What's next for the renowned Tampa Riverwalk, and three eat and drink events to put on the calendar.
6AM City In-house

The Tampa Riverwalk’s new groove

The Tampa Riverwalk expansion moves forward
West River
The Hillsborough River’s west flank. | Screenshot from City of Tampa video
One day (within this decade), you’ll be able to take an after-work jaunt from your plot of paradise in West Tampa or Bowman Heights right to Hyde Park or Channelside.

The City of Tampa recently moved forward with plans for a nearly five-mile extension of the massively popular Riverwalk with a request for interested designers or builders, according to a release. The bulk of the money for the West River Build Project project will come out of a $24 million grant the city received from the US Department of Transportation.

Highlights from the plans include:
  • Connecting Tampa Heights, Bayshore Boulevard, West Tampa, Hyde Park, North Franklin Street, Bowman Heights, and Riverside Heights neighborhoods along the public trail
  • Sections that bridge over the Hillsborough River + living shorelines
  • Making the city safer for pedestrians and bikers — with improved sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe crossing features
Riverwalk map

The map details the prospective extended Riverwalk.

Map courtesy of the City of Tampa

City leaders expect the extension to be finished by the end of 2026.

Check out more info + drone footage of the route online. We’ll keep you posted on when renderings are released.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Feb. 16
  • Coffee with Castor | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 9-10 a.m. | Barksdale Community Center, 1801 N. Lincoln Ave., Tampa | Free | Chat with Tampa’s mayor Jane Castor and share a cup of joe.
  • The Florida State Fair $3 Thursday | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 3-9 p.m. | Florida State Fair, 4800 US Hwy. 301 N., Tampa | $3 | Enjoy discounted rides, games, and a number of food items after 3 p.m.
  • Andrea Bocelli | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $83.75 | Listen as “the world’s most romantic voice” collaborates with the Opera Tampa Chorus.
  • Rod Stewart Live In Concert | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa | $275-$413 | Catch Sir Roderick David Stewart in concert.
Friday, Feb. 17
  • Largest Networking Event in Tampa Bay | Friday, Feb. 17 | 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $47-$547 | Hobnob with other local professionals and enjoy a provided lunch.
  • Arts Legacy Remix: International Women Celebration | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | Free | Celebrate the influence of women with live performances, dance, and other arts.
  • MANIA: The ABBA Tribute | Friday, Feb. 17 | 8 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg | $24-$53 | Enjoy two hours of the legendary band’s hits.
Saturday, Feb. 18
  • Rays Fan Fest | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | Free | Meet your favorite sluggers, shop a yard sale, play games, and more.
  • Green and Gold Gala | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7-11 p.m. | The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $85-100 | Dance along at the silent disco, listen to live music, and bid on treasures.
  • Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation | Saturday, Feb. 18 | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $25-$91 | Watch Christopher Robin’s friends take the stage.
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
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 84º | Mostly sunny | 7% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 7:06 a.m.
  • Set: 6:21 p.m.
Tides
Old Tampa Bay
  • High: 10:50 p.m.
  • Low: 6:35 a.m.
Clearwater Beach
  • High: 10:57 a.m. + 7:48 p.m.
  • Low: 2:55 a.m. + 1:43 p.m.
Civic
  • Early voting begins on Monday, Feb. 27 for Tampa’s municipal election, and it’s time to get ready for the ballot box. Check out the Tampa Bay Times’ primer on the City Council candidates. 🗳️ (Tampa Bay Times)
  • Hillsborough + Pinellas counties just received $28 million from the state for septic-to-sewer system conversions. The projects are part of a larger state effort to convert almost 20,000 systems. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
  • If you print it, they will come. Haddy, a new St. Pete furniture maker 3-D prints chairs, tables, and more using AI technology. Read more about the new Warehouse Arts District tenant’s production process. 🖨️ (I Love the Burg)
Eat
  • Indian Bistro is opening up a new location in St. Pete Beach. The Clearwater restaurant’s second location will be in the Publix shopping center + will serve Aloo Saag, Tikka Masala, and tons of other hearty dishes. 🍛 (I Love the Burg)
  • Who’s the boss? In Wesley Chapel, it’s about to be Chicken Boss. The new output from Bacon Boss will serve hand-breaded chicken tenders and more at KRATE at The Grove. Follow the brand’s Instagram for more updates. (That’s So Tampa)
Development
  • New affordable senior housing is on the way to St. Pete. The now shuttered Ed White Hospital will be turned into 70 living units. The building (2323 9th Ave. N.) will also host the St. Petersburg Housing Authority and other organizations. (St. Pete Rising)
Plan Ahead
  • Tampa’s SuperNatural Food and Wine is gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of a fateful visit from Chef Alton Brown. Stop by the downtown Tampa spot on Sunday, Feb. 19 to buy a shirt emblazoned with Brown’s likeness — benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Sports
  • Next month marks the 13th Annual Tampa Baseball Clinic put on by Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation. The free clinic is booked for Tuesday, March 14-Thursday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Police Athletic League (1924 W. Diana St.). Call 813-274-8023 to book a spot. ⚾
Travel
  • Ready to plan springtime adventures? A ~4 hour flight from TBAY, Greenville, SC is filled with natural beauty, outdoor activities + dining delicacies. Pro tip: Order a free Visitor’s Guide to start planning your trip, and check out VisitGreenvilleSC’s Instagram for itinerary inspo.*
  • How does Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Going will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $500+ flight to Italy). 🍝*
Wellness
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Put that on your plate 🍽️

Upcoming Tampa Bay food and drink festivals
319886064_1318718718951543_5952851166642531306_n.jpg
That could be you. | Photo by @tampabaywff
If there’s one thing better than enjoying that Tampa Bay springtime weather — it’s taking in those sunset or downtown views with a fantastic local dish or drink in hand.

Here’s a few local food and drink festivals to put on the calendar:
  • The first-ever Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival takes over Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from Wednesday, April 12 through Saturday, April 15. There are four ticketed events to choose from: “An Evening at the Tampa Club,” “Experience Hyde Park,” “Chef Showdown,’' and the “Grand Tasting.” Pro tip: follow the festival on Instagram for giveaways and other updates.
  • This Busch Gardens trip is for the rents or the groupchat. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival takes place every weekend from Friday, March 10, to Sunday, May 21.
  • The 17th Annual Taste of South Tampa is booked for Sunday, March 19th. Get ready to sample fare from Daily Eats, Flor Fina, and other local spots at the picturesque Tampa Garden Club on Bayshore.
Let us know which finger lickin’ event you’re most excited for, or if there’s one we missed. We may just put it in the newsletter.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: Have you checked out @butterlens or @sourdoughslinger on Insta? They make some pretty mean birthday cakes + take custom orders.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We suggest some soup spots for those hankering for a warm bowl of love.
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