Plus, the Seminole High marching band is headed to the Rose Parade.
 
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Spend a Hallmark-worthy day in Dunedin

Spend a “A Taste of Love"-inspired day in Dunedin
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Sit out on the patio or tuck inside of the dining room of the iconic spot. | Photo by TBAYtoday
TBAY’s own Dunedin made its Hallmark debut this week, with the premiere of “A Taste of Love.”

The food-forward rom com stars Erin Cahill as a TV chef at a career crossroads who comes home to visit her parents and their family restaurant — and the plot thickens. No worries, we don’t share spoilers in this house.

The movie was set and mostly filmed in the funky and bustling Pinellas County city in 2021, after receiving partial funding from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and its film commission.

In the spirit of love month — or as Hallmark calls it, “Loveuary” — we’ve planned a swoon-worthy date day to spots heavily featured in the flick.

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The casual eatery is tucked in the heart of downtown Dunedin.

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Photo by TBAYtoday

Wild Iris Cafe

Kick the day off with a quiet morning on this downtown Dunedin gem’s patio. Chow down on breakfast sandwiches, savory crepes, and all the sides, or start your date later in the day with a satisfying lunch and Bellini.

Clearwater Beach

The nationally-acclaimed beach is featured multiple times throughout the movie, and for good reason. The powdery white long strip of beach is the perfect place to take a dip at dusk with a paramour or enjoy a quick chat on a boardwalk just taking in the views.

The Fenway Hotel

Sip on swanky cocktails just like the stars did on the historic hotel’s Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar. In addition to prime Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands views, the bar serves up a range of inventive mixed drinks like the Summer Rhapsody or the Fenway Sunset.


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Take in the views from the Fenway Hotel’s outdoor bar.

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Photo via @fenwayhotel

Sea Sea Riders

The bulk of the love story’s tale takes place — and revolves around — this decades-old local fave. The 1903 Key West-inspired Old Florida cracker house is the perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner of Florida grouper sandwich, a New York Strip, and a few drinks.

Dunedin’s Main Street

The lively strip of eateries, ice cream shops, boutiques, and plant shops oozes small town charm + potential date options for all kinds of interests — including the Dunedin History Museum. We recommend a hot fudge sundae at Strachan’s Ice Cream and Desserts (it’s big enough for two) and catching live music at one of the bars and restaurants along the walk.

Before you head out on your romantic jaunt, make sure to stream the movie on Peacock or on the Hallmark app.
 
Events
Wednesday, Feb. 21
  • Oscar-Nominated Live Action Short Films | Wednesday, Feb. 21-Thursday, Feb. 22 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | Prep for your Oscars watch party with a night of short films.
Thursday, Feb. 22
  • In Search of the Beloved Community | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 7-8 p.m. | Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Rd., St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Join local historian and author Dr. Raymond Arsenault + Civil Rights activist Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. for a discussion of Arsenault’s new biography on John Lewis.
Friday, Feb. 23
  • Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend | Friday, Feb. 23-Saturday, Feb. 24 | Times vary | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa | Free | Roam the expo featuring 100+ health and wellness professionals, products, and activities.
  • St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival | Friday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Vinoy Park, 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | $7 | Chow down on local seafood, dessert, sides, and drinks while listening to tunes.
Saturday, Feb. 24
  • Localtopia | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Williams Park, Fourth St. and First Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free entry | The massive celebration of all things St. Pete features 300+ local independent businesses + community organizations, music, street performances, and a food truck rally alley.
  • Fiesta Day | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 11 a.m. | Ybor City, 1700 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | Free | Stop by the party for food, arts and crafts, and to check out local businesses and organizations.
  • Billy Joel & Sting | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 7 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $100+ | Prepare for a legendary night as the two beloved performers take you on a journey with songs from throughout their famed careers.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Opening
  • Sip Fresh is bringing its fresh-fruit-based juices + specialty drinks to TBAY. New franchise owner Ryan McGrail plans to open locations in Tampa + Sarasota. The West Coast-based brand’s menu is stocked with specialties like the Strawberry Lava and the Mango Tango. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
  • Calling all 15th St. Farm fans. The Sunshine City urban farm is adding a “Grains to Bread Bakery,” commercial kitchen, and event space to its setup. The space will host a wide range of events from gardening classes to dinner experiences. (I Love the Burg)
Announced
  • The Florida Holocaust Museum + USF will soon be the permanent home of Elie Wiesel’s collections. The museum will recreate the Holocaust survivor + Nobel Prize-winner’s office and display photos. The university will house the author’s unfinished manuscripts and letters + serve as the home of the Elie Wiesel Center for Humanitarian Ethics. (Tampa Bay Times)
Concert
  • Peso Pluma is coming to the Cigar City. The Mexican singer is playing Amalie Arena on his “Éxodo Tour” on Friday, June 21. Sign up to receive a code the night before presale begins, or get tickets in the general sale starting Friday, Feb. 23 at 12 p.m.
Plan Ahead
  • Reggae Rise Up returns. The popular St. Pete music festival takes over Vinoy Park from Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, March 17 with performances by Lupe Fiasco, Damian and Stephen Marley, Slightly Stoopid, and more. Buy tickets online. (I Love the Burg)
Community
  • They’re headed to the Rose Parade. The Seminole High marching band will participate in the prestigious New Year’s Day Rose Parade. The crew is hosting a Mardi Gras Spring Carnival this Friday, Feb. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the high school to raise money for their West Coast trip. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
  • Missed the last couple of Bolts Games? Catch up on the team’s mid-season progress with local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Edu
  • Apparently a degree really does pay off. A recent study shows that people with a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree can earn up to 155% more than a high school graduate. See how SEU can get you there: Sign up for a virtual info session for Online Bachelor’s and Graduate degrees.*
 
Food

We’ll take ours on the rocks

Celebrate National Margarita Day at these Tampa Bay area spots
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Your biggest decision: frozen or on the rocks? | Photo via Pexels
Like we needed another reason to celebrate the impending weekend. Tomorrow, Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day. The beloved cocktail was created by a Mexican restaurant owner in 1938 and is made with tequila, lime juice, and if you so choose, salt on the rim.

Here’s a few of the local deals to sip on:
  • Grand Hacienda — with locations in both Tampa + St. Pete — is celebrating with BOGO free maragaritas, and an afterparty from 6 to 9 p.m. with bottomless margs for $18.95.
  • Tex Mex hotspot Torchy’s Tacos (2314 Tyrone Blvd. N., St. Pete) is offering deals starting Thursday and running through Saturday, Feb. 24. Score $2 off House Frozen Margaritas, Sangria Swirl Frozen, Sangria Swirl Rocks, or House On the Rocks Margaritas.
  • Lona, conveniently located in the Water Street Tampa neighborhood, is pouring $7 Lona Margaritas from 4 to 6 p.m.
    The Buy

    The Buy 2.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    A comfy fit to curl up in while it’s still sweatshirt and hoodie season. We love: this pink + lime crop by East of These and this Blue Ridge Parkway sweatshirt from Burlaep.
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    Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

    Today’s edition by:
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    From the editor
    Umm 70 degrees and sunny? We’ll be at the dog park, thank you. Here’s a new Tampa one to take the pups to.
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