03.05.2024

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Today’s Forecast

📈 Projects with a purpose

Projects to boost home value in the Tampa Bay area

A bungalow in Hyde Park. It is painted light green and there is a porch out front.

One of Hyde Park’s iconic bungalows. | Photo by TBAYtoday

The Tampa Bay area’s real estate scene is booming. In recent years, home prices in our area have increased due to factors like high migration. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in Hyde Park?

If you want to boost the value of your home, or maybe get some inspo for the future, here are a few project ideas:

Solar panels

Here’s one way to make the most of our TBAY sunshine. First and foremost, solar panels reduce the cost of electricity bills. Over a 25-year span, homeowners with certain systems typically save $35,000 to $45,000 using solar in our region.

On top of utility bill savings, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says home value increases 20x the annual amount saved on bills. For instance, if a homeowner saves $1,000 per year on their energy bill because of solar panels, that will increase a home’s value by $20,000.

While the upfront cost of installation can be daunting, local energy companies TECO and Duke Energy offer incentives to help ease the burden. There is also a property tax abatement program in Florida for renewable energy, meaning solar panels can increase your home’s value without seeing property taxes increase.

There are homes on the market already set up for solar success. This St. Pete home has the right idea.

A small white house has an orange door and is surrounded by a white picket fence. There are chairs on the porch and tropical plants surrounding it. — Tiny homes count too.
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Photo by Stephanie and David Bailey via Airbnb

Become water wise

Make the most of TBAY’s rainy summer months with some smart water decisions. Tampa Bay Water Wise offers rebates for homeowners who install upgrades like water-efficient toilets, smart irrigation systems, and wells. There is up to $1,350 available.

But wait, there’s more. These changes can reduce water consumption, and — you guessed it — bring the cost of your bill down. Remember — we’re in drought and watering restrictions are still in place.

As with solar, reduction in energy bills increases home value 20x the annual savings, with water efficiency offering a projected average boost of $10,600 to home value in our area.

If a home with smart irrigation is on your wishlist, there are some for sale.

More home upgrades

Events

Tuesday, March 5

South Florida vs. Tulane University | Tuesday, March 5 | 7 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $10+ | Head to campus to see the Bulls men’s basketball team in action at home for the final time in the regular season.
“Anatomy of a Fall” | Tuesday, March 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | Head to the historic theater for a showing of the highly acclaimed French film.
Florida Strawberry Festival 2024 | Tuesday, March 5-Sunday, March 10 | Strawberry Festival, 303 BerryFest Pl., Plant City | $0-$15 | The annual event offers all things strawberry — the Berry Big Wheel, Pint-Sized farm, tons of strawberry-flavored treats, and performances from the likes of Flo Rida.

Wednesday, March 6

Free Yoga | Wednesday, March 6 | 6:30-7:30 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.

Thursday, March 7

First Tampa International Book Fair | Thursday, March 7-Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | Locations vary | Prices vary | The inaugural event seeks to honor the cultural heritage of Tampa through literature, featuring a variety of events in and around Ybor City.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Calgary Flames | Thursday, March 7 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $38+ | The Bolts look to douse the team from the Great White North’s fire.
“Say Hello To My Little Friend” | Thursday, March 7 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Join author Jennine Capó Crucet to celebrate her darkly comic novel.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Early voting is under way in Hillsborough County in the Republican presidential primary. Registered Republican voters can head to 27 sites across the county to make their voices heard through Sunday, March 17. The Democratic primary was canceled after only one nominee was submitted — incumbent President Joe Biden. (Fox 13)

Number

$3,000. That’s how much participants could receive in Tampa’s returning eBike Voucher Program. The popular program relaunches today with $570,000 of funding, which the city will award through a lottery-style drawing. The first application window is open through Friday, March 15.

Giveaway

You can score free doughnuts at any Tampa Bay area Krispy Kreme location today. The company is offering two free Original Glazed doughnuts per person as voters take part in Super Tuesday across the country. We have four Krispy Kreme locations — West Tampa, St. Pete, Lowry Park, and Brandon. (WFLA)

Ranked

No. 24. That’s where the USF Bulls men’s basketball team is now ranked in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. The ranking comes on the back of 14 straight wins, during which time the program recorded its first ever regular-season conference title. The madness awaits.

Announced

The MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre will become the Barbie Mansion for a night on Tuesday, July 2. “Barbie the Movie: In Concert” will see Greta Gerwig’s movie screened alongside a live musical performance of the score by the Barbie Land Sinfonietta. Tickets go on general sale this Friday, March 8.

Community

Visitors to the Florida Aquarium must now purchase tickets on its website. The in-person box office will cease operations beginning this Saturday, March 9. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Kids

A new splash pad is open in Hillsborough County at Lesley “Les’’ Miller Jr. All People’s Community Park & Life Center. The 3,240-sqft play space offers family-friendly water fun, with murals + creative designs, as well as inclusive sensory play equipment. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, excluding some holidays.

Seasonal

Downtown Tampa’s largest Easter egg hunt returns later this month. Eggsploration will see thousands of eggs strewn throughout Julian B. Lane Waterfront Park on Saturday, March 30. Egg-hunting adventures from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be joined by Easter bunny photo ops, food options, and other vendors. (That’s So Tampa)

Sports

Is Vasy losing his touch? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Fun Fact

Smart printers can monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 credit for HP Instant Ink.*

Sports

🏈 He’s staying in TBAY

The Bucs and Mike Evans have reached a contract agreement

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and young fans at one of his foundation's Catch for Christmas events.

Mike Evans and a group of young fans during a Catch for Christmas event sponsored by his foundation. | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mike Evans have reached an agreement on a new contract, according to the wide receiver’s agent. The two-year deal could land Evans $52 million, with $35 million guaranteed across the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons.

The star was drafted by the Bucs seventh overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he has been a key figure with the team ever since. In that time, Evans has amassed 1,000+ yards in each of his 10 seasons — he’s the only NFL player ever to hold that record.

Now age 30, Evans will be hoping to add to his Super Bowl LV ring, which he won at Raymond James Stadium alongside Tom Brady back in 2021.

Outside the field, the Mike Evans Family Foundation continues to provide local children with educational opportunities, and support victims of domestic violence.

The Buy

The Buy 3.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Prepared Hero’s Emergency Fire Blanket, a highly-rated staple to have on hand in your kitchen or yard. It’s easier to use than common fire extinguishers + leaves no mess behind, too.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

With so much food on offer at the Florida Strawberry Festival, it can be hard to know where to start. We made the trip to Plant City and tried a few iconic flavors for ourselves, to help you make a decision.

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