Today’s Forecast

🪂 Fly like an eagle, soar like a true Tampan

iFly Indoor Skydiving Tampa Bay in Tampa Bay, FL

Before you can soar, you have to start down low. | Photo via TBAYtoday

Ready to experience the heart-pounding thrill of skydiving, without jumping out of a plane? Look no further than iFLY (10654 Palm River Rd., Tampa), the indoor skydiving facility that will make your heart pound faster than a shot of adrenaline.

As soon as you arrive, you can watch other brave souls fly, flip, and flail around in the state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel while you wait for your turn. But don’t worry; the excitement is just getting started.

After watching a short safety video with your group, meeting your instructor (shoutout to mine, Maui), and learning their hand signals, it’s time to suit up. The baggier the jumpsuit, the better.

The instructor will make sure your helmet and goggles fit snugly — you don’t want them flying off. Pro tip: folks with longer hair should tie it into a braid to avoid tangles.

Once you’re suited up, it’s time to enter the tunnel and experience the thrill of free-falling. Your instructor will guide you and eventually let go, so you can truly feel like you’re soaring through the air/falling towards Mother Earth. Note: During this part of the flight, you’re floating at around 4 ft off the netting.

Yeah, that’s me — I bet you’re wondering how I got in this situation.
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Photo via TBAYtoday

Plus, if you’re feeling extra daring, you can opt for the instructor to grab onto you and fly up 20 ft with you in the chamber.

Once you exit the tube, you can relive your experience by watching yourself on a big-screen TV.

Quick questions we asked

Q: Can I eat before I fly?

A: You won’t feel any motion sickness, nausea, or dropping feeling in your stomach — so eat what you want.

Q: Will the group hear me scream?

A: No, we all have earplugs in, plus this chamber is super loud and soundproof. Scream as loud as you can.

When was the last time you felt that rush? We want to know for part two.

Events

Today, April 12

Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival | Wednesday, April 12-Saturday, April 15 | Times vary | Locations Vary | $75-$250 | Stop by the first-ever TBWFF to dine on fare from some of Tampa Bay’s foodie faves.
Paint (2023) | Wednesday, Apr. 12-Thursday, Apr. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | Watch as Vermont’s number one painting show host gets replaced by a new artist.
Red Sox vs. Rays | Wednesday, Apr. 12-Thursday, Apr. 13 | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $10-$339 | Watch as the Rays take on the Northeast sluggers.

Thursday, April 13

Panel Discussion: Artificial Intelligence | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | The Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg | Free | Listen to a row of distinguished panelists as they seek to answer the question, “Will AI be the end of Art?” — make sure to register.
“The Price is Right” | Thursday, Apr. 13-Friday, Apr. 14 | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Rd., Clearwater | $26-$66 | Spin the Big Wheel or just take in the magic of seeing the massively popular game show live.

Friday, April 14

TAY-Gates | Thursday, Apr. 13-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 1-5 p.m. | Two Shepherds Taproom, 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa | $20 | Get your “Eras Tour” pre-party on with a costume contest and tons of bops — it’s a 20-minute walk to Raymond James.
Tampa Bay Screams | Friday, Apr. 14-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 5-10 p.m. | Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, 700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa | $20-$30 | Meet horror movie icons like Tamara Glynn from “Halloween 5,” and pick up your favorite VHS tapes, toys, and posters.

Saturday, April 15

Strikers vs. Fayetteville | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 6 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $15-$50 | Watch Tampa Bay’s indoor soccer team take on Fayetteville.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The Tampa Convention Center is in the running for Best Convention Center in the Southeast in the 2023 Stella Awards. Cast your vote now through May 12th to help clinch the win. Winners will be announced in October 2023.

Sports

The streak continues. The Rays are officially 11-0 after beating the Boston Red Sox last night. Right now, the team is two wins away from tying for the longest undefeated start streak ever.
Two USF women’s basketball players were back-to-back picks in the second round of the WNBA Draft. Elena Tsineke was scooped by the Washington Mystics + Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu was picked by the Seattle Storm. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Ranked

St. Pete and Tampa ranked No. 12 and No. 15, respectively, on SmartAsset’s “Where Retirees are Moving” study. Plus, Miami and Jacksonville snagged spots in the top 10. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
No. 12. That’s where Bok Tower Gardens (1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales) landed on Good Plant Care’s “200 Best Public Gardens in America 2023” list. The most prominent feature of the gardens is the super tall art-deco Singing Tower, which houses a 60-bell carillon. (That’s So Tampa)

Show

With the Taylor Swift takeover happening this week, scammers are lurking. Pro tip: Check dealer reviews before snagging that seemingly reasonable-priced ticket. Remember, if you spot anything fishy, don’t hesitate to report it. (WFLA)

Asked

Speaking of Queen Swift, we told you yesterday about how Mayor Jane Castor offered her the key to the city and the “mayor for a day” title. What would be your big move if you had Tampa’s top spot for 24 hours? Share your ideas with us, and we might put them in the newsletter

Shop

Ready to add some retro Florida charm to your home? Floridania Fest’s second annual event is here with vintage Florida souvenirs, postcards, and posters. Don’t miss it this Saturday at the Gulfport Casino (5500 Shore Blvd. S.). (St. Pete Catalyst)
Get ready to sip and shop, TBAY. Booze and Boutiques, Central Ave’s shopping + drinking crawl, takes over St. Pete on Saturday, April 22. Participating shops include Rockshop, Matter of Fact, and Shoreline Sugars. Grab your tix here. (I Love the Burg)
We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.

Community

B-I-N-G-O. Regular, four corners, or coverall — what’s your favorite style of bingo? Get in on the fun at Publix GreenWise Market’s Bingo Night events happening April 11 + 25. Bonus: The games take place in POURS, meaning you can sip coffee, wine, beer, kombucha + more as you play.*

Travel

Planning a spring or summer getaway? Enter: Greenville, SC, an affordable and fun destination. From self-guided tours to museums, check out 18 Free Things To Do In Greenville.*

Eat

🧀 Celebrate the greatest of all toasties

Celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day in Tampa Bay, FL

This is Fo’Cheezy’s Greek-inspired Juke Box Gyro grilled cheese. | Photo via @likeomgitsadventure

Cheese and bread: a simple yet unbeatable combo. But today, on National Grilled Cheese Day, why settle for basic when you can elevate your grilled cheese game?

Check out these local spots that are sure to make your taste buds melt.
Attention all cheese pull enthusiasts. Look no further than the “Hot Mess” sandwich. It’s loaded with crispy cheese curds, smoked gouda, cheddar fondue, braised beef short rib, pickled red onions, and tater tots. Plus, it’s topped off with horseradish aioli and poutine beef gravy.

111 3rd St. N., St. Pete + 6305 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach
You might have to wait a quick 15 at this busy South Tampa spot, but it’s worth it. Try their grilled cheese featuring almost half a pound of imported Jarlsberg cheese + juicy tomatoes.

1200 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
Feeling adventurous? Order the Drunk Grilled Cheese. Loaded with port wine derby, aged white cheddar, caramelized onion, and served on local wild-yeast sourdough bread with a mixed berry mead dunk sauce, it’s a flavor explosion. Bonus points: it’s also vegetarian-friendly.

6719 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Brad

From the editor

So, now that I’ve tried indoor skydiving, I want to jump out of a plane. Have any suggestions for places to go? Let me know.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We rounded up summer camps to impress.

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iFly Indoor Skydiving Tampa Bay in Tampa Bay, FL

Quick questions we asked

Celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day in Tampa Bay, FL

Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz | Menu

Wright’s Gourmet House | Menu

The Mermaid Tavern | Menu