Today’s Forecast

Tampa Bay, you’re a work of art

19 murals in Tampa Bay

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The mural is just one of Hyde Park’s decorated walls. | Photo by City of Tampa, art by Vitale Bros.

We all know that Tampa Bay has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about The Dalí or the Tampa Museum of Art. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Tampa Bay itself.

The Burg + Tampa are home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find pieces that really paint a picture of our city.

Buccaneers Tom Brady mural, 3125 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | By Vitale Bros + Tes One

TB12 just retired, but you can still snag a selfie with the football legend in the Kenwood neighborhood.

“Diversity in Democracy,” Central and 6th St., St. Petersburg | By James E. Hartzell and John L. Gascot

Commissioned by the League of Women Voters, this mural captures the city’s diversity + and serves as a reminder to heed your civic duty. Pro tip: bookmark this spot for your next election day sticker photo shoot.

Check out the art next time you’re on a Riverwalk stroll.
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Photo by City of Tampa, art by Pep Rally Inc.

“Ripple Effect,” Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park | By Pep Rally Inc.

Scope out this brightly colored vision as it “bubbles” under the Fortune Taylor Bridge. Plus, check out the other murals and art in the popular Downtown Park, including “The Countable and Uncountable Stories of Roberts City” also by Pep Rally Inc., tiles honoring the F. Garcia & Company Factory, and a bat house painted by artist Lynn Manos Page.

“Pride & Love,” 2437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | By Chad Mize and Jay Hoff

Located in the Grand Central District, this mural delights both the young and the young-at-heart. The piece was completed in the 2019 SHINE Mural Festival — and is just one of many in the area.

271796359_1544544179253898_7382603830556110782_n (1).jpg — Both basketball and tennis are played at the park.
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Photo by City of Tampa, art by Edgar Sanchez Cumbas and Jay Giroux

"Measured,” MacFarlane Park | By Edgar Sanchez Cumbas and Jay Giroux.

This art piece reminds residents of boxing’s place in Tampa’s history with a painting of Joe “King” Roman, “Puerto Rico’s first world heavyweight championship challenger and Tampa resident,” according to the city.

11 MORE MURALS

🤔 ASKED 🤔

A new mural has just been commissioned by the city, and you’ve been chosen as the artist. You:

A. Panic — I can’t draw for my life
B. Use this opportunity to paint a giant portrait of your family pet
C. Pass off the project to your favorite local artist
D. Roll up your sleeves and get to work on your dream mural

LET US KNOW

🗓️ EVENTS 🗓️

Today, March 6

Florida Strawberry Festival | Monday, March 6-Sunday, March 12 | Times vary | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $4-$8 | Celebrate all things strawberry with rides, concerts, and plenty of fair food at this annual festival.
Yoga at Sunken Gardens | Monday, March 6-Monday, May 29 | Times vary | Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg | $18-$20 | Get your flow on in the scenic botanical garden.
Josh Turner | Monday, Mar. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $35 | Multi-platinum-selling artist Josh Turner will sing hits like “Your Man” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”

Tuesday, March 7

Armature Works Book Club | Tuesday, Mar. 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $28 | This month, the club is discussing Colleen Hoover’s “Verity.”
Forrest Grape: Wine Fest | Tuesday, March 7-Saturday, March 11 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $7-$10 | Catch “Forrest Gump” on the big screen as Wine Fest begins.

Wednesday, March 8

New York Yankees vs. St. Louis Cardinals | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 1:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa | $50-$80 | Watch the Yanks take on the Cards.
Wicked | Wednesday, March 8-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $64.75-$324.75 | Whether you’re a Glinda or an Elphaba, you’ll enjoy this legendary show.

Thursday, March 9

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Atlanta Braves | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 1:07 p.m. | TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin | $16-$29 | Enjoy some peanuts, soft serve, and the Florida sun as the Jays face the Braves.
SPC Bands: A Trip Around The World | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 7 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Take in tunes from China, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Jordan, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Peru, and more.

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.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ MORE EVENTS

✏️NEWS NOTES✏️

Weather

87º | Sunny | 7% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:49 a.m.
Set: 6:33 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 1:51 a.m. + 3:27 p.m.
Low: 8:56 a.m. + 8:22 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 11:39 a.m. + 11:08 p.m.
Low: 5:22 a.m. + 4:59 p.m.

Development

St. Pete’s Exchange Hotel may be replaced by a new 28-story residential tower. The 234 3rd Avenue North building would feature 327 units, a parking garage, rooftop pool, retail space, and more. 🏗️ (St. Pete Rising)

Opening

International brand bb.q chicken soft opened in Carollwood last week. The 3805 Northdale Boulevard location serves entire chickens, boneless and bone-inwings with soy garlic, spicy Galibi, and other South Korean-infused menu options. 🐔 (That’s So Tampa)
Your after-work plans are loading. Sea Grapes Eatery and Wine Lounge re-opens in St. Pete Beach (6390 Gulf Blvd.) this Thursday, March 9 with an even bigger menu. We’re eagerly checking their Instagram for menu sneak peeks. (I Love the Burg)

Outdoors

One University of South Florida researcher is trying to spend 100 days underwater (and alone). The scientist will teach, live, and research from his undersea perch at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in the Keys. Read more about his quest. 🤿 (WUSF News)

Plan Ahead

This one’s for the son of a son of sailors. Stop by Eckerd’s Marine Yard Sale (4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete) this Sunday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to hunt for all kinds of water toys like kayaks, motors, and boats. (I Love the Burg)

Community

Have a tat you regret? Doom Club Tattoo Collectives is offering free removal of racist or gang-related tattoos in an effort to give residents a fresh start. Learn more about the St. Pete shop’s laser removal online. (St.Pete Catalyst)

Finance

Don’t let your credit cards go to waste. Kudos helps you get the most rewards and benefits every time you shop online. It’s simple to use and completely free. Try Kudos now and start saving on the money you’re already spending. 💸 *

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island, Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*

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Arts

Coloring Tampa Bay

Q + A with Gulfport muralist and artist Judith Villavisanis

The artist puts finishing touches on the Rosacea spoonbill. | Photo by TBAYtoday

It’s a spicy hot Thursday afternoon in Gulfport when a pod of speed walkers pauses to gaze (and take photos) of the fuchsia spoonbills, egrets, and wild mangroves coating the Old Florida-esque teal house on the corner.

They’re the work of muralist and artist Judith Villavisanis, a Tampa native and Gulfport resident — who’s spent most of the past several days sketching “the Florida fantasy” using a bamboo stick with a brush attached to — “keep her loose.”

You might’ve seen Villavisanis’s work around town at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club, or on display at local galleries — or not — as most of her hundreds of murals decorate the interiors of homes. She’s painted all kinds of things — an immersive Coney Island, a cherub-dusted ceiling, John Travolta’s house (hush), and lots of her favorite Old Florida scenes.

We asked her a few questions.

CHECK OUT THE Q + A

👋 THE WRAP 👋

Today’s Edition By:
Bailey

From the Editor

Speaking of murals, I finally had the chance to check out Tombolo’s bright new look — painted by local artist Leo Gomez.

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