01.17.2024

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Today’s Forecast

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Unwritten rules of the Tampa Bay area

Chickens in Ybor City. They are strutting through leaves at Centennial Park.

Tampa Bay locals know to leave the Ybor chickens alone. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Whether you’re a Tampa Bay area native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every TBAY resident understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share the Tampa Bay area’s unwritten rules, from common Tampa + St. Pete knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from the Tampa Bay area, these might be a little difficult to explain.

Foodie tips

“Rocca or you haven’t lived.” — Irene G.

“Real Cuban sandwiches have SWISS cheese. Not white American cheese. Don’t let them fool you.” — @cutney84

The unspoken rule everyone knows

“Don’t bother the chickens in Ybor.” — @tampaentertainment (Fun fact: This is sound advice. The chickens in Ybor City are protected by Tampa’s Bird Sanctuary Law.)

“Must love dogs ♥️.” — @the.mini.copper (WalletHub agrees).

Amalie Arena stands in the sunshine. There is nobody around. — TBAY locals love a trip to Amalie.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

Sometimes you just have to laugh

“If you have a giant pick up truck that never actually hauls anything, you don’t have to use a blinker? 😇.” — @patriicii.ai

“Forget how to use a turning signal.” — Nicole C. (A theme seems to be emerging...)

TBAYtoday’s pro tips

“The Blind Tiger Cafe has the best coffee in the Tampa Bay area.” — City Editor Patrick. (Please let me know if you disagree — I’m happy to be proved wrong.)

“Always book parking early for big games at Amalie, concerts at Ray Jay, or Gasparilla Music Festival.” — City Editor Bailey.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

Check out 5 more

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 17

2024 Florida RV SuperShow | Wednesday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Times vary | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301 N., Tampa | $0-$15 | Find RVs in all types and sizes, as well as entertainment, seminars, camping supplies, campground information, insurance, and food + drink options.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 1:30 p.m. | 2555 E. Hanna Ave., Tampa | Free | Head to this monthly meeting to hear the latest news and discussion on Tampa’s affordable housing.
Yoga at Midtown Tampa | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa | Free with registration | Get your flow on at this class for yogis of all levels — led by Namaste by the Bay.

Thursday, Jan. 18

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Minnesota Wild | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $45+ | Head downtown to cheer on the Bolts as they look to make it four home wins in a row.
Sal Valentinetti | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $49+ | Listen to the vocal delights of the 2016 America’s Got Talent finalist in the heart of the Burg.

Friday, Jan. 19

Third Friday Street Celebration | Friday, Jan. 19 | 6-10 p.m. | Main St., Safety Harbor | Price of purchase | Shop, eat, and sip from nine blocks of restaurants, bars, shops, and nonprofits — the street is open carry for boozy beverages.
“Of Greed and Glory” | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7-8 p.m. | Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Rd. N., St. Petersburg | Free with registration | Enjoy an evening with Dr. Deborah G. Plant as she discusses her book focusing on the experiences of Black Americans and the pursuit of justice + equality.
Reggae Tribal Style | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Tampa EDITION , 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Free | Kick back with reggae tunes while soaking in unrivaled views of downtown Tampa.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Sip, sip, hooray

These alcohol-free drinks can raise your spirits this new year. | Photo provided by Six & Main

We’re mixing up the new year with tasty mocktails perfect for hosting a party, enjoying a night at home, or simply quenching your thirst in a new delicious way.

For the inspiring mixologists, we suggest the Hibiscus Cardamom Syrup by Portland Syrups. Want to practice your bartending skills? We’ve got you covered with this Cherry Limeade by Simple Times Mixers — all you have to do is add your favorite soda water. If you’re more of a pour-and-go type of person, choose any of these flavors from Sarilla.

Join us in raising a glass (or can) and toasting to tasty, alcohol-free indulgence.

Try these recipes

News Notes

Civic

St. Pete homeowners impacted by Hurricane Idalia could be eligible for financial aid. The city has received $600,000 to help locals through the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program. Eligibility is dependent on income thresholds + applications remain open. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Comedian and Tampa Bay native Bert Kreischer has been named the grand marshal for this year’s Gasparilla festivities. Kreischer took to social media to make the announcement, pledging he will be “partying hard” on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Sports

Three family members of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were honorary team captains at the Buccaneers’ Wild Card Round victory on Monday night. The Bucs say it was the first time King’s family joined an official MLK Day commemoration at an NFL game. (WTSP)

Number

$33.5 million. That’s how much 71 acres near MacDill Air Force Base just sold for. Palm Beach Gardens-based CyberFuels, Inc. wants to turn the land into a hub for green energy. The site would be used as a storage and distribution facility for green hydrogen + methanol. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Concert

Janet Jackson is coming to Tampa. The iconic singer just announced a show at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 16 as part of her “Together Again Summer 2024 Tour” with special guest Nelly. Tickets go on general sale this Friday, Jan. 19.

Open

Renovations are complete at Gulfport’s historic Peninsula Inn. Dating back 118 years, the site at 2937 Beach Blvd. S. is now known as the Peninsula Bed and Cocktails. The 16-room boutique hotel was purchased in 2022 for just under $3 million. (St. Pete Rising)

Coming Soon

Get ready for 80s and 90s nostalgia. A retro-themed bar + restaurant is coming to St. Pete’s Grand Central District. The Neon Lunchbox will open at 1756 Central Ave. under the same owners as the Burg’s popular eatery, The Half Baked Potato. Follow the business on Instagram for updates. (St. Pete Rising)

Stat

96 years. That’s how old The Don CeSar hotel is. The pink palace celebrated the landmark birthday yesterday, having first opened its rosy doors on St. Pete Beach back in 1928. Over the years, the Don has hosted its share of famous guests, including Babe Ruth and F. Scott Fitzgerald. (WFLA)

Try This

An Ybor-area bakery + coffee shop is celebrating one year at its location with an homage to Middle-earth. Elevenses Co. (1001 E. Columbus Dr.) is serving a “Lord of the Rings” themed menu through Saturday, Jan. 27, featuring “Mordor” coffee, “Bilbo’s Birthday Cake,” and other Tolkienian treats.

Festival

The annual John’s Pass Seafood Festival returns this weekend for its 42nd year. The event features a range of fresh catches, live music, drink options, and other entertainment. Organizers encourage festival-goers to take the free shuttle to avoid parking issues. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Learn

Hey there, dreamers: Southeastern University’s SEU Conference 2024 is open for registration. The three-day conference, happening Monday, Feb. 5-Wednesday, Feb. 7, centers on making an actionable dream for your life and will feature speakers, VIP breakout sessions + more. Learn more + choose your free or VIP ticket.*

Show

🚤 We’re gonna need a bigger boat

Get ready for the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show

Two people clink champagne flutes on a boat. There is water in front of them.

On a boat at the golden hour? We’d be cheers-ing too. | Photo by @therushcollection

The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show returns this Thursday, Jan. 18 for its 2024 extravaganza. This is the 46th year of the event, which launched back in 1978. Here’s some info + insight into what showgoers have in store:

Festivities run through Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Mahaffey Theater (400 First St. S.) and Albert Whitted Park (480 Bayshore Dr. SE).
Tickets cost $22 per day, and kids under 15 get in for free.
A host of seminars + clinics are taking place, including kids fishing tips, navigation advice, and gadget recommendations.
Of course, there are boats for sale, including yachts, fishing boats, sailboats, and kayaks. There will also be a ~40,000-sqft tent housing marine gear, equipment, and accessories.
On-board lessons are available, and there will be food + drink options throughout the event.
The show also aims to become a zero waste and net zero carbon business by 2030, and has other sustainability-focused goals.

The Buy

The Buy 1.17.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The No. 1 best-selling GUESS women’s fashion sneaker, which has a sleek and slim design and modern color choices (including some sparkling metallics).

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

Did anyone head down to Water Street Tampa for the city’s first ever Pirate Pup Parade? It was quite the paw-ty. Personally, I hope it becomes a yearly tradition.

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