The word from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is that the community forum on Cuba–in conjunction with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and TIA–will likely take place on March 13 at the Marriott at TIA. The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba has resulted in loosened regulations on travel and trade and the consequent need for updates.
The specific purpose of the forum, said the Tampa Democrat, is to “educate” local families and businesses on the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Cuba and to “walk people through” those changes in travel and trade opportunities–and even assess possible ferry-service scenarios from Tampa to Havana.
Lining up presenters and speakers is still underway, said Castor, who is hopeful someone from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Commerce Department will be among them. She has been lobbying to get Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker.
Castor reports “encouraging signs”–via U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson–on movement to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. It’s likely within six months–with research implications for Florida state universities.