July 31, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

Charitable giving slumped 10.5% in 2022 — here’s how to give back locally

Someone's hand adding a coin to a clear plastic piggy bank.

Individual donors gave 13.4% less in 2022 than in 2021, after adjusting for inflation. | Photo by Joslyn Pickens via Pexels

Giving USA released its latest report on charitable giving in the US — and after a record high of $517 billion in 2021, 2022 saw Americans give $499 billion total.

That’s a decrease of 3.4% without adjusting for inflation, and 10.5% in inflation-adjusted terms — making it the largest slump in charitable giving the US has seen since the Great Recession.

What caused the decline? Factors include individuals having less to give. While cost of living rose nationwide — most rapidly in Oregon and Washington — disposable personal income fell over 6% in 2022 when adjusted for inflation, and the stock market saw its worst overall performance since 2008. Meanwhile, charitable gifts that were given were economically less valuable due to inflation’s steep rise.

Want to make an impact? Here’s how to support local causes that matter to you.

Consider a recurring gift. Instead of donating one large gift at the end of the year, set up monthly, recurring, incremental gifts to the charity you want to support. This can help maintain nonprofits’ cash flow and ability to forecast revenue.

Don’t forget gifts are tax deductible. Make it easy by making gifts on a credit card — many accounts will automatically pull a list of all your charitable donations from the past year.

Volunteer your time. Have less to spend? We’ve put together 20+ opportunities to give your time. Here’s a sneak peek:

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay | Listen, support, and connect to people who could use a friend or community.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay | Humane Society volunteers can help with in-taking and handling animals, the adoption process, education, special events, and more.
Meals on Wheels of Tampa | Typical volunteer delivery routes take about an hour and provide one of your neighbors with a hot meal + positive interaction.

Events

Monday, July 31

Karen McManus Live at OE | Monday, July 31 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $19.99 | Sorboni Banerjee interviews the bestselling author about her brand-new thriller, “One of Us is Back” — ticket includes a signed copy.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

“My Octopus Teacher” | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $0-$10 | This documentary follows a filmmaker who forms a friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Free Coworking Wednesdays | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | SpaceLab St. Pete, 100 2nd Ave. S. Ste. 105N, St. Petersburg | Free | Check out the new coworking space for the day with amenities like high-speed wi-fi access, plus, free breakfast and drinks.
Mind, Soul, Beauty by Sephora | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa | Free | Enjoy a private shopping session with a Sephora associate, then stick around for an 8 p.m. yoga flow with Namaste by the Bay.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Bespoke Rx 4th anniversary event | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 4-7 p.m. | Bespoke Rx, 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | Free | Celebrate the medical spa and cosmetic skin clinic’s birthday with a sommelier experience, free charcuterie, a Botox giveaway, and special deals.
Candle Pour class | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Grand Central Brewhouse, 2340 Central Ave., Tampa | $55 | Learn how to make your own scented candle from an expert + enjoy a free drink from the popular brewhouse.

100+ more events

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Drink

Say “high” to Rebel Rabbit’s fun alcohol alternative

Two four-packs of Rebel Rabbit High Seltzer.

Grab a seltzer to feel the buzz and join the rebellion. | Photo provided by Rebel Rabbit

A relaxing, refreshing sipping experience with no hangover? We’re in. This summer, we’re drinking Rebel Rabbit’s THC-infused seltzer — the first of its kind to be federally legalized.

Rebel Rabbit was founded in 2021 with a mission to create products encouraging more balanced lifestyles. Their all-natural, hemp-derived seltzers are designed for anyone looking to cut back on alcohol (and all its negative effects) while still maintaining that elevated experience you get from sipping a deliciously-crafted drink.

Ready to try the buzz? Rebel Rabbit’s high seltzers are available in:

Two concentrations: Wild Hare (10 mg) and Mild Hare (5 mg)
Fun flavors: Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, and Lemon Lime

Bonus: All of the seltzers are vegan and gluten-free.

Grab Rebel Rabbit online or pick it up locally at AstroBrew (1001 N. Macdill Ave.).

Unleash your inner rebel

^{Please note: Rebel Rabbit advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TBAYtoday.}

News Notes

Development

UF plans to build a $20 million Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Wimauma. The center will serve as a home for training in AI and robotic technologies + building robotic technologies for agriculture. (Tampa Bay Times)

Coming Soon

St. Pete City Council approved plans for an 11-building, multi-family complex on the former Raytheon site at 1501 72nd St. N. The garden-style development includes 300+ affordable units. (St. Pete Rising)

Festival

The SHINE Mural Festival returns Wednesday, Oct. 13- Sunday, Oct. 22. This year’s event features 14 new murals + Bright Spot community mural projects. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Sports

The Rowdies just named Nicky Law head coach for the remainder of the season. The former player spent the 2022 season on the squad. He coached his first game Saturday, where The Rowdies won 3-0 against Tulsa.

Community

Today’s the last day to cast your vote for TPA’s Phoebe in the CODAawards “People’s Choice” contest. Vote online through 11:59 p.m. Right now, the lanky bird boasts more than 2,000 votes.

Contest

RayJay is in the running for best NFL Stadium in America. Vote for the Bucs’ Tampa home in the USA Today contest against the likes of Cali’s SoFi Stadium + Nevada’s Allegiant Stadium. (That’s So Tampa)

Concert

It’s looking like a “Standing Room Only” kind of night. Country superstars Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce play Amalie Arena Friday, March 15. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Aug. 4 + sign up to score a presale code Thursday, Aug. 3.

Award

Last week, the Academy of American Poets named St. Pete Poet Laureate Gloria Muñoz a 2023 Poet Laureate Fellow. Gloria will receive $50,000 to lead a public poetry program.

Real Estate

You can put a price on the “fountain of youth.” The St. Pete mansion + luxe pool featured in the 1985 flick “Cocoon” is on the market for $11.5 million. The St. Pete home was built by the same architect as the historic Don CeSar. (WUSF News)

Tourism

🦪 Fresh off the grill — or the Gulf

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We recommend trying out the Central Avenue Trophy Fish location for your oyster feast. | Photo via @thatdudemvp

The best place to eat oysters in Tampa Bay is at City Editor Bailey’s house. But luckily, there are ample incredible TBAY spots to celebrate National Oyster Day this Saturday, Aug. 5 — whether you like ‘em served raw, Rockefeller, or grilled.

Trophy Fish, the uber fresh seafood joint, serves Gulf Oysters with a roasted-kale chimichurri sauce and stuffed with chorizo parmesan breadcrumbs. Plus, the laid-back restaurant has locations in both Tampa + St. Pete.

Finish off a night at the Tampa Riverwalk with a dozen charbroiled oysters or oyster cabbage boats at Ulele. Pro tip: Pair the app with one of its spring brewery beers.

Take in a sunset over the St. Pete Pier while chowing down on Doc Ford’s baked oysters marinated with its legendary Yucatan Sauce + topped with creamy Manchego cheese.

What’s your favorite spot to grab a dozen? Let us know and we may just put your suggestion in the newsletter.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

I personally love the Trophy Fish rendition the best.

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