Food

Stone Crab season is back, baby

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Stone crab season runs from Oct. 15 through May 1. | Photo by Ulele Tampa

It’s time to get out that Old Bay, spread Sunday’s newspaper across the table, and invite the fam over... for some finger lickin’ good stone crab. Tampanians know, stone crab season creeps up every fall, beginning Oct. 15 and running through May.

Whether you want to celebrate at home or at a local restaurant, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite spots to partake in the festivities:

Cox’s Seafood Market, 6821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa | Medium size is seven to nine claws for $31.95, large is five to six claws for $41.95, jumbo is three to four claws for $52.95, and colossal is one or two claws for $59.95.
Key West Seafood Co., 1449 49th St. S., Gulfport | Located in Gulfport, this seafood market is a local fave. Pick up three medium-sized crabs for $25, four or five large claws for $35, and six to eight jumbo-sized claws for $45.
Heights Seafood Co., 6421 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | This do-it-all spot sells large stone crab for $39 per pound + jumbo for $48 per pound. Pro tip: This spot offers dine-in options — piping hot stone crab, vegetables, and rice.
Frenchy’s Stone Crab and Seafood Market, 501 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin | This seafood market sells medium-sized claws for $26.95, large for $39.95, jumbo for $46.95, and colossal for $49.95 per pound.
Billy’s Stone Crab, 1 Collany Rd., Tierra Verde | Spend the day beach doggin’ at Fort de Soto, then head over to Billy’s for claws served with cold stone mustard or hot with real drawn butter.

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Today

4th Annual Urban Food Sovereignty Summit | Thu., Oct. 20 | 5-7:30 p.m. | C.W. Bill Young Hall, 12303 USF Genshaft Dr., Tampa | Free | This two-day event heightens the awareness of urban food sovereignty at USF, the larger Tampa Bay community, and reinforce USF’s role as a learning + research hub for urban food sovereignty.
The Bar Method Class | Thu., Oct. 20 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | Free | The Bar Method Studio and Armature Works have teamed up to present a high-intensity, low impact full body workout that focuses on toning and lengthening your muscles.
Dracula - Preview | Thu., Oct. 20 | 8-10 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $24.50 - $29.50 | This adaptation of Dracula brings audiences along for a thrilling trek interspersed with daring special effects and the humor inherent to humans in crisis.
Trivia Thursday! | Thu., Oct. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m. | MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Free | Enjoy 50% off drinks until 8 p.m. and $1 beers from 8 p.m. until close.
Virtual Performance Premiere: Wendy Babcox & Noisy Womxn | Thu., Oct. 20 | 6:30-7 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa | Free | Take in Babcox’s installation of snare drums and cyanotypes that was on view during the Skyway 20/21 Exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art + served as a metaphor for empowerment and resilience.

Friday

28th Annual Haunted Woods | Fri., Oct. 21 - Sat., Oct. 22 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa | $10.00 | Take to the river for food and refreshments, music, and an all-ages costume contest.
Haunted Tales of Tampa Bay Eco-Tour | Fri., Oct. 21 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 6 p.m. | Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, 300 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg | $16.00 - $24.00 | Join Tampa Bay Watch for a 1-hour boat ride to learn what creepy animals call Tampa Bay home and hear haunted tales of the murky waters and the City of St. Petersburg.

Saturday

Honeymoon Island Fall Fest | Sat., Oct. 22 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd. (at the West end of Dunedin Causeway, Dunedin | Free | Fall Fest will be a beachside event featuring an arts market, outdoor recreation activities, live music, food trucks, vendor tables, and an array of engaging educational booths.
Piertoberfest | Sat., Oct. 22 | 12-8 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg | $20.00 - $90.00 | The festival takes place on Spa Beach Park and will feature authentic German-style beer, food, music, games, and more.

Sunday

SHINE St. Pete Mural Festival | Thu., Oct. 20 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 11 p.m. | Mize Gallery, 689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg | Free | It’s the last day to take in the SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival’s eighth year.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

73º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:33 a.m.
Set: 6:55 p.m.

Tide
Old Tampa Bay

High: 1:43 a.m. + 11:57 a.m.
Low: 6:14 a.m. + 7:04 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 8:40 a.m. + 10:03 p.m.
Low: 2:51 a.m. + 3:39 p.m.

Civic

Still have storm debris from Hurricane Ian in your yard? Tampa residents can drop off yard waste at 22nd St. Park (7801 N. 22nd St.) or Gadsen Park (6901 S. MacDill Ave.) from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Remember, yard waste includes tree branches, tree trunks, and leaves — and it must be bagged. 🌳

Development

DTSP’s newest blockchain-themed getaway, Satoshi Hideout, is open for leasing. Named after Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, the hotel is made up of 40 fully furnished + flipped micro-apartments. Located at 425 2nd St. N., the updated units are designed to house entrepreneurs and new-age nomads. 🏠 (St. Pete Catalyst)

Outdoors

Come hang. The World’s Largest Hammock Hangout is this Saturday, Oct. 22 at the St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. Trees + hammock stands are limited, so save your spot here to be part of history. 🌴

Cause

Like we need an excuse to stop by Bandit. The A1 coffee shop is hosting a fundraiser Mon., Oct. 24 for Hurricane Ian relief efforts. Beginning at 7 p.m., the Central Avenue spot will offer bake sale goods, a hot dog menu (with vegan dogs), and natural wine — with 100% of profits going to SWFL.

Real estate

Could “granny flats” be the answer to Tampa’s affordable housing crisis? The city is considering easing rules on allowing accessory dwelling units, but many residents say they would use them for Airbnbs, not renters. The city is hosting a workshop on the issue on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. at city hall. 🏠 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
A new affordable housing project is on its way to Busch Blvd. Hillsborough officials allocated $16.2 million in federal funds to rehabilitate Armature Place Apartments. For the next 30 years, the 96 units will be occupied by residents earning at or below 80% area median income. 👪 (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Seasonal

Oh my gourd, it’s the greatest pumpkin. Every year, Bearss Groves has shown off “Florida’s largest pumpkin.” The farm stand’s owner, Barry Lawrance, says he searches far and wide for a massive gourd + keeps his find protected by spraying rotting holes with sulfur to slow growth. 🎃 (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Attention, pickleball all-stars. St. Pete Parks + Rec. announced additional adult leagues for this season. Get pumped, the competition begins Tuesday at Northwest Park and Thursday at Crescent Lake Park. Registration is open here. 🏓 (i Love the Burg)

Arts

It’s the end of All Night Jazz. After 56 years, WUSF will stop airing the melodic tunes on Halloween night. General Manager JoAnn Urofsky says the station will instead air “As It Happens,” “1A Plus,” and the second hour of “Science Friday,” among other programs. 🎷 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Shop

We know how much Tampa loves Publix GreenWise Market. One of the best perks they offer (besides delicious organic food) is their REWARDS program — check out the benefits shoppers enjoy. 🛒 *

Learn

Did you know? Babbel offers multiple ways to learn a new language (think: lessons, podcasts, videos, and live online classes). TBAYtoday readers can choose from 14 languages with lessons that focus on practical, everyday phrases — plus useful tips and cultural knowledge to better understand the words they’re learning. Me encanta. 🗺️ *

Shop

Ditch the ribbon and twine. Natural wreaths made with dried flowers, berries, and grains are trending. This southeast Etsy seller makes beautiful arrangements we love — like this timeless dried lavender wreath. If you’re looking for something a little more seasonal, peep this fall garden wreath. 💐*

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City

Plant-y of fun to go around 🌿

Mayor Ken Welch celebrated the opening of the center. | Photo by @mayorkenwelch

St. Petersburg’s famed Sunken Gardens recently showcased its brand new History Center with the help of Mayor Ken Welch. The center showcases 100+ years of the iconic landmark’s history + its impact on the tourism industry in Florida.

The 1940s-era entrance building was restored + revamped thanks to funding from Florida’s Division of Historical Resources, the City of St. Petersburg, Penny for Pinellas, and the Sunken Gardens Foundation.

Festivities will be held at the Sunken Gardens on Sat., Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate the opening. People of ages are welcome to enjoy live music, guided tours, crafts, and a garden scavenger hunt. The celebration is free with paid admission or membership.

If you can’t make it to the celebration, plan a visit that works best for you. The garden’s hours and admission prices can be found here.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: Tombolo Books is of my favorite places to visit after work. The indie bookshop hosts so many author talks + is always stacked with amazing staff picks. Check out our local author guide and stop by to look for your next great read.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a walk through some of Tampa Bay’s upcoming developments, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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