Many years ago Tampa tried a “Channelside” entertainment district that largely flopped. For its replacement, Sparkman Wharf, the new owners apparently decided “okay, what if we make it interesting this time.” Good call.

@chipotle ha! I have vague memories of a bar/restaurant down there at the time - the theme was something along the lines of “Your Uncle's Shag-Carpet 70s Basement." (everything else was always closed?)