Jillian Ramos

Palm Harbor

Specialty Producer at WFTS-TV (Tampa, FL)

Wife, Mom - @ucfalumni ‘09 - @tblightning freak - @oldsmar born and raised - Journalist @abcactionnews - I went viral once

Articles

Downtown Tampa provides resources for those experiencing homelessness or addiction

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

The mission of The Portico is very simple: to help those who need it most. "I think because we're Downtown Tampa, we have a unique ability to connect with people where they are at," Justin LaRosa, director and pastor at The Portico, said. "We have a large homeless population in this area, and it allows them to receive connection and community without traveling outside their typical area."The Portico is part of the Hyde Park United Methodist Church.
Outside renovations continue on Hotel Flor

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Hotel Flor was built in the 1920s and offers a glimpse of Tampa in the roaring 20s. It was the tallest building in Tampa as the Hotel Floridan. In the 1960s, more buildings downtown started going taller. It's recently undergone an ownership change and is now a part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection. They've made significant changes, including renovations in just about every single inch of the hotel. But you'll still find hints of originality.
One Tampa making progress on 42-story luxury Downtown Tampa living

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Construction crews and large cranes line Ashley Drive as work continues on a brand new luxury downtown tower called One Tampa. The project broke ground last year and is on track to open in the second half of 2027. The 42-story building will be just as tall as the Bank of America building when completed. It's located on Ashley and Madison Streets, across from Curtis Hixon Park. The building will be home to 225 residences, starting at $1 million. It's already 50% pre-sold.
Embarc Collective: A hub for innovation and entrepreneurship

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Inside a very unassuming building in Downtown Tampa is a hub for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Embarc Collective is a 5-year-old non-profit. It's home to 275 founders of 130 early-stage tech startups. The non-profit's goal is to coach and mentor these startups and provide them with a community where they can collaborate with other owners who are on the same journey.
Family-owned jewelry store going strong in Downtown Tampa for 92 years

1 month ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

For the past 92 years, Hayman Jewelers has been helping the community find the perfect design or gift. It's family-owned and operated, and it always has been. Today, it is the oldest jewelry store in Tampa. Their story is a unique one. Solly Hayman, a third-generation Tampanian, went to work in the third grade after his father passed away. He worked at a farm in West Tampa until he found work at a jewelry store in Tampa. In the 30s, Hayman decided to go to work for himself.
Madeira Beach Wednesday Market brings opportunities for local vendors

2 months ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Every Wednesday on Madeira Beach, you'll find a portion of Madeira Way closed to cars and traffic. Instead, it's lined with tents for local vendors to set up shop. Tampa Bay Markets hosts the event every Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving visitors and locals a chance to shop local. Marley's Main ManGrab a cold brew at Marley's Main Man. Matthew Pelllisier started the company because of his love of a good cold brew. "This market has been really good to me.
Spice and Tea Exchange on John's Pass working to rebuild over 6 months post-hurricane

2 months ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Just six months ago, John's Pass felt the wrath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Storm surge took away docks, and 4 to 5 feet of water rushed into this treasured shopping area. The Spice and Tea Exchange suffered a lot of damage. Lisa and Brian Coleman have been on the Pass for almost 18 years. Today, they're still recovering from the hurricanes. Four and a half feet of water meant they had to gut their entire business, losing thousands of dollars in product.
Beachmaker Luxury Resort and Living coming to Madeira Beach

2 months ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

A new look, years in the making, will be coming to Madeira Beach. Big plans call for a new high-rise, condo, hotel and retail property called the Beachmaker. It's what's being referred to as Phase 4 of the Madeira Beach Town Center Project and is the vision of local developer, real estate broker and resident, Jeff Beggins. "You have four million tourists a year, and there's no real luxury accommodations, and for about a 30-minute ride in any direction, there's really no competition.
The Florida Winery and Mad Beach Brewing find success on John's Pass

2 months ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

John's Pass is a historic fishing village on Madeira Beach that is full of restaurants, shops, bars and ice cream. We stopped by the Florida Winery and Mad Beach Brewing, both locally owned. The Florida Winery has been on the Pass since 2008 and makes wine on-site, although it may be best known for its wine slushies. For many tourists, it's a must-stop year after year. "Oh, that's the best, people that come back year after year, or especially when family come to visit.
Hubbard's Marina going strong for 97 years on John's Pass

2 months ago | abcactionnews.com | Jillian Ramos

Hubbard's Marina is a family-owned business that's been on John's Pass for the past 97 years. Dyland Hubbard is the fourth generation of the long-time business. "It means a lot, and it's a lot of pressure, if you will, and it's also, I think, a big reason why we're so ingrained with the community. I mean, we couldn't have done this for 100 years.