TAMPA, Fla. — Billionaire Investor Jeff Vinik says the future of Tampa is bright so long as political leaders remain committed toward growth and innovation. 

  • Vinik delivered remarks at 2nd Annual Synapse Summit
  • Vinik also praised leadership of Tampa Mayor Buckhorn
  • More Hillsborough County stories

Vinik made those remarks this week to Spectrum Bay News 9 after he spoke at the second annual Synapse Summit in Tampa. The summit is designed to help budding entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses in the Sunshine State by matching them to potential investors. 

Vinik invested heavily in the downtown Tampa area through property purchases and Water Street Tampa, which is currently being developed. 

He says that continued growth can only help the city as long as all communities benefit from the success. 

"The whole objective here is to be able to grow to a much bigger place, but to do it so that everybody’s quality of life is improved," said Vinik. 

Vinik also praised the leadership of outgoing Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn for creating a business-friendly environment that led to this growth.