LAND O’ LAKES — According to a study, more employers are giving the option to work remotely.

It’s a trend that is expected to grow in 2023.

For those who don’t want to work from home, but want to avoid commuting, the city of Land O’ Lakes now has a co-working space.

What You Need To Know

  • Trend of remote expected to continue and grow in 2023 per study.

  • First Co-working space in suburb of Land O' Lakes called 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces is now open

  • Since it opened, 50% of the co-working spaces has become occupied with national and local businesses

​4 & Co. Coworking Spaces began building its second location in Land o’ Lakes during the pandemic.

“We kind of had to hit the breaks once Covid hit and said let’s see how this pans out. This may ruin our industry of commercial real estate,” said Business Development Director and co-owner Pierre Goris.

The facility was finally completed and is now the only coworking space located in a suburb of Tampa where Pierre said most of the workforce lives.

Since it opened, 50% of the co-working spaces are occupied with national and local businesses.

“People live in the suburbs: North Pinellas, Pasco and then have to commute to St.Pete and Tampa,” he said.

Workers can cut down on that commute by utilizing this space.

Extra amenities like a nap room, a mother’s room, a podcast and photo studio make this space favorable for workers from all industries.

It’s also a hub for smaller businesses to thrive like Twin Buffalo Ink. The owner, Colton Stairs grew up in Land O’ Lakes and began his Tattoo business three years ago after leaving a corporate career.

“I did insurance for a while and realized it wasn’t for me,” he said. “Definitely glad I found this job.”

His neighbor Mauricio Cespedes owns LPT Realty which has more than 10 employees.

“I think for us right now the growth around here is enormous, so we are growing with the community,” said Cespedes.

Realtors Annie Osullivan and James Boardman said they’ve been able to network more.

“Being able to be here, having lunch in the cafeteria and seeing someone else and askin ‘oh what do you do?’ It’s been really awesome,” said Osullivan.

Pierre said this is the alternative to coming back into the office.

“I think we’re the next evolution of what office space can be and should be,” he said. “It’s something that has been needed in this area.”

This is a solution to that need that Pierre believes will benefit both employers and employees in one of the fastest growing communities in Tampa Bay.