Today’s Forecast

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Tampa Bay’s slice of Old Florida

Tampa Bay’s Pass-a-Grille then and now

This vintage postcard was postmarked in 1911 and shows a Pass-a-Grille boat landing. | Postcard via Wikimedia Commons

Between the brick-paved streets, sea grape canopies, old school eateries like the Seahorse Restaurant, and of course, the pristine stretch of sandy shores — Pass-a-Grille may just be the best slice of the Gulf Beaches.

The 32-block-long area was first (and long) occupied by Native Americans — the last group being the Tocobagas, according to the Historical Marker Database. Spanish explorers laid their sights on Pass-a-Grille in the 1500s, said Chris Core, vice president of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.

But where did the little beachside district get its name?

The name “Pass-a-Grille” comes from the stretch at the end of the island called “Passage of the Grillers” after the fisherman that camped out on the beaches and “grill[ed] their fish on land because of the fresh water (from the wells),” Core said.

Toward the mid-19th century, travelers began coming to the area, and hotels began going up, Core said. And in 1886, Zephaniah Phillips built the first home in Pass-a-Grille (and you can still visit the small house today.)

pc14799 — This undated 20th century postcard depicts Pass-a-Grille.
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Photo via State Archives of Florida

Pass-a-Grille was incorporated into St. Pete Beach in 1957 — and today there’s a mix of residential and hotels, said Maggie LeBlanc, owner of Visitpassagrille.com, and the Coconut Inn.

“We’re kind of all the way at the end of all the Gulf Beaches,” she explained. “So it’s kind of this little enclave that just feels really cozy and safe, which it is, and just an easy place to be.”

pass a grille.gif — Scenes from a stroll around the cozy beach town
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Photo by TBAYtoday

Even as Tampa Bay has modernized and rapidly grown into a major metropolis, Pass-a-Grille retains much of its charm.

“You’ll hear lots of people say, ‘oh, it’s changed so much. It’s not the same’,” LeBlanc said. “But, speaking to my guests, who are first timers, they still see at as this wonderful magical place that is very walking friendly/biking friendly. There’s no high-rise hotels or buildings. And it still has that quaint Florida charm.”

What's it like today?

Events

Today, March 28

Performance: Art, Music and Dreams with ERG | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 5-6 p.m. | The Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg | $15 | Composer David Manson and ensemble ERG will perform music inspired by The Dalí’s current exhibit “The Shape of Dreams.”
Film & Discussion | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Watch and weigh in on the 2021 documentary “Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World.”
Once and Future Lovers: 10th Anniversary Celebration with Sheree L. Greer | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Celebrate the 10th anniversary of local author Sheree L. Greer’s short story collection with a reading, tunes, and snacks — preregister at the link.
Paella & Sangria Making Class for Two | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 7-11:55 p.m. | Bulla Gastrobar, 930 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | $216 | Learn how to craft perfect paella and Sangria with your boo.
Eagles | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $133-$2,556 | Listen to the legendary soft rock band’s “Hotel California” from the title song to “The Last Resort.”

Wednesday, March 29

A Tribute to “The Greatest Showman” & More! | Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $31-$74 | The Vienna Light Orchestra masterly performs the movie’s soundtrack while surrounded by more than 2,000 glimmering candles — recommended for those six and up.

Thursday, March 30

Women’s History Month at the Cuban Club | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Cuban Club, 2010 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa | Free | Close out the celebrations by checking out a new historic marker and mural honoring women in Ybor City, live music, free food, and more — pre-register to claim a spot.
Lightning vs. Capitals | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $56-$650 | Watch as the Lightning take on the boys from the District.
Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $55-$130 | Take in a variety of Indian dances, costumes, and “ghungroo” dancing bells.

Friday, March 31

Tall Ships St. Pete | Friday, Mar. 31, Saturday, Apr. 1, Sunday, Apr. 2 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Port St. Pete, 250 8th Ave. SE, St. Petersburg | $10-$175 | Step aboard and sail on some mighty tall ships, take in performers and music, and enjoy endless food trucks and craft brews.

Plan ahead with our community events calendar below.

100+ more events

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News Notes

Weather

85º | Cloudy morning + sunny afternoon | 11% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:24 a.m.
Set: 7:45 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 7:10 p.m.
Low: 3:24 a.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 3:55 p.m.

Opening

The highly anticipated Union New American starts serving customers Tuesday, April 4 and reservations are open now. The new Westshore eatery + bar will serve Parker House milk bread, Caesar and crunch salads, steaks, roast chicken, and other reimagined classics.

Transit

Earlier this spring, we told you about Tampa’s upcoming e-bike voucher program where residents can score $500 to $2,000 discounts on a new ride. Now, applications for the program open this Friday, March 31 at 8 a.m.

Sports

Make this year’s Opening Day fit a tribute to late Rays announcer Dave Willis. 1771 Designs’ “Thank you Dave” t-shirt features one of the personality’s legendary quotes and proceeds benefit Buddy Baseball. (I Love the Burg)

Community

Rom Kim, the owner of Tampa’s Hole in One Donuts, passed away last week + community members are rallying support for his family. Donate to a GoFundMe to support Kim’s funeral expenses and the family online. The business is closed for the time being. (That’s So Tampa)
Summer is nearly here, and the City of Tampa is looking for summer pool guards and lifeguards. The seasonal job pays $15-$16 an hour and pool guards must earn their CPR/First Aid/AED before suiting up. Apply online.

Film

Read at your own risk. A new indie film, “The Clock,” was filmed inside a haunted Brooksville Victorian (122 W. Fort Dade Ave.). Read more about the home’s spooky past + the filming. (Tampa Bay Times)

Plan Ahead

Calling all “The Lost Apothecary” fans. New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner is coming to St. Pete’s Coastal Creative Wednesday, April 5 to discuss her new novel “The London Séance Society.” (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Put some spring in that hop. The St. Pete Pier Spring Festival & Easter Egg Hunt is next weekend, Saturday, April 8 + Sunday, April 9. Bring the kiddos by to hunt for 20,000 colorful eggs, jump around in bounce houses, take part in arts and crafts, and eat some treats.

Real Estate

The Tiny Home craze has ramped up over the past several years. But what does tiny living entail? Read more about Escape’s second Thonotosassa tiny home community. (Tampa Bay Times)

Shop

The spring season is the perfect time to treat yourself. We’re eyeing this six-piece bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. What’s even sweeter? These chocolates are made fresh without preservatives.

Travel

Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love: The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.

Festivals

🛶

It’s almost time to take to the river

Tampa Riverfest is back

Take in those scenic Riverfront views at the massive event | Photo by Keir Magoulas

We’ve got news for you, TBAY. It’s nearly time to party on — and alongside — the Hillsborough River. The massive (and free) Tampa Riverfest is booked for Friday, May 6-Saturday, May 7.

Here’s a few reasons to get amped for this year’s event:

Hit the river Saturday, May 6 with hundreds of your fellow Tampanians in canoes, paddleboards, and surfskis for the Urban Kai Paddle Invasion. Choose from six-mile or 12-mile race courses — and win prizes.
Bring Fido along for the wiener dog race and costume contest also Saturday, May 6. Read more.
Extend the Cinco de Mayo celebration to Saturday, May 6 at the new “Riverfiesta” at Curtis Hixon Park with ample braised beef and mojo chicken tacos, Cuban nachos, and ropa vieja bowls.
Close out the festival by taking part in the Riverfest Lantern Parade. Purchase a DIY kit online (starting April 1) and attend a lantern-making workshop at Armature Works.