Plus, a Taylor Swift college class.
 
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88º | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:01 a.m. | Sunset 7:57 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 2:18 p.m. | Low: 6:59 a.m. + 7:06 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 10:27 a.m. + 9:23 p.m. | Low: 3:37 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

From our friends at WTSP

 
🥦 Yes ve-gan
Three vegan hot dogs from 3 Dot Dash. One has mustard on it, one has mac and cheese and cries, and the other has lettuce and onion. There is a grey brick wall behind.
TBAY’s vegan scene is booming. | Photo by @3dotvegan
Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in the Tampa Bay area, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there is a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian pizza to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 30+ restaurants serving up meat-free fare in TBAY.

🍑 The brunch bunch

Good Intentions, 1900 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | This spot’s handcrafted bevs are made with local ingredients — we recommend the espresso martini to sip. Pro tip: Brunch is served on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Psomi, 701 N. Howard Ave., Tampa | This Greek-inspired bakery + eatery serves a serious weekend brunch. Gorge on a range of veggie breakfasts, like the Psomi Bagel Special or loukoumades (Greek doughnuts).

Vine Vegan, 2080 Badlands Dr., Brandon | This all-vegan, family-owned restaurant dishes out love with every bite. And if you’re feeling more lunchy, get the Buzzy Buffalo Wrap — it’s stuffed with tots.

A stack of Crunchy Wraps from Vine Vegan restaurant. They are split in two, revealing lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, vegan meat, all encased in flattened tortilla pockets on a white plate.

Vine Vegan’s Crunchy Wrap will satisfy your cravings.

|

Photo by @vineveganfl

🍕 Casual eats

Love Food Central, 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | In the heart of the Burg, this colorful joint serves up 100% vegan and gluten-free salads, snacks, and sammies. It’s always a good idea to grab a dessert for the road.

3 Dot Dash, 6203 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Bite into an Impossible Burger or recently added hot dog items. This Seminole Heights eatery also boasts a huge craft brew selection + cute patio.

Nah Dogs Vegan Hot Dog Cart, Mobile | Follow the cart’s Instagram to know where St. Pete’s “only 100% vegan hot dog cart” will be next. Heads up: This food truck is constantly whipping up new + inventive specials.

🕯Date night

House of Vegano, 1990 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Prepare your stomach for vegan sushi in the heart of the Burg. Must try: The Spicy Krab roll — that’s Krab with a “k” for king oyster mushrooms.

La Sétima Club, 815 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | On the edge of Ybor City lies this perfect date night spot. La Sétima serves up divine bites + a constantly rotating selection of beer and wine.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.
 
Asked
 
Have you eaten at a local vegetarian or vegan restaurant within the past month?
A. Yes
B. No, but I have considered it
C. No
 
Events
 
Thursday, April 18
  • Paint and Sip: “Lavender Fields” | Thursday, April 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Big Storm Brewing Tap Room, 1600 E. 7th Ave. #2, Tampa | $39 | Create your blooming masterpiece in Ybor City, with food + drinks available for purchase.
  • “The Life Brief” | Thursday, April 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $5+ | Join author Bonnie Wan for a conversation about her new book, aimed at guiding readers toward more fulfilling lives.
  • “Remembering Gene Wilder” | Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10+ | Remember + celebrate the life and career of the late actor, and his decades of beloved characters.
Friday, April 19
  • Florida’s Finest Headliners: Coastal Comedy Night | Friday, April 19 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $15+ | Get ready for a giggle in the heart of the Burg — get there early to secure a good seat.
  • Mafia vs. Widows | Friday, April 19 | 8-10 p.m. | Skateworld of Tampa, 7510 Paula Dr., Tampa | $12 | It’s the first home game of the 2024 Tampa Roller Derby season — bring your own chair.
Saturday, April 20
  • YMCA BodyBalance | Saturday, April 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Pier Plaza, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Get the weekend going with an outdoor group exercise class by St. Pete’s waterfront.
  • Instrument Petting Zoo | Saturday, April 20 | 12-2 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $12+ | Join members of the Florida Orchestra to learn about different musical instruments + see what it’s like to play them.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Finance
 
The minimum investment for a financial advisor
Man wearing blue shirt and green jacket sits on bench, facing camera
Considering hiring a financial advisor? Here’s what you need to know beforehand. | Photo provided by SmartAsset
A financial advisor could help you best determine if you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals. This expert could help you establish a plan that factors your assets and taxes into your overall retirement and estate-planning goals.

How much money should you have before hiring a financial advisor? Find out the level of liquid assets at which an advisor’s benefits potentially outweigh the costs.
 
News Notes
 
Development
  • St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays are entering the next phase of their stadium project. The city is now looking for a construction manager for the $1.6 billion ballpark to work alongside lead architects from Populous. The park is set to open by Opening Day 2028. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
  • The Tampa Bay Lightning have their first postseason opponent. The Bolts will play the Florida Panthers in the first round of the NHL Playoffs, with the first game likely sometime this weekend. The league is announcing the schedule later today. Follow the Lightning on Instagram for updates. (Tampa Bay Times)
Open
  • Here’s one for the coffee connoisseurs. Undergrounds Coffee has opened its doors in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. The spot at 1701 Central Ave. also offers teas + juices, and is connected to a new gym: Journey Into Fitness. (I Love the Burg)
Edu
  • Are you ready for it? USF students can fill in a “Blank Space” on their calendars for a Taylor Swift-focused elective taking place this fall. Comparisons will be made between Swift’s work and that of literary figures like Shakespeare + Dickinson. A “Cruel Summer” awaits those who miss out. (The Oracle)
Watch
  • The Tampa Bay area has a new ramen restaurant: Minano Ramen. We visited the Citrus Park spot as its soft-opening phase continues and it did not disappoint. Get a taste of the action.
Ranked
  • No. 11. That’s where Redington Shores ranks among the nation’s best places to retire, according to Niche. The list was compiled using metrics like weather, crime rate, and entertainment options. Other Pinellas spots inside the top 20 include St. Pete Beach and Bay Pines. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
  • St. Pete is looking for locals’ help. City officials are asking for public input on five projects as part of its new Innovative Equity Project, designed to give locals the chance to raise their voice. Share your thoughts on water assistance, crime prevention, and more. (WFLA)
Arts
  • A new art consignment shop is open in Downtown St. Pete. ASTRA & Friends has soft opened at 242 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., and is selling works by over a dozen local artists, featuring furniture, kitchenware, plant pots, and a whole host of other artsy goodies. (St. Pete Rising)
Sports
  • Speculation continues over the Bucs’ NFL Draft plans. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Edu
    • Financial aid, dining + housing, academics, safety, and student support. Questions abound when you’re the parent of a college student. Get your questions answered with SEU’s new Parent Resources Guide — giving you everything you need to know, all in one place.*
    Number
    • 150+. That’s the number of artist booths at Mayfaire by-the-Lake, returning to Lakeland May 11-12. Hosted by the Polk Museum of Art, this free fine art festival has been ranked among the top art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine for ten consecutive years. Stop by + see why.*
     
    TEGNA
     
    City
     
    🦫 What did the beaver say to the tree? Dam.
    Workers at Buc-ee's prepare sandwiches. They are wrapped in shiny foil with yellow labels on a heating tray, and workers behind are in uniforms comprised of cowboy hats, red shirts, and blue overalls.
    Will the Tampa Bay area ever have its own Buc-ee’s? | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
    More information is emerging about the Buc-ee’s plan for its fourth Florida location. With mega gas stations already open in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and a third set to open in Ocala next year, another has been proposed for North St. Lucie County.

    This is making us dream of a Buc-ee’s opening in the Tampa Bay area. On top of the Beaver Nuggets, we can picture the jerky wall, range of barbecue sandwiches, merchandise galore, and fudge selection.

    This is where you come in: Where would you place the store?

    City Editor Patrick here: I think a location near the Florida State Fairgrounds would do well. Unlike many parts of the Tampa Bay area — from a logistical standpoint — there’s plenty of space, and it would get the foot traffic from I-4 and Orlando-bound travelers. It would certainly make the Disney traffic more bearable.

    We’d love to hear your thoughts + Buc-ee’s dreams. Get in touch.
     
    The Buy
     
    Four neutral throw pillow covers, all for $24.99. We love: The price point + how you can choose which neutral tones best suit your living space — gold-neutral, cream-neutral, or navy-neutral.
     
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    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    Calling my fellow foodies. Water Street Tampa’s newest restaurant opens its doors tomorrow: Ash. The Italian-inspired spot boasts an elegant, modern setting with a range of enticing culinary options. After looking at these photos, I can’t wait to go.
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