Shubin Law Group serves as lead entitlement counsel for Tampa Bay Wheel , LLC , the developer of the Wheel Over Water project, a proposed 250-foot observation wheel located along Tampa’s waterfront in the Channel District, adjacent to The Florida Aquarium and the Port of Tampa. The project represents a $20 million private investment and is designed to become a signature attraction offering panoramic views of downtown Tampa, Tampa Bay, and the surrounding waterfront.
The firm has advised the developer throughout the entitlement and transactional process, including securing city approvals, negotiating a development agreement with the City of Tampa and the Florida Aquarium, and handling complex land-use and real estate matters. The firm’s work has included amendments to the master lease, negotiation of a sublease, and navigating special zoning approvals and height variances required for a structure of this scale and prominence. Shubin Law Group played a central role in framing a legally sound path forward that balanced regulatory requirements with the project’s design, operational needs, and public-realm objectives.
Following approval by the Tampa City Council, the project is moving toward permitting and construction, with site work anticipated to begin soon and completion targeted for late 2026. Once operational, Tampa WOW! will contribute to the continued transformation of the Channel District into a vibrant tourism and entertainment destination, reinforcing private investment in Tampa’s waterfront while enhancing walkability, economic activity, and the city’s evolving skyline.
