A career in tech is calling (and this program can help) 💻
Presented by a TBAYtoday Partner
Bootcamp curriculums are up to date with current industry trends, so students gain knowledge + experience they can use in the real world. | Photo provided by Flatiron School
Did you know? Employment in the tech industry is expected to grow ~15% by 2031 — adding 680,000+ jobs to the US labor force. Read: If you’re looking to switch jobs or enter the industry, now is a good time to expand your skills (and make your resume more attractive).
One educational option? Flatiron School, which offers online or in-person options to fit most budgets, lifestyles, and experience levels — whether you’re a college graduate just starting out or a seasoned professional in a mid-career pivot.
Course options:
Software Engineering: This course is crafted for all skill levels — whether you have zero coding knowledge, are self-taught, or are somewhere in between. Flatiron’s approach focuses on applying skills through hands-on, collaborative experiences, whether that’s pair programming, code reviews, or coding challenges. Students will further hone their communication skills and become part of the tech community as they build, share, and refine their Github portfolios.
Data Science: Data is only as valuable as the person behind it, and Flatiron trains you to be that person. Experienced instructors show students how to extract and visualize data, leverage it to find actionable insights, and make powerful predictions with machine learning — all rare yet highly-desired skill sets.
Cybersecurity: Employers are actively seeking and hiring cybersecurity professionals at more than twice the rate of the average job outside of the tech industry. This course focuses on the core aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, Python (no, snakes aren’t involved), pen testing, threat intelligence, cryptology, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (one of the most important building blocks in the curriculum).
Product Design: Students gain hands-on UX/UI (user experience and user interface) design skills using modern tools like Figma + Webflow, building a professional portfolio (intentionally crafted to catch hiring managers’ eyes upon graduation).
Build long-lasting relationships with your cohort and establish a community for you to lean on for the rest of your career. | Photo provided by Flatiron School
How it works:
Flatiron offers both full-time programs (15 weeks) and flexible-pace programs (up to 60 weeks).
Both program options are available online. Flatiron also has Denver, CO + New York City campuses for in-person courses.
Flatiron offers graduates up to 180 days of one-on-one career coaching to help students succeed during their job search.
Flexible financing is available with a 12-month, no-interest installment plan. Chat with Admissions to see what works best for you financially; some students qualify for additional support, like cost of living loans.
How to apply:
Interested? Prospective students can chat with admissions virtually to see if Flatiron might be a good fit, then complete an online application followed by an admissions interview + assessment. Pro tip: Enrollment is open year-round, so you can apply anytime.
Florida Strawberry Festival | Friday, Mar. 10-Sunday, Mar. 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.
Forrest Grape: Wine Fest | Friday, Mar. 10 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $85-$125 | Sample blends from Bavaro’s, Cru Cellars, Oxford Exchange and other local wine spots.
Train | Friday, Mar. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City | $50 | Hey Soul Sister — don’t miss this concert by chart-topping band Train.
Wicked | Friday, March 10-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 a Elphaba, you’ll enjoy this legendary show.
Saturday, March 11
Be Well Outdoor Bootcamp in Water Street Tampa | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 9-10 a.m. | Via Corazon in Water Street Tampa, 1011 E. Cumberland Ave., Tampa | Free | Get your sweat on — pre-register to claim a spot.
Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 7th Ave., Ybor City | Free | The Rough Riders take over the streets of Ybor for a festive parade.
Awakening Festival | Saturday, Mar. 11-Sunday, Mar. 12 | Times vary | North Straub Park, 5th Ave. NE and Bayshore Dr., St. Petersburg | Free | Stop by the waterfront park for live music and yoga, good eats, and a market with more than 150 vendors.
Sunday, March 12
Joe Maddon | Sunday, Mar. 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | Free | The legendary former Rays + Cubs skipper signs copies of his “Book of Joe” and poses for photos — make sure to reserve a spot.
Hollywood Awards Night 2023 | Sunday, Mar. 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $25-$150 | Celebrate the Academy Awards with a walk down the red carpet and a big-screen watch party.
Blue Jays vs. Phillies | Sunday, Mar. 12, Friday, Mar. 17, Tuesday, Mar. 28 | Times vary | BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater | $21-$40 | Head over to Dunedin to watch the Phillies take on the Blue Jays.
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.
Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?
When it comes to building your retirement savings, there’s no better time to get started than right now. | Photo by SmartAsset
Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, andrightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀
The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*
82º | Afternoon thunderstorms | 42% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
Rise: 6:45 a.m.
Set: 6:35 p.m.
Tides Old Tampa Bay
High: 4:28 a.m. + 4:11 p.m.
Low: 10:11 a.m. + 11 p.m.
Clearwater Beach
High:12:53 a.m. + 12:48 p.m.
Low: 6:52 a.m. + 7:24 p.m.
Announced
Gasparilla Music Festival is back on. Leaders announced the massive concert will be held in and around Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, April 29 + Sunday, April 30. 🎸 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Outdoors
Red tide is ramping up. Officials found high amounts of the harmful algal bloom at Clearwater + Dunedin beaches. Before you head to the shore, check the beach’s red tide status online. (WUSF News)
Development
One day, Albert WhittedAirport may be home to affordable workforce housing or a massive city park. The city is running an analysis on how to best use the 120 prime waterfront acres. 🛩️ (Tampa Bay Times)
Community
Today is Senior Day in the Park. Head over to MacFarlane Park(1801 N. Lincoln Ave., Tampa) at 9:30 a.m. to join 400 other older adults for a one-mile walk, free food and t-shirts, entertainment, games, community vendors, and more. 🚶
Open
It’s the opening weekend for the St. Pete Pier’s new roller rink installation. The “Rockin’ Roller Rink” is open now through April 9, with DJ nights, glow nights, Latin music nights, a tropical day skate, and more. Book tickets online. 🛼 (I Love the Burg)
All month long Bayboro Brewing is hosting Taking Space: An All-Woman Art Exhibition — fittingly during Women’s History Month. Stop by the grand opening tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. to talk shop with the artists, watch live paintings, and listen to poetry. (I Love the Burg)
Eat
Calling all harvest and miso bowl aficionados. A new Sweetgreen is opening up in Hyde Park Village. The new 722 South Village Circle location should open its doors soon. 🥗 (That’s So Tampa)
Yes, we have another idea for your Friday night. There’s a new Lao market every Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. in North St. Pete at the Lao Arts & Cultural Foundation headquarters (4090 58th Ave. N.) with all kinds of cuisine and desserts. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Job
Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.
Watch
Have you prepared your speech? The 95th Academy Awards takes place this Sunday, March 12 at 8 p.m. Not sure where to watch? Stream it with a free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM. Bonus: Invite your fellow film buffs over for a watch party. 🍿*
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NEWS
Spring forward ⏱️
Will we always change the clock?
At least our phones and computers set their clocks for us. | Photo by Iana Pugachova via Pexels
It’s time to set the clock forward — daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time this Sunday, March 12
So far, only two states opt out of daylight saving time (or DST) — Arizona and Hawaii — but changes could be on the horizon for our local clocks as well. Florida and many other states have made moves towards “year-round daylight saving time” which would mean no longer changing the clocks twice a year (each spring and each fall) by permanently adjusting everyone’s time zone forward by one hour.
Want to learn more? You can read up on which states have introduced DST laws, bills, and resolutions, and see where permanent DST bills have failed. (Our state is on the list.)
So why are we still moving the clock? Well, federal law doesn’t yet allow permanent DST. So, even if the state approves, it’s up to Congress to set the clocks… so the DST debate is something we’ll have to sleep on.
For now, if you can’t remember which direction to set the clock, remember: Spring forward and fall back. Or, maybe we should make like the astronauts and tell time by the moon.
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