Today’s Forecast

🪸A debrief on the state of our reefs

Tampa’s Florida Aquarium leads the coral conservation charge

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The aquarium breeds different corals near each other to develop disease resistance. | Photo via The Florida Aquarium

Did you know that coral is an animal? We had no idea.

We sat down with some of the top biologists from The Florida Aquarium to understand why the colorful creatures are so vital for us Tampans and what we can do to protect them.

The importance of corals

The Florida Reef Tract, stretching ~360 miles from St. Lucie to the Dry Tortugas west of the Florida Keys, is the world’s third-largest barrier reef — and it impacts us way up here.

“Often, it serves as a natural barrier, protecting the Tampa Bay area from hurricanes and major floodings like the recent one in Ft. Lauderdale and the impact of Hurricane Ian,” said senior coral biologist + leader of the Coral Conservation Program, Keri O’Neil.

Right now, the Tract faces rising water temperatures and ocean acidification, which is killing the corals.

Screen Shot 2023-04-27 at 1.19.25 PM.png — Corals like this one only spawn once a year — so if you blink, you might miss it.
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Photo via The Florida Aquarium

Efforts by The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium has been at the forefront of coral conservation for years.

Under the guidance of Keri, the Aquarium’s coral growing lab in Apollo Beach has achieved groundbreaking success. Most notably, she and her team conducted the world’s first induced spawn in a laboratory back in 2019.

In lay-fish terms, the team’s main goal is to grow + care for thousands of coral babies, only to set them free, giving the little polyps a fighting chance to start new colonies and reefs.

What we can do

Minimize sunscreen usage: Certain chemicals in sunscreen harm coral reefs. Cover up with UV-protective clothing like these long-sleeve swimsuits. Pro tip: “Reef-safe” sunscreen could also be harmful to the environment, according to the team.
Embrace reusable items: Reduce plastic waste by using reusable shopping bags, like totes. Plus, use metal and multi-use water bottles and utensils.
Donate to the Coral Conservation Program.

Events

Today, April 28

Tampa Throwback Jam | Friday, Apr. 28 | 10 a.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $69-$169 | Spend your Friday night with Ice Cube, Lisa Lisa, 2 Live Crew, and other throwback groups.
Tampa Bay Taco Week | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Across Tampa Bay | Free | Enjoy taco and drink specials at Gallito Taqueria, Datz, Jimmy’s Tacos, and more local spots — just ask for the Taco Week special.
Sunset Market at Imagine Museum | Friday, Apr. 28 | 5-10 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Explore expertly crafted glass art and watch live demonstrations — reserve your spot online.

Saturday, April 29

Green Thumb Festival | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Walter Fuller Park & Center, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Celebrate Arbor Day by roaming the massive plant and gardening market.
Gasparilla Music Festival 2023 | Saturday, Apr. 29-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | $50-$200 | Catch performances from Run the Jewels, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Cannons, Chromeo, Flipturn, and more during the two-day waterfront music festival.

Sunday, April 30

“Toy Story” | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 3 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $8 | Spend the afternoon with the familiar 1995 family film “Toy Story.”

Monday, May 1

Tombolo’s Horror Book Club | Monday, May. 1 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Meet up with local horror fans to discuss Joyce Carol Oates’ “ZOMBIEMonday,” the story of a serial killer turned ghoul.

Events calendar here

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Wellness

🧠 Clean energy and clear brain

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News Notes

Playoffs

Bolts win. The Lightning came back from three consecutive losses to beat the Maple Leafs 4-2 last night. Toronto still lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Catch game six on Saturday, April 29 at Amalie.

Sports

Stay up to date on the Buccaneers’ 2023 NFL Draft picks and trades via the Tampa Bay Times.

Transit

Welcome to town, Lime. The micro-mobility company just launched 300 e-bikes in Downtown St. Pete. The zippy bikes start at $3.50 per ride, with a minute-by-minute surge of $0.39-$0.52. Enjoy speeds up to 15 mph (remember to wear a helmet). (Tampa Bay Times)

Announced

Rays fans, stick around after the Milwaukee Brewers game on Friday, May 19 for a performance by AJR. Upgrade your ticket to groove to the indie pop beats right on the field. Can’t make it? Stay tuned for more postgame concerts this summer.

Drink

Raining Berries at 1912 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., an Instagram-worthy new South Tampa cafe, is opening later this spring. The pinktastic shop will serve fresh açaí bowls, sustainably-sourced coffee, matcha, and a selection of toasts. (That’s So Tampa)

Development

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium broke ground on its Manatee Rehabilitation Center this week. The rehab center features an underwater viewing area for guests to observe rehabilitated manatees. The center will also serve as an emergency room for sick sea cows. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Attention Aldi aficionados. Your dreams have been answered, as the discount grocer is moving forward with plans for a South Tampa store at 213 N. Dale Mabry (formerly the Barnes & Noble spot). (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Ranked

Two Tampa Bay slices of shore were just nominated in USA Today’s 10Best “Best Beach in the South” list. Cast your vote daily until Monday, May 22 at 9 a.m. The winners will be revealed on Friday, June 2. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

Tampa secured the No. 4 spot on WalletHub’s “2023’s Best Large Cities to Start a Business” list. The report analyzed 100 major cities across the US, considering nearly 20 factors like startup expenses and resource availability. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Plan Ahead

Cowabunga. Hotel Haya (1412 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City) just announced a weekend Swim Club series. Day passes start at $20, offering towel service, first come, first serve lounge chairs, and poolside food and drinks. Dive into the fun this Saturday, April 29th. (That’s So Tampa)

Film

Don’t miss the premiere of “The Throwback” at Tampa Theatre on Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. The film stars Justina Machado from “Jane the Virgin,” and Will Sasso and Bobby Lee from “MadTV.” RSVP for a free ticket. (Tampa Bay Times)

Eat

Keep meaning to try new restaurants but find yourself back at your regular haunts? Offline can help you explore Tampa Bay by matching you with new local restaurants. Members get up to $50 monthly toward their dining out budget. Sign up for one of the 100 spots saved for TBAYtoday readers with the code TBTODAY.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Entertainment

🫧 National Clean Joke Day

ChatGPT generated jokes about Tampa Bay, FL

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Find out why this City Editor Brad retired from stand-up comedy in the Wrap. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Today on National Clean Joke Day, we asked ChatGPT to write a few quips about the Tampa Bay area. These jokes are so awful, they might actually make you chuckle.

Without further adieu, here are three super squeaky-clean “jokes” (we warned you):

Q: Why did the Tampa Bay Lightning player open a bakery?
A: Because they knew a thing or two about scoring “delicious” goals and creating “sweet” victories on the ice.

Q: What did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan say to the famous Columbia Restaurant?
A: “I’m ready to tackle some mouthwatering Cuban sandwiches and score a touchdown of flavors at your establishment.”

Q: Why did the St. Petersburg artist become a comedian?
A: Because they mastered the art of making people laugh while painting the town with colorful jokes and hilarious sketches.

Artificial intelligence might not be able to make us laugh just yet, but you know who does? You. Have a good joke?

Let us hear it

Shoutout

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Brad

From the editor

To answer the secret question in the secondary story, I’m leaning toward the improv comedy route. Is your troupe accepting new members? Hit me up.

Also, we’re excited for Good Night John Boy to finally open up tonight. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We dropped a last-minute Mother’s Day gift guide.

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