Identifying local opportunities

I've compiled my personal bug list--which is due for some expansion--and a list of global bugs, but what is bugging everyone in the Bay? I turned to the Tampa Bay Times for some clues on local problems that need solving. Sleuth mode, activate! Or should I say entrepreneur eyes on? Either way, here are five local opportunities I found:

1. Hurry up and wait - on I-275

Anyone who drives in Florida has experienced slowdowns due to construction, and many of us have been subject to long-standing projects yet to be resolved by the DOT (i.e. Ulmerton Road here in Pinellas). This editorial is about construction on I-275 making the Pinellas to Hillsborough drive rough. The writer references St. Petersburg Mayor Rich Kriseman's idea to link Pinellas and Hillsborough by ferry but notes "right now, the interstates are the only game in town."

2. Uber drivers plan another work stoppage at midnight Saturday to protest Uber's low rates

Uber has cut rates from $1.80/mile to $0.65/mile, leaving drivers with only $0.49-$0.52/mile of earnings. Tampa Uber drivers say they can't drive without losing money due to the rate decrease and are now protesting the price drop by turning off their Uber apps. Uber is losing the Tampa market, people looking to Uber are unable to and Uber drivers are not making income during the protest.

3. Open carry would undermine public safety in Tampa Bay and quality of life

Mayor Bob Buckhorn wrote a special opinion piece about potential legislation that would allow people to openly carry their firearms. He opposes the legislation on the grounds that it will impede the Bay Area's progress and affect tourism, a major component of our economy. Whether or not to allow open carry is an issue coming up across the United States following a slew of gun violence in recent years. Those in favor of open carry insist that it will benefit public safety--the idea that more guns means more potential to take down an attacker/criminal. The opposition posits that average citizens visibly carrying firearms is confusing for law enforcement and makes others uncomfortable.

4. In unusual change of roles, Tampa council member says hospital has hurt neighborhood

City Council member Charlie Miranda removed himself from his role as councilman to protest against St. Joseph's Women's Hospital. He claims the hospital has damaged the Hispanic community, removing seven or eight homes in his neighborhood over time and planning to further infringe upon the neighborhood with changes to its parking.

5. Completion of Pier demolition slowed because of safety concerns

The plan for St. Pete's Pier is finally in place however due to safety concerns the first step--demolishing the old pier--is behind schedule. After years of deliberation, a public voting period and final considerations, the city is ready to develop its Pier District for the income potential it will have, not to mention other potential benefits, the aesthetic improvement raising area home values, for example. Demolition is proceeding, just at a slower pace than initially anticipated due to unstable work surfaces and accommodating workers' safety. Barring any further problems, Pier construction should be on track for 2017.