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TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s proposed “Wheel Over Water” was approved by city council on Thursday after a second public meeting on the project.
The 250-foot observation wheel, dubbed Tampa WOW!, will be built on the parking lot between Port Tampa Bay and The Florida Aquarium.
Thursday’s action by the council clears the way for site preparations to begin in the coming weeks.
Supporters said it could become a new family-friendly attraction for the city’s waterfront but many nearby residents are worried about the impact on parking, noise and traffic in an already congested area
“It is extremely exciting that people want to invest $20 million in my neighborhood,” one resident said during the first public meeting earlier this month. “But I will remind you this is 40 feet taller than Gwazi, it is illuminated, and it is less than 1,000 feet from my home.”
Another resident voiced similar concerns about congestion near the port.
Developer Tony Miller said he wants to build the Tampa Wow!, or Wheel Over Water, just north of the Florida Aquarium. (Tampa WOW! rendering)
“Have you ever been down there when the ships are in? It’s a cluster down there,” the resident said. “People are already searching for parking spaces. This is going to add more problems for us.”
City council members also raised questions about financial responsibility. The developer behind the project has pledged to cover all costs and assume full risk if the venture fails.
Despite community concerns, The Florida Aquarium, located next to the proposed site, has voiced its support. In a statement, CEO Roger Germann said:
“The vision behind Tampa WOW! — Tampa’s Wheel Over Water aligns with the bold ideas set forth by our founders and city, business, and community leaders when we first opened our doors. The Florida Aquarium supports this unique opportunity to bring a new family-friendly experience to Tampa.”
The $20 million project could open by the fall of next year.
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Matt Lackritz, Jason Lanning
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