greider said WestShore Plaza is better poised for a transformation than a typical suburban mall, which tend to be located far from high-growth areas on massive pieces of land that are harder to market. 'West Shore as a place to live and even a place to shop is very much on the rise and in demand,' he said. 'There's going to be something fantastic in this location, I just can't tell you when.'
