Tampa holds first public hearing on proposed 250-foot “Wheel Over Water” at Florida Aquarium parking

Tampa City Council held the first of two public hearings on a proposed development agreement that would allow a 250-foot observation wheel—branded “Wheel Over Water” or WOW—on a city-owned parcel that is leased to the Florida Aquarium.

Why it matters: The proposal would require City Council approval in addition to review by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration because the wheel’s 250-foot height would exceed Channel District limits (175 feet). Developers say the privately funded attraction would add an estimated half million riders a year and share revenue with the city; residents and nearby property owners urged more detail on lighting, noise, traffic and the street-level design.

Developer presentation and project details Tony Miller, the project developer, told council the wheel would be 250 feet tall with 27 enclosed gondolas that seat roughly 10–15 people and that a typical ride would last about 20–30 minutes. He said the privately financed project would cost about $20 million and that the ownership group has sourced an existing wheel in Munich to refurbish and ship to Tampa to shorten the construction schedule and reduce cost. Miller said the project expects to serve roughly 500,000–600,000 riders annually and would offer a family-oriented attraction with tickets in the neighborhood of $20 for adults.

Attorney Jim Schimberg, representing Tampa Bay Wheel LLC, said the development agreement before council covers only the requested height increase; an amendment to…