Looking for Tampa Bay holiday treasures?

Last minute Tampa Bay gifts

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/Tampa’s iconic brunch and bookstore spot could nab a spot on the tree. | Photo by @oxfordexchange

Still on the hunt for a thoughtful gift? Shipping deadlines have since passed, but there’s still a plethora of top-notch prezzies you can buy right here in TBAY.

We rounded up a few gifts we wouldn’t mind finding in the manatee mailbox or under the tree.

Florida history fans will love A24’s “FLORIDA,” a bright pink-bound book that dives into the state’s seven regions. “FLORIDA” was edited by Gabrielle Calise and features snippets on the state’s oddities — from the mermaids of Weeki Wachee to a Hemingway lookalike contest.
There’s nothing more thoughtful than an ornament reminding them of home. Oxford Exchange stocks baubles featuring community spots like the Tampa Theatre and the bookstore, of course.

Chad Mize — The canister is filled with Kahwa’s signature blend Sirocco and can be refilled for $10.

Legendary St. Pete mural artist Chad Mize’s original artwork might be a tad over budget, but now you can gift a slice of his genius with a limited-edition Kahwa Coffee canister coated in his designs. Plus, each sale benefits the St. Pete Arts Alliance.
Going to the inlaws or a friend’s for a gathering? Stock a basket with tons of TBAY treats. We recommend the cold brew cans from Made Coffee, a fresh loaf from Gulf Coast Sourdough, small batch ciders or beers from 3 Daughters or Cigar City Brewing.
Give the gift of a stress-free holiday morning. Pete’s General Holiday pre-orders close today at noon. Order a scrumptious stick-in-the-oven French toast bake, Florida Citrus Loaf, or some of their signature bagels (we like the salt) for pickup on Dec. 24.

Or, donate in your loved ones’ name to their favorite local charity. Here’s a list of organizations looking for help this season.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Dec. 20

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) | Tuesday, Dec. 20-Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10 | Spend a little time with George and Zuzu Bailey + their family.
St. Petersburg Opera | Tuesday, Dec. 20, Thursday, Dec. 22 | 7 p.m. | Opera Central, Preis Hall, 2145 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $75 | “Holiday Sparkle” features Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” sung in English with a 20-piece orchestra.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Free Outdoor Bootcamp | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | 6:15-7 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Free | Get that heart rate up with this session from F45 Training — just bring a water bottle and towel.
Plaid Tidings | Wednesday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $20.50 | The musical comedy brings holiday favorites that are “Plaid-erized.”

Thursday, Dec. 22

Storytime with Mrs. Claus | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Swann Ave., Tampa | Free | Bring a blanket and meet in Snow Circle Shops for a reading of holiday classics.
A Night of Lights Chanukah Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 5-8 p.m. | Water Street Tampa, 1011 E Cumberland Ave., Tampa | Free | Celebrate the holiday with a special menorah lighting, lots of snacks, face painting, and more.

Friday, Dec. 23

Gasparilla Bowl | Friday, Dec. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa | $25-$125 | Watch as the Deacs take on the Tigers on Tampa soil.
Ugly Sweater Silent Disco | Friday, Dec. 23 | 8-11 p.m. | 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg | $10-$15 | Throw on your ugliest sweater for this all-night dance party.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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 | Afternoon rain | 78% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:16 a.m.
Set: 5:38 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 1:59 p.m. + 11:38 p.m.
Low: 6:50 a.m. + 5:25 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 10:09 a.m. + 8:34 p.m.
Low: 3:17 a.m. + 2:41 p.m.

Outdoors

Red tide is on the move. Pinellas County researchers found the organism that causes red tide at 13 sampling sites, including Fort De Soto and Boca Ciega Bay. (WUSF News)
A new tool built by the Tampa Bay Times allows you to see how storm surge would affect our area. Test out potential hurricane conditions by plugging your home’s info into the computer model. 🌊 (Tampa Bay Times)

Civic

Have debris from last week’s tornado piled up in your yard? St. Pete officials say residents should put limbs and other vegetation in the trash if the lid shuts + large debris curbside for a free city pickup.
The City of Tampa is expanding its Leading Pedestrian Interval system. The program gives walkers an extra three to seven seconds to get across the street — a boost that leaders say will reduce pedestrian and car traffic crashes by 10-20 percent. 🚶(WUSF News)

Opening

Kura Sushi, a technology-forward dining experience, will open its second Florida location in WestShore Plaza (214 Westshore Plaza) next year. The restaurant serves guests high-quality rolls and dishes with a double-layered conveyor belt system. 🍣 (That’s So Tampa)
Soon, you’ll be able to grab a quick bite right at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The museum recently announced Perry’s Porch, a cafe and coffee bar, will open as part of the institution’s expansion. Fittingly, the spot will also serve up historical-themed cocktails perfectly paired with the downtown views. (I Love the Burg)
Calling all Bonida Bandidas. Californian taco chain Del Taco is on the way to Tampa Bay. The nationwide brand plans to add five new locations in North Tampa. 🌮 (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

St. Pete foodie fave Wild Child is hosting a “ONE CRAZY NIGHT” Hanukkah party tonight. The holiday meal + soirée starts at 6 p.m. Stop by for pastrami ribs, chicken schnitzel sandwiches, and jelly doughnuts — no reservation needed. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Biz

Welcome (back) to Cigar City. The former CEO of CAO Cigars has launched the West Tampa Tobacco Company. Rick Rodriguez aims to tell the city — and his family’s — history with his stogies. (Tampa Bay Times)

Community

After the season’s celebrations, head outside with the fam for some fresh air. Bonnet Springs Park is open from 6 a.m. to dusk so you can walk, run, or bike the many trails, see the beauty of the botanical garden, or be among the trees on the Canopy Walk. Plan your visit.*

Drink

Cheers to the holidays. Raeburn Chardonnay is buy one get one free at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Dec. 21. 🥂 *

Learn

You know how to order coffee at Buddy Brew. But can you order coffee in Italian? Babbel can help TBAYtoday readers learn how to order coffee (and other beverages) in Italian, so they’ll be ready for their next trip to Italy. Want to try it out? For a limited time, snag 55% off your subscription. ☕ *

Travel

You haven’t seen turquoise until you’ve seen this Turks and Caicos oceanfront pool. Top it off with walks on the beach, horseback riding, locally-caught seafood, and a five-star review for the property, and you’ve got yourself a dream Vrbo vacation. 🐬*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Culture

Road repair 101

As much as we’d love more public swimming pools, this isn’t for us. | Photo via Unsplash

We all shake our fists at city hall when we rattle down Howard Avenue — it’s only natural. But it’s hard to grasp the scope of what we’re dealing with when we talk about street infrastructure. Consider that:

The US has the world’s biggest road network with over 4 million miles of paved roads. That’s 122,848 miles in Florida alone.
US roads handle a ton of wear and tear. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates upwards of 3.2 trillion miles traveled on roads in 2019.
Weather takes its toll on roads, too, by expanding and contracting concrete. Rising temperatures could add $19 billion a year to road costs by 2040.

There’s a lot to do. Not only are disrepaired roads dangerous, but they cost motorists $1,000 a year on average. Help out by reporting potholes to 311.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: I’m very excited to check out Perry’s Porch when it opens. I already love Trophy Fish (the spot’s sister restaurant) so I’m sure it’s going to become a fave.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a peek at Tampa Bay’s film industry from Winter’s tale to the Goodfellas, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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