Tampa Build Expo vendors thinking ahead for next hurricane season
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Build Expo kicked off on Wednesday at the Tampa Convention Center. The two-day event connects professionals and vendors on the latest construction tools and building equipment.
"We bring in your general contractors, builders, architects, designers, engineers and developers," Build Expo USA’s Amy Shoulders said.
Those in the construction industry have plenty to talk about after last hurricane season.
READ: St. Pete officials, lawmakers crafting bill to stop 'wakes' on flooded streets
What they're saying:
"So the last three months have been pretty chaotic," Statewide Windows & Doors’ Jimmy Thompson told FOX 13, adding that they’ve been busy helping homeowners navigate FEMA’s 50/50 Rule.
No one has forgotten what Debby, Helene and Milton left behind, as many Tampa Bay area homeowners are still in the process of renovating or rebuilding.
"We're putting a factory in Tampa because of all the business that we're getting now," said Dr. John Francavilla of Spray Rock Building Systems.
Based in Stuart, staff at Spray Rock Building Systems told FOX 13 that homes built with their product can withstand 250 mph winds, and they’ve been getting requests from Bay Area homeowners.
MORE: Several organizations receive NOAA grant aimed at growing Tampa Bay’s ‘marine economy’
"They want to build their forever home," Francavilla said. "They want to build it one time, and they want to be done with it."
What's next:
With June 1, the start of the next hurricane season, right around the corner, other companies, like Spray Foam Pros, are already thinking ahead.

"I hate seeing people’s – you know, all their stuff’s on the side of the road is devastating," Spray Foam Pros’ Michael Burns said. "You think, how can we prevent that? There's got to be a solution."
Dig deeper:
According to the Crystal River-based company, one solution they’re considering is to spray the foam over piled-up sandbags as an added layer of protection. It’s something the company plans to offer this upcoming hurricane season.
"So then water can't penetrate," Burns said. "And then all you have to do afterward is pull all the sandbags out, and you're back to normal."
READ: Hurricane recovery, resiliency part of 2025 legislative priorities for St. Pete
"Normal" is still a long way away for homeowners who are completely rebuilding their homes. Some companies, like Texas-based BLDON, are using artificial intelligence. BLDON staff members upload an architect’s plan, and AI calculates the cost to build it.
"It gives you the exact quantities [of supplies], how much labor is involved in it, and how many man hours and everything," BLDON’s Shiva Vunduru said. "You can even prepare a quote and send it to your customer."
What you can do:
Thursday is the last day of the Tampa Build Expo. The exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes start at 9:30 a.m. USA Build Expo hosts similar events across the country.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered through interviews with organizers of the Tampa Build Expo and vendors at the two-day event.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
- Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
- Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
- Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
- Download the SkyTower Radar app
- Sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter