08.01.2023

Today’s Forecast

You’ve (almost) got the golden ticket

Meet DASH: Tampa’s new low-cost Tesla ride service

DASH concept image - photo source is Tampa Downtown Partnership.png

The punchy yellow Teslas will be hard to miss cruising around Downtown Tampa. | Photo via Tampa Downtown Partnership

New York City’s got its iconic shiny yellow taxis... But soon, Tampa will have its own fleet of bright yellow Teslas making their way downtown.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership just unveiled plans for DASH, a series of more than 20 Downtown Area Shared Hubs, where residents + visitors will be able to catch low-cost rides from Tesla SUVs around the city center. The eco-friendly service will launch in October and cost just a few dollars per trip.

“Whether you live, work, play or learn here, DASH will help everyone who comes to Tampa’s Downtown by giving them a new mobility option,” said Shaun Drinkard, Tampa Downtown Partnership interim president, in a release. “A ride in a DASH Tesla will be low-cost, protected from the weather, and ideal for medium-length trips within Downtown.”

How does it work?

Once the service launches, you’ll be able to use a mobile app to catch a ride to and from seven Downtown Tampa neighborhoods. The app will pair up to four riders together, and a background-checked driver will pick up the trip. The service will also offer ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible vans via the app.

Looking for a new gig?

The drivers will dually serve as ambassadors to the Cigar City — completing in-depth training on what to do + know within the Downtown’s numerous neighborhoods, according to the release. Plus, the drivers will also report any city issues to law enforcement or maintenance staff. Hiring for the positions kicks off today, with training booked to start in the next few weeks.

The Partnership plans to release details on pricing, hub locations, and hours over the coming weeks.

Events

Tuesday, Aug. 1

“With Love, from Cold World” Launch Event | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $18-$25 | Local bestselling author Alicia Thompson discusses her latest novel — pre-order through Tombolo Books for exclusive book-themed goodies.
“The Beanie Bubble” | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Friday, Aug. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | This new comedy leads you through the making of Beanie Babies and the craze that soon followed.
St. Pete Karaoke | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 8 p.m. | Speakeasy Central Kava Bar, 2101 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Get ready to belt out your favorite hits on the bar’s black-lit stage.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Wine Bingo | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | Hostess, 2635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Bring a pal or two for five rounds of wine bingo at the vintage vibes bungalow — wine flights available for purchase.
Pilates Mat Class | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6:15 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Free | Meet on the lawn for this 45-minute workout class led by BODYROK studio.

Friday, Aug. 4

Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Leaded Glass Class | Friday, Aug. 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, 355 4th St. N., St. Petersburg | $315-$350 | This six-week course teaches folks how to make their own leaded glass panel inspired by the legendary architect.
Bret Michaels | Friday, Aug. 4 | 7 p.m. | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US 301 N., Tampa | $26-$745 | The iconic 80s star brings his “Parti-Gras Tour 2023" to the outdoor venue.

100+ local events

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Edu

Why Indiana University may be the place for your child

Indiana University offers students various opportunities to connect with others in and out of the classroom, grow and establish leadership skills, and build their network. | Photo provided by Indiana University Communications & Marketing

It’s never too early to start planning for college. As your child starts thinking beyond high school, here are a few things that set Indiana University apart:

Academics: Hundreds of fields of study, 400 study abroad opportunities (including exciting destinations like China, Germany, Italy, and Japan), and 80 languages offered (from Arabic to Zulu)
Student involvement and leadership experience: 750+ student organizations to choose from
College planning: Admissions experts can guide you + your child through the entire enrollment process

Applications open on Tuesday, Aug. 1 (yes, that’s today). Pro tip: Wednesday, Nov. 1 is the early action deadline and your child’s best chance for the highest scholarship consideration.

Become a Hoosier

News Notes

Number

$1.11 billion. That’s how much the US Army Corps of Engineers estimates it will cost to deepen + widen Tampa’s port. Experts recommend the main channel be deepened from 43 to 45 ft and widened to allow larger ships to move through and for more cargo efficiency. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Opening

Calling all Wawa devotees. The popular gas station is opening up its first Florida drive-thru restaurant in Largo (2530 East Bay Dr.) The casual spot will serve Wawa’s signature hoagies, breakfast items, and pre-packaged snacks. Construction is expected to begin soon. (I Love the Burg)

Edu

School’s almost back in session, and TBAY schools are hoping to get kids to class quicker. This fall, districts are implementing efforts like increased driver pay + fewer bus stops. (Tampa Bay Times)

Arts

Now’s your chance to learn from the Vitale Bros. The legendary St. Pete muralists are hosting a series of “Graffiti Camps” for adults and all ages at their new Overspray shop (1934 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg). Buy tickets online. (I Love the Burg)

Plan Ahead

It’s almost time to celebrate the Big Guava. Two Shepherd’s Taproom is celebrating 813 Day a little early with a foam party on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 7-9 p.m. Humans and pups alike are welcome. (That’s So Tampa)

Trending

A certain Rays pitcher recently went viral for his striking resemblance to “Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy. The actor acknowledged his similarity to hurler Tyler Glasnow — saying, “he’s a lot better at baseball than I am.” (WFLA)

Closing

Beloved St. Pete vegan eatery Freya’s Diner is closing its doors this Sunday, Aug. 6. The spot’s owners announced the closure on Instagram, saying the past two months of business were incredibly slow. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Travel and Outdoors

It’s getting hot out here

Creating a heat-resistant yard in Tampa Bay

A lush, mature yard in Hyde Park’s Bungalow Terrace. | Photo by TBAYtoday

While we had a very rainy weekend here in TBAY, the area is still dealing with some pretty severe drought conditions. We’ve got some tips for making your garden sing even during the hottest temps.

10 Easy Steps to a Florida-Friendly Landscape | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg | Learn from a landscaping expert about selecting the right plants, using versatile materials for landscaping, attracting wildlife to your garden, and incorporating water into your landscape.

Landscape Design Basics | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Virtual | A St. Petersburg water conservation coordinator shares ways to make your yard water efficient, low maintenance, and lush.

Kerby’s Nursery & Landscaping | Multiple dates | Times vary | 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner | The longtime TBAY nursery offers courses on everything from fall veggie gardening to Florida gardening for newbies.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

From one gardener to another, I have a plant suggestion that might save you some of that other good green stuff... money. Check out your neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor for plant swaps. I picked up a free Aloe shoot years ago, and I now have tons of beautiful tropical plants around my yard.

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