Get to know Tampa Bay’s fun facts. | Photo by Ronald Slaton
Did you know Tampa is the lightning capital of the world?
Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Tampa Bay’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Either way, test your local knowledge with these 10 interesting facts.
1. Tampa’s temperature has never exceeded 99 degrees. That sounds like a lie because, ya know — it’s Florida, but it’s true. The last time it even hit 99 degrees in Tampa was June 5, 1985. 🌡
2. The “You know I had to do it to em,” guy — yeah, he’s from Tampa. Holy throwback. The meme began when Twitter user @LuckyLuciano17k posted a photo of himself dressed to the nines with that infamous caption.
3. The city’s number one export is phosphate. And since phosphate is invaluable for fertilizer production, farmers from across the U.S. love us.
4. Lindsay Lohan’s dad launched himself from the third-floor balcony of the Tahitian Inn to avoid rearrest. Upon being put into the TPA squad car, he said, “I’m an idiot.”
5. The world’s first passenger flight took place in St. Pete. On the first day of 1914, the first passenger flight worldwide took off from the Burg and landed in Tampa. 🛩
Your turn. Tell us your favorite local trivia tidbit, and you might make it into the newsletter.
Opening Day | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 11 a.m. | Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Rd., Tampa | Free | The top horses and jockeys return to the famous Tampa Bay Downs for its turf course and swaying palms.
Bonsai & Brews at 3 Daughters | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg | $75 | Come ready to build a bonsai and drink a brew.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Day Feast at Flor Fina | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Hotel Haya, 1412 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | $75 | If you’re looking for a last-minute four-course family-style Thanksgiving feast, reserve your table at one of Tampa’s newest hotels.
Friday, Nov. 25
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. St. Louis Blues | Friday, Nov. 25 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $41.25-$995.25 | The Bolts face off against the Blues for an unforgettable clash on the ice.
Saturday, Nov. 26
War on I4: USF Bulls Football vs. UCF Knights Football | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 7 a.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $35-$225 | The most heated annual rivalry game in all of Florida football is back.
We have amonthly 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.
$963 million. That’s how much Hillsborough County hotelscollected in record-breaking revenue for the 2022 fiscal year. One of the most notable revenue increases was Hotel Haya(1412 E. 7th Ave., Tampa). The Cuban-inspired boutique hotel reeled in double-digit figures compared to last year. 🏨 (Spectrum Bay News 9)
Drink
After 12 years of pouring cheap but stiff drinks, 5 Bucks Drinkery (247 Central Ave., St. Petersburg) is expanding to Pinellas Park at 7402 49th Street N. (the former Pete + Shorty’s space). The new 5 Bucks is currently hiring bartenders. The Grand Opening is pinned for January. 🍻 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
If you haven’t made a run to the store for your Thanksgiving Day spirits by now, we’re thinking you already have a million things to do. Enter: Drizly, an online alcohol marketplace that delivers beer, wine, and spirits to your doorstep. Place an order now and it will arrive in under 60 minutes.*
Civic
FEMA extended the deadline to apply for Hurricane Ian aid in Hillsborough and Pinellas. People whose property sustained damage now have until Thursday, Jan. 12 to seek assistance. You can go to Disaster Assistance, use the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362.
Ranked
Putting pedal to the medal. Get it? Because Tampa and St. Pete just ranked high on Zillow’s Bikeability test. St. Pete ranked No. 2, and Tampa ranked No. 5 based on considerations like bike lanes, trails, hills, and the number of cyclists in the area. Bike Score is located under the “neighborhood details” on Zillow. 🚲 (Channel 10 Tampa Bay)
Shop
Black Friday shopping just got a lot easier, thanks to our online store Six & Main. Show your local pride by shopping for hats, shirts, mugs, candles, and more, with up to 40% in savings. This offer ends Mon., Nov. 28. Shop now. 🛍️
Celebrate
We want to wish a happy birthday (on Saturday) to our teammate Jessica, 6AM City Director of Operations. Happy birthday, Jessica!
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Frontier Airlines launches new fuel efficient aircraft. | Photo by @tpaaviation
The Thanksgiving holiday travel rush is underway at Tampa International Airport. Officials aren’t expecting a record number of passengers this year because some airlines scheduled fewer flights due to staffing levels. But if you’re headed to TPA, here are a couple of handy tips.
Book online — it’s always cheaper.
Use the Blue Express — if you are traveling without checked luggage and have a carry-on, you already have your boarding pass. So you don’t have to mess around with the other levels of the airport, or wait around in that line.
Get there early — arrive 2 hours ahead of domestic flights and 3 hours ahead of international flights.
For a heftier breakdown of where to eat and how to make the best use of this beloved airport, check out our Tampa International Guide.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Brad.
Editor’s pick: Is anyone going to 97X’s Next Big Thing concert at the Fairgrounds? Weezer, YungBlud, Lovelytheband, and Jack White. I mean, come on. I’m grabbing some tix for Sunday, Dec. 4. See you in the pit.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We broke down the lodging specials we have going on during Secret Season up in Jackson County, NC.
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