Support Us Button Widget
Culture

See the winner of TBAYtoday’s Picture of the Year contest

You all voted on your favorite reader-submitted photo — now, see which one is crowned Picture of the Year.

January 22, 2024 • 
Emily Shea-Owen
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge captured from below and up close. The sky is blue and there are very few clouds, while the water below the bridge is a richer shade of blue with waves.

The next time you’re cruising under the Skyway, make sure to look up.

Photo by Eileen G.

Table of Contents
Winner: "Cruising under the Skyway Bridge"
Finalist: "Curtis Hixon Park"
Finalist: "UT at Night"
Finalist: "A View through the Vines"
Finalist: "Cotton Candy Skies"

The votes are in for the TBAYtoday 2023 Picture of the Year contest. Check out the finalists below, including the winner that you, our readers, voted for.

Winner: “Cruising under the Skyway Bridge”

75 votes. This picture really helps capture the sheer magnitude of Tampa Bay’s most iconic bridge. We love the angles and how many shades of blue there are.

The fountains at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at night. The water is illuminated in shades of yellow, orange, and red. UT is visible in the background through the dark night sky.

“Curtis Hixon Park”

Submitted by Mindy J.

Finalist: “Curtis Hixon Park”

66 votes. Running through Curtis Hixon’s fountains brings so much joy — just like this snap. The contrast of colored water with dark sky creates a dramatic effect in this shot.

The University of Tampa at night. It is nighttime and the moon sits between the building's iconic silver towers, with lush greenery in the foreground.

“UT at Night”

Submitted by K. Hunt

Finalist: “UT at Night”

28 votes. The longer you look, the more you notice. This dramatic shot paints a vivid picture of UT’s distinctive minarets.

The Sunken Gardens in St. Pete. The greenery is vivid and dramatic with both dark lighting and light lighting littered throughout the image.

“A View through the Vines”

Submitted by Kathryn B.

Finalist: “A View through the Vines”

26 votes. The Sunken Gardens in St. Pete are a sight to behold. This picture encapsulates the lush greenery — we love the use of lighting here.

A sunset turns the sky shades of pink, blue and yellow. There are boats in the foreground, sitting on dark blue water with a reflection of the colorful sky.

“Cotton Candy Sunset”

Submitted by Janine N.

Finalist: “Cotton Candy Skies”

12 votes. It seems like everyone loves a good sunset around the Tampa Bay area, and this pic shows us why. Look at those wispy pink clouds.

Which picture is your favorite?

More from TBAYtoday
Two fencers face off in the full silver equipment. The one on the right is lunging toward the one on the left with a dark grey background and spooky smokey effects around.
Sports
Try out these 6 niche Olympic Sports in Tampa Bay
This could be the start of your road to the 2028 Games.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A line of sushi rolls sits on a black dish. There is white sauce across the surface, and rice rolls have filling and toppings in dark surroundings.
Food
Meet Kiwa: South Tampa’s newest sushi hotspot
The area’s foodie game is about to go up another notch.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A hand holds up a yellow and blue "Beach Blonde Ale" can from 3 Daughters Brewing up in front of a blue sky with palm trees.
Culture
Local libations: A round of Tampa Bay-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Tampa Bay nod there — these craft beers found around the Big Guava take local pride seriously.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The Selmon Expressway viaduct sits above the Hillsborough River. Tampa's skyline is behind it, and there are blue skies overhead.
City
Breaking down Tampa’s budget: Capital Improvement Projects
We’re sharing how the proposed $1.8 billion budget could be spent across the city.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A green boba drink sits on a boardwalk at John's Pass. The focus is on the green straw and clear rounded container, while the blurry background shows a wooden walkway, water, cloudy skies, and a nearby boat.
Food
Tampa Bay neighborhoods as drinks
Every drink has its own flavors and characteristics, just like neighborhoods. We paired them up.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Chefs prepare for Epic Chef behind a counter laden with fresh produce. The chefs are wearing white uniforms, and wiring surrounds the area in the shiny Epicurean Theatre — a kitchen fit for shows and productions. Counters are a mix of white, silver, and grey, and ingredients line the wall in clear containers.
Nonprofits
A cooking contest with a purpose: Feeding Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef
The three-week event celebrates local culinary excellence, and offers a chance to reflect on those less fortunate.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Screen Shot 2023-05-25 at 3.26.01 PM.png
Live
Where to find lunch for $10 or less
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 15 lunches, from Cuban sammies to broiled burgers.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Staff
A foamy iced tea sits in front of a window with curtains, the light streaming in.
Food
3 Tampa Bay tea spots
From matcha workshops to history high teas, we’ve got our tea lovers covered.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Members of Tampa's Green Team stand in a line facing the camera. They are holding gardening tools, dressed in green tshirts, and wearing hats as the sun shines down. Someone near the middle is holding a tree with a mulch bag on the ground, implying it will be planted.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa’s Green Team is looking for new members
Help create a brighter future with the city-run program.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The pink-colored Don CeSar hotel sits in front of the beach. The Gulf of Mexico is bright blue in the background, and two pools are by the hotel surrounded by cabanas and deckchairs. The sun is shining, casting shadows toward the west, showing it is a beautiful sunny morning.
Food
Sip and dip at these Tampa Bay area pool bars
These TBAY spots are refreshing in more than one way.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell