Plus, outdoor "Barbie" screening.
 
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66º | Partly sunny | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:14 a.m. | Sunset: 6:15 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 11:15 p.m. | Low: 7:02 a.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 11:08 a.m. + 8:16 p.m. | Low: 2:10 p.m.

 

There’s no place we’d rather be

Check out 9 lists with high rankings for the Tampa Bay area

A shot of highrise buildings in downtwon Tampa. The sun is shining on the towers and there are palm trees in the foreground.
We’re guessing you’re not taking this date on a Riverwalk stroll. | Photo by TBAYtoday
As we already know, the Tampa Bay area is a wonderful place to live, but now the rest of the country is catching on.

We’ve noted a bunch of rankings from across the web recently which highlight the best of our area, and offer optimism for the future. From foodie delights to economic prospects, here’s some stories to watch:

🤑 Business

With increased population comes a need for increased business. That might explain why WalletHub ranked Tampa No. 2 on the “Best Cities for Jobs in 2024" list. St. Pete did well on this one too, ranking No. 30 on the list for factors like job opportunities + starting salaries. Plus, the overall metro area placed No. 16 for STEM professionals by WalletHub

And this trend is set to continue. The Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater metro area ranked No. 8 by Area Development in its list of economic growth hotspots.

Part of the optimism about TBAY’s future growth also comes from our housing market. Tampa ranked No. 10 among Zillow’s hottest housing markets of 2024, and placed No. 1 on the same list back in 2022.

A plate of Brussels sprouts at Concrete Jungle. They are covered in chili, cheese, and a burnt lemon, while two people dig in with forks.

TBAY’s food scene is thriving.

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Photo via Hunger + Thirst Group

🥳 Pleasure

We play hard, too. Tampa and St. Pete both ranked inside the top 40 on WalletHub’s list of most fun cities in the country, based on factors like nightlife, entertainment options, and food choice.Tampa also ranked No. 6 for foodie cities, by the way. Our brunch guide + new restaurant guide highlight some of TBAY’s delicacies.

The Burg has received its share of praise too. Last year, the Sunshine City ranked among the top 15 happiest places in the US by Outside Magazine. Tripadvisor also took account of the value of St. Pete’s 244 miles of coastline, placing the city No. 2 on its list of trending destinations.

We’d love to hear what you love most about the Tampa Bay area.
Let us know
 
Events
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Mahjong & Scrabble | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 2-5 p.m. | Temple Terrace Public Library, 202 Bullard Pkwy., Temple Terrace | Free | Head to the library to enjoy a classic game with other experienced players.
  • “Dressing the Saints” | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Author Aracelis González Asendorf discusses her newest collection of short stories, set in both Cuba and Florida, encompassing themes of immigration, love, loss, and hope.
  • USF Men’s Basketball vs. Charlotte | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 9 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $15+ | Head to campus to cheer on the Bulls, who have lost just once in their last 14 games.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
  • Free Yoga | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa | Free with registration | Center yourself with this all-levels power flow class on the turf led by Namaste by the Bay.
  • Palladium Chamber Series: Vaughan Williams Piano Quintet | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $10-$40 | Listen to legendary classical tunes played by five talented musicians in the heart of the Burg.
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • JobNewsUSA.com Tampa Job Fair | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa | Free with registration | Connect with employers from a range of industries — make sure to register.
  • Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: “The Last Encores” | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Cafe, 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa | $375+ | Head to the casino for the legendary band’s farewell tour.
Events calendar here
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Sports

🏈 Super essentials for game day

A rotating gif of Super Bowl game day essentials, including tees that support Taylor and a slow cooker buffet.
It’s Super Bowl LVIII: Taylor’s Version. | Photos via Amazon
Ready for Super Bowl Sunday? Gear up for hosting, snacking, and cheering on Taylor’s boyfriend your favorite team with game day essentials.
Shop game day favorites
News Notes
Open
  • Downtown Tampa has a new spot to grab a cup of joe. Orange Buzz Coffee Cart is now open right next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at 801 N. Ashley Dr. The cart serves up locally sourced coffee + a range of baked vegan goodies 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday through Wednesday. (That’s So Tampa)
Film
  • Come on Barbie, let’s go party. Sparkman Wharf is hosting a watch party for Greta Gerwig’s instant classic on Monday, Feb. 12. Grab some pink garb, and choose from the area’s range of grub options, before settling in for the free 6:30 p.m. watch-along. Pro tip: Bring a blanket. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
  • Kevin Hart is coming to Tampa. The iconic comedian + actor brings his “Brand New Material Tour” to the Straz Center stage on Saturday, May 18. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 9, and start at $107.
Sports
  • Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield shone at the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games in Orlando over the weekend. Mayfield was named Most Valuable Player in the flag football contest on Sunday, Feb. 4, in which the NFC defeated the AFC 64-59. (Tampa Bay Times)
Shop
  • Indie Flea’s February St. Pete Flea will now take place on Sunday, Feb. 18. The market was booked for Sunday, Feb. 4, but was postponed because of inclement weather. Head to 2606 Fairfield Ave. S. from 12 to 4 p.m. to browse wares from 200+ vendors.
Travel
  • Looking to get away in style? The Luxury Travel Expo takes place today at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo from 5 to 8:30 p.m. That’s where luxury travel brands + companies will showcase trips like safaris, yacht charters, and private jet excursions. (I Love the Burg)
Festival
  • Ybor City is preparing for its 77th Annual Fiesta Day celebration. The event highlights the local community, and takes place on Saturday, Feb. 24. There will be live music, food + drink options, local vendors, and other festivities, including cigar rolling demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (That’s So Tampa)
Ranked
  • No. 22. That’s where Tampa ranked on WalletHub’s list of best cities for football fans. The list was compiled using metrics like fan engagement, number of local teams, and stadium capacity. That’s the last list today, we promise.
Plan Ahead
  • On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the US. We won’t get the full effects here in the Tampa Bay area, but set your clocks for 1:30 to 2 p.m. that day, when we will see a partial eclipse. (WTSP)
 
Active

🏃 We’ve got the runs... literally

Lace up those sneakers for 3 upcoming Tampa Bay area running events

Sneakers are being laced in an up-close shot. The shoe is resting against a bench with hands tying the laces.
Ready, set, race. | Photo via Pexels
For those who like to tear up the tarmac in the great outdoors, winters in TBAY offer ample opportunity. As warmer weather approaches, there are several races taking place in the coming weeks:
  • St. Petersburg Distance Classic | Sunday, Feb. 11 | 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon | North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Dr. NE., St. Petersburg | Register here to explore downtown St. Pete over various distances.
  • Gasparilla Distance Classic | Saturday, Feb. 24 + Sunday, Feb. 25 | 5K, 8K, 15K, half marathon | 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | Register here to race around Davis Islands and along Bayshore Boulevard at the annual event.
  • Skyway 10K | Sunday, March 3 | 10K | The south end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge | Only VIP spots are left for racers who wish to run across the iconic structure, but volunteering opportunities are still available for this run which benefits the Armed Forces Families Foundation.
The Buy

The Buy 2.06.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This set of six colored wine glasses, which remind us of Estelle stemware, only more affordable. The multicolor stemware set is perfect for parties, Galentine’s Day, or girls’ night in.
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The Wrap
 
Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor
Lists aren’t the only thing showing how awesome the Tampa Bay area is — we do the same thing here at TBAYtoday.

For example, last Friday we checked out the opening of a new Dave’s Hot Chicken location, and Busch Gardens’ Skyride reopening in the same day.
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