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Suggestions for spending the Mega Millions jackpot in the Tampa Bay area
Tampa's skyline from a distance. The Hillsborough River is in the foreground and the photo has been taken from high up. The sky is blue and a warm haze covers the city.
Let the hypothetical spending spree begin. | Photo by City of Tampa
Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is up to an estimated $875 million. That got us thinking, how could you spend that money in the Tampa Bay area?

First off, how much would you keep? Lottery calculators say the lump sum option would land the winner $665 million, with $210 million going straight to Uncle Sam. The annual payout would average ~$29 million per year for three decades.

Either way, that’s more than enough dough to have some TBAY fun:

Here’s one for the Zillow browsers. That sort of money would be enough to buy the most expensive home on the Tampa Bay area’s real estate market. Just under $40 million would get you 24,000+ sqft, 19 bedrooms, multiple waterfront balconies, views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a pool, a tennis court, and a whole host of indulgent features + amenities.

You could splash out when the Bolts are playing in the Cigar City. Amalie Arena has several hospitality suites available for Lightning matchups, which cost a reported $4,000-$8,000 per game.

Buying a boat would be near the top of many TBAY residents’ lists. That way, you can go to private islands + sand bars whenever you please. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you could just buy the island. Pine Key, better known as Beer Can Island, is currently listed for $14.2 million.

The flotilla at Gasparilla. There are hundreds of boats behind the pirate ship, all riding toward the City of Tampa during the annual event. There is smoke emerging from the pirate ship.

Imagine: Your boat in the Gasparilla Invasion.

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Photo by Kiera Andrews

When you’re done partying on your private island, the Tampa Bay area has dozens of wonderful nonprofit organizations + charities to support. We rounded up some volunteer opportunities, but financial donations would undoubtedly be welcomed too.

After working up an appetite with all that house shopping, Bolts cheering, boating, and giving back, you could explore our wonderful food scene. Six local restaurants were recently added to the Michelin Guide, including Streetlight Taco, The Pearl, and Supernatural Food & Wine. So you’d be spoiled for luxe meal choices.
Asked

How would you spend the jackpot in the Tampa Bay area?
Let us know your dreams of dough
 
Events
Tuesday, March 19
  • “One Last Breath” | Tuesday, March 19 | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Join New York Times bestselling author Ginny Myers Sain as she discusses her latest supernatural thriller.
  • The Remix: Shuffle’s Open Mic Night | Tuesday, March 19 | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Shuffle, 2612 N. Tampa St., Tampa | Free | Step up to the mic to showcase your talents, or enjoy bites, brews, and shuffleboard in the Heights District.
Wednesday, March 20
  • Early 20th Century Florida Tourism Adult Lecture and Tour | Wednesday, March 20 | 6:30-8:25 p.m. | Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N. US 301, Tampa | $12 | Learn more about the Sunshine State’s tourism, railroad exploits, and hotel industry.
  • Pirates vs. Yankees | Wednesday, March 20 | 6:35 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa | $35+ | Time is running out to catch some Spring Training action in the Big Guava.
Thursday, March 21
  • Disney on Ice: “Frozen” and “Encanto” | Thursday, March 21-Sunday, March 24 | Times vary | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $20+ | Check out the ice-skating spectacular featuring Disney favorites like Elsa, Olaf, and Mirabel, alongside Mickey Mouse and other familiar faces.
  • Vanderpump Rules Trivia Night | Thursday, March 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Top Shelf Sports Lounge, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel | Free entry | Show off your knowledge about the hit reality show at this themed trivia.
Friday, March 22
  • Absolute Queen | Friday, March 22 | 7 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $25+ | Get a taste of what it was like to check out a show from the iconic band back in the 1980s.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Wellness

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Shop a variety of products from Mood like gummies, edibles, and sweet treats. | Photos provided by Mood; GIF created by 6AM City
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News Notes
Open
  • There’s a new spot to grab a cup of joe in Town ‘N Country. CAO Bakery and Cafe is now serving up Cuban coffee, alongside 30+ pastry options at its 7616 W. Hillsborough Ave. location. The menu also includes favorites like empanadas, potato fritters, and sandwiches. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
  • The USF men’s basketball team’s season isn’t over yet. The Bulls missed out on selection for the NCAA Tournament, but will begin their National Invitational Tournament journey tonight. USF plays the University of Central Florida Knights at 9 p.m. in Orlando, streaming on ESPN+.
Festival
  • Tampa Pride returns this weekend. The annual festivities take place in Ybor City this Saturday, March 23 with a vendor fair, a street parade, and the “Pride at Night Party” at The Cuban Club. More information is available on the event’s official website. (That’s So Tampa)
Sports
  • Devin White is no longer a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. The linebacker has agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. White helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium back in 2021, two years after being drafted No. 5 overall.
Today Is
  • The first official day of spring, a season synonymous with birth, growth, and new beginnings. Here in the Tampa Bay area, it’s the last season before the summer rain arrives. Our seasonal weather guide has more information on what you can expect from the skies.
Real Estate
  • This home in South Tampa just listed for ~$4.4 million. The spot boasts six bedrooms and seven bathrooms across ~7,200 sqft of living space. There’s also a pool, cabana, screened-in porches, and some ridiculous closets.
Number
  • $692 million. That’s how much funding USF received for research during fiscal year 2023. The all-time high represents an annual increase of 27%, with over half of the amount coming from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health + the Department of Defense. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Feel Good
  • St. Pete’s 3 Daughters Brewing is launching a Daddy-Daughter fishing tournament. The inaugural event is Saturday, April 13, featuring contests, prizes, and a big party at the brewery afterward. Tickets and rules are outlined on the event website. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Community
  • The Florida Aquarium’s newest exhibit has a new sponsor. Stingray Beach is now sponsored by the Tampa Bay Rays, which seems fitting. The exhibit gives aquarium-goers the chance to meet the animals close up, and get a feel of their velvety wings.
Sports
  • The Gators are getting ready for the madness. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Florida Gators with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Finance
    Job
    • Passionate about storytelling + news, and have some serious Orlando pride? ORLtoday (a new daily newsletter celebrating Orlando) is hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.
    TEGNA
     
    The Buy

    The Buy 3.19.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    These men’s memory foam slippers, perfect for increasing comfort + easing foot pressure around the house. We love how they’re 95% cotton with a rubber outsole and machine washable.
    Answered

    Last week, we asked you which sister city we should write about next. Here’s what you said:
    A wide show of ruins outside Agrigento, Italy. The old building stands on top of a green hill, with the city's buildings seen behind it. There is blue sky and sun shining on the yellowish structure which has been worn down by age.
    The people have spoken. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
    We got quite the response to our article and social media posts about one of St. Pete’s sister cities: Takamatsu, Japan. Fortunately for us Tampa Bay area residents, we have plenty of other sister cities to explore.

    Here’s how you voted:
    • 44% of you want us to write about Agrigento next, a city on the Italian island of Sicily.
    • In second place, with 28% of votes, was Isla Mujeres in Mexico, an island just off the coast of Cancún.
    • Brazil’s Porto Alegre came next, with 22% of voters keen to read more.
    • And in last place was İzmir, Turkey, with 6% of votes.
    Keep your eyes peeled for our next sister city piece, where we’ll be taking a quick trip over to see what life is like in Agrigento.
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    The Wrap
     
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    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    Is it the weekend yet? If you’re trying to find something magical to do, a slice of Hogwarts will be at the Straz on Friday and Saturday.
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