About
Friends of Tampa Union Station
Advocating for the preservation of Tampa Union Station as both a landmark and transportation asset.
Who We Are
Founded in 2008, Friends of Tampa Union Station is an all-volunteer, IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic station’s colorful past while assuring its bright future. The organization is committed to helping Tampa Union Station become a focal point of the community with many versatile uses (transportation, retail, entertainment) that generate revenue to help fund its continued preservation.Â
The Friends organization was founded in cooperation with the City of Tampa’s Planning and Development Department (which administers Tampa’s historic preservation program and owns and operates Tampa Union Station), and the Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers. The nonprofit group maintains active membership in the Tampa Downtown Partnership and the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. Board members include ex officio members appointed by the Mayor of Tampa.
Friends of Tampa Union Station
Board of Directors

Brandie Miklus
President

Jerel McCants
Vice President

Jeff Hicks
Treasurer

Jim Langston
Secretary
Chris Ahern
Michael Martz
Casey Bauer
Jackson McQuigg
Joyce Cotton
Robert Modys
Dennis Fernandez, ex officio
Steve Sayles
Steve Hovsepian
Marley Wilkes, ex officio
Jeff Houck

Master Plan
Friends of Tampa Union Station has drafted a Master Plan to help guide the Board of Directors, the City of Tampa, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and area stakeholders for years to come. It’s divided into three sections (including action items): Preservation, Activation, and Implementation. To read this Master Plan, as well as the group’s by-laws and Board meeting agendas, visit the FTUS Document Archive.
Current Restoration
What’s Next?
News
February/March 2024 Long Distance Service Study news:
Amtrak Ridership Increase news:
https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2024/04/10/passenger-rail-expansion-demand-increases-
An Easy Way to Travel – Tampa Union Station Sees 13% Increase in Amtrak Ridership: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/driving-tampa-bay-forward/an-easy-way-to-travel-tampa-union-station-sees-13-increase-in-amtrak-ridership
Tampa Union Station sees surge in Amtrak passengers in 2023: https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2023/12/27/tampa-union-station-2023-numbers.html
Amtrak Ridership Increases at Tampa Union Station: https://www.fox13news.com/video/1386726
Amtrak ridership increases at Tampa Union Station (Fox 13 YouTube Video)
April 2024 CRA Funding news:
Other News
Nov. 17th Ribbon Cutting for the newly restored Union Station Baggage BuildingÂ
City of Tampa Facebook / November 17th, 2022 Ribbon Cutting
ABC Action News / Tampa Union Station gets some TLC from local train & history buffsÂ
83 Degrees Media / 10 Tampa Bay development projects to keep an eye on in 2023
Help preserve a piece of history.
Help Friends of Tampa Union Station — the station’s all-volunteer nonprofit that advocates for its preservation — by supporting our endowment fund. All donations are tax-deductible and directly support the station.