Today’s Forecast

📚 Once upon a time in TBAY...

10+ Tampa Bay bookstores

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What’s better than freshly squeezed juice and a freshly opened book? | Photo via @shadow1188

Hey there, TBAY bookworms.

From the smell of freshly printed pages to the tactile pleasure of turning them, bookstores offer a sensory experience that can’t be replicated. Luckily, Tampa Bay has a variety to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller or a hidden gem, here’s a roundup of five spots to get lost in a good book:

Wilson’s Book World | 2394 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg

Wilson’s makes it feel like you’ve just stepped into your own Library of Alexandria. This hidden nook stocks more than 250,000 hardcovers, paperbacks, comics, and manuscripts.

Mojo Books & Records | 2540 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa

Mojo boasts an extensive collection of new and rare gently-loved novels, an eclectic array of vinyl records, a free book box, and even a tea shop. Pro tip: If you’re trying to spring clean — you can sell and trade old titles with the store.

Screen Shot 2023-03-20 at 10.37.34 AM.png — Yes, Haslam’'s is closed, but it serves as a reminder to start supporting local businesses.
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Photo via @shadow1188

Tombolo Books | 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg

It’s no wonder why Tombolo is a beloved St. Pete institution. Besides a fantastic selection of books and an incredibly knowledgeable staff — this sweet little shop hosts weekly read-alongs and book clubs. Pro tip: Get freshly brewed bean juice next door at Black Crow.

Comics & Stuff | 2304 W. Gray St., Tampa

This picture book peddler offers a vast selection of graphic novels, from She-Hulk to Johnny Quest. Prices range from $1 to a couple hundred for the highly graded mint-condition collectibles.

Book + Bottle | 17 6th St. N., St. Petersburg

Looking to sip on some Chardonnay while flipping through Chekhov? B+B’s shelves are stocked with everything from fiction and new releases to celebrity picks and Russian literature. Pro tip: During the work week, this spot is perfect for cracking open your laptop and hammering out emails.

Did we miss any? Let us know.

Events

Today, March 21

Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame | Tuesday, March 21-Friday, March 31 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa | Free | Check out the 2023 recipients and learn about past awardees.
Yankees vs. Tigers | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 1:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $65-$85 | Watch the boys from New York take on Detroit.
Dream Journal Workshop | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $30-$40 | Learn how to put feelings, sensations, and images of dreams to paper.
Poetry with Gloria Muñoz | Tuesday, Mar. 21 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Listen to poetry and shop the pop-up flower store.

Wednesday, March 22

Chelcie Lynn: 2 Fingers and a 12 Pack Tour | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 8 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $36.50-$68.25 | Have your brews ready for the comedian and internet personality’s set.

Thursday, March 23

St. Pete City Council Meeting | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 1:30 p.m. | St. Petersburg City Hall | Free | Take a look at this week’s agenda, voice your opinion, and listen to committee reports.
The Wine Down by Taste Of Water Street | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Small Giant, 1011 E. Cumberland Ave., Tampa | $65 | Taste a flight of delectable wines, curated bites, and even frozen treats from Chill Bros. Scoop Shop during this class.

Friday, March 24

Strikers vs. Fayetteville | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7 p.m. | Yuengling Center | $15-$50 | Watch Tampa Bay’s indoor soccer team take on Fayetteville.
Silent Disco Pride Celebration | Friday, Mar. 24 | 8-10 p.m. | Raybon Plaza, 536 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $12 | Dance your heart out under the rainbow lights — tix include headphones.

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.

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100+ more events

News Notes

Weather

76º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:34 a.m.
Set: 7:43 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 2:54 a.m. + 3:52 p.m.
Low: 9:41 a.m. + 9:38 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 12:33 p.m.
Low: 6:24 a.m. + 6:28 p.m.

Civic

The City of Tampa will spend $577 million on wastewater treatment equipment upgrades over the next 20 years. Officials plan to rehab the machinery that dumps reclaimed water into the Hillsborough River — one of the city’s primary drinking water sources. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Tampa leaders are on the hunt for a developer to help lay out the street grid for the reimagined Ashley Drive Interchange. The developer needs to lower an I-275 ramp to street level + integrate it into a new mixed-income development. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

Hello, Taco Tuesday. Today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jarritos Soda is picking up the tab at Ybor City’s Jimmy’s Tacos (1604 N. 17th St.) for an afternoon of free tacos. Pro tip: pair the birria tacos with the fruit punch Jarritos. (That’s So Tampa)
This Saturday, March 25, North Carolina-based Duck Donuts is opening at 821 East Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. The company offers freshly fried yellow cake donuts with an infinite amount of toppings. Pro tip: if you can’t decide, trust us, get the cinnamon sugar. (That’s So Tampa)
#TerraceTabletop: Brunch in style on Saturdays + Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with a delicious feast of breakfast favorites and savory lunch dishes. From the avocado toast to the Terrace Chicken Sandwich and bottomless mimosas, of course, brunch at The Terrace Grille is the perfect way to start your weekend.*

Ranked

No. 6. That’s where ZooTampa landed on USA Today’s best zoos in the US list. The 56-acre Lowry Park facility rehabilitates animals from all over the globe + even our own backyard. The top spot went to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. (USA Today)

Plan Ahead

Seminole Heights’ Shuffle (2612 N. Tampa St.) is celebrating its fifth anniversary. On Saturday, March 25, the bar will host all-day food and drink specials, musical guests like The Burke Bros., and of course, outdoor and indoor shuffle boarding. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Meet Gnomio — Safety Harbor’s new 14-ft tall gnome statue. It goes up this Sunday, March 26, at the Enchanted Garden Festival. The free fantastical Folly Farms (1562 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N.) event will host local food vendors + small businesses like How’s Your Day Honey. (That’s So Tampa)

Sports

The influencer-based boxing bash, Creator Clash 2, is back in Tampa at Amalie Arena on Saturday, April 15. Last year’s event at the Yeungling Center was about half the size but helped raise $1.3 million for charities. This year, there are 12 matches on the fight card, according to the release.

Job

Love organic food + healthy living? Publix GreenWise Market offers unique positions that make it easy to share your expertise with customers (think: Wine Specialists, Cheese Specialist, Seafood Clerk, Customer Service Clerk, and more). See open positions.*

Wellness

What’s in: red light therapy. What’s out: forms of treatment that are painful and invasive. Red light therapy is non-invasive and painless, and evidence suggests it may be able to ease body aches, heal sun damage, and build collagen. Brb — we’re adding this easy-to-prop light and this facial massager to our Amazon cart.

TRANSPORTATION

🎒 A step in the right direction

Tampa’s colorful solution to safe streets

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The last “Crosswalks to Classrooms” was unveiled in 2019 at Rampello K-8 Magnet School. | Photo via City of Tampa

The City of Tampa is taking traffic safety to the next level with its latest project: Crosswalks to Classrooms.

Right now, painters are coloring the intersection of West Morrison + South Grady Avenue, which leads to Grady Elementary, in reds, yellows, and blues.

The design aims not only to slow down drivers but also remind them that children have a right to safe passage when walking to school, according to a release.

“These colorful crosswalks not only enhance the safety of our students but also incorporate public art, adding vibrancy and character to our community. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Mayor Jane Castor said.

The engineering firm Atkins Global is covering the cost of the mural and telling its employees to donate books to the school.

The city plans to implement more enhanced pedestrian crossings at schools around the area this year.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Brad Haft

From the Editor

My first job was at Duck Donuts. I am so sorry if you had an order that went through me. I pretty much ruined every single ticket. Looking back, I can safely say that donut-making was not my calling.

However, I did enjoy not letting those mess-ups go to waste. Wink. Wink.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We broke down how to sign up for St. Pete’s boards and committees here.

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