05.02.2024

Today’s Forecast

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Hey there. It’s Bailey and Patrick, the local City Editors you know and love. Allow us to pass the mic to 126 of our coworkers. (Yes, that’s right — an entire team is behind each day’s newsletter, and we couldn’t do it without them.)

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Events

Thursday, May 2

Tampa Career Fair | Thursday, May 2 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Virtual | Free with registration | Meet with local employers and land your dream job at this virtual event.
Pilates in the Park | Thursday, May 2 | 6-7 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | Free | Bring a mat down to the Hillsborough River to get a sweat on at this mind + body exercise class.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” | Thursday, May 2-Sunday, May 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Demens Landing Park, Bayshore Dr. & 2nd Ave. S., 525-549 2nd Ave. SE, St. Petersburg | $35+ | Time is running out to sing along to the classic love story on the waterfront — bring a blanket.

Friday, May 3

“Disco Fever” | Friday, May 3 | 8 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $26+ | Embrace the nostalgia of the 70s as the Florida Orchestra reimagines classic hits from the groovy decade.

Saturday, May 4

All Pro Dad Experience | Saturday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $35 | Step out onto the Ray Jay field + enjoy a morning connecting with your little ones.
St. Pete African American Heritage Tour | Saturday, May 4 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tropicana Field, Lot 4, 198 17th St. S., St. Petersburg | $13 | Explore the historic Deuces neighborhood + learn about its vibrant past.
Bayshore Little League Annual Fundraiser | Saturday, May 4 | 6 p.m. | Hyde House Public Studio, 1646 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | $125+ | Help tomorrow’s MLB stars as the community showcases its generosity with a silent auction, plus music, cocktails, and photo ops.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The developer behind St. Pete’s 42-story Art House condo tower has secured a nine-figure loan. Palm Beach-based Kolter Urban closed on a $182 million loan as work continues at 235 1st Ave. S. Construction should be done next year. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

Pete’s Bagels has opened a new location in Gulfport. The pickup window serves grab-and-go orders at 1407 49th St. S. A full coffee bar is also in place during the soft opening phase, which runs through Sunday, May 4.

Opening

It’s a bagel bonanza. A trip to St. Pete Beach will soon come with the choice of a New York-made bagel. Tiki Bagel will open at 455 75th Ave., serving up doughy goodness from the Big Apple. Fun fact: The recipe dates back to the 1890s. (St. Pete Rising)

Number

20,000+. That’s how many people could attend this weekend’s Riverfest at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The two-day event features live music, a range of food choices, a fireworks display, and a wiener dog derby. (That’s So Tampa)

Announced

Two USF Bulls football players are heading to the big leagues. Donovan Jennings is heading to the Green Bay Packers, and Bayron Matos is heading to the Miami Dolphins. Both play as offensive linemen. (That’s So Tampa)

Film

The American Classics Film Series is coming to St. Pete. The series runs this month at the AX Outdoor Stage, featuring: “Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Casablanca,” and “The Third Man.” General tickets cost $15. (I Love the Burg)

Community

St. Pete is getting a new holiday. Mayor Ken Welch is set to announce May 11 as Salvador Dalí Day in honor of the artist’s 120th birthday. The Dalí Museum is running specials, including discounted entry, for the occasion. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Watch

South Tampa’s Streetlight Taco has been making waves since its recent opening, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, check out how the spot’s Oaxaca Ensalada is made. Yum.

Kids

Welcome to Jurassic Park, kind of. Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry is hosting “Brick Dinos” soon, an exhibit featuring LEGO dinosaurs. Displays + a host of interactive activities await, including fossil digging. Grab tickets. (That’s So Tampa)

Sports

Bolts Head Coach Jon Cooper is under fire. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Edu

TBAY, meet Learn and Serve Tampa — a local nonprofit that facilitates community service projects for K-12 Bay area students and turns it into meaningful learning. Bonus: They’re also our most recent Publix Giveback Giveaway winner. Learn more + see how to kick-start service-learning at your school.*

Play

☀️ Summertime in the city

25+ summer events happening around Tampa Bay

The sun shines at the beach. One person is visible in the shallows of the ocean, and waves are lapping onto the sand.

Summer is coming. | Photo by TBAYtoday

It’s getting hot, TBAY. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Here are 25+ local events happening between May and August, including ideas for Memorial Day and Fourth of July:

Clearwater Memorial Day Parade | Saturday, May 25 | Cleveland Road, Clearwater
This fun and patriotic family-friendly display starts at 10 a.m. + is followed by a free music festival in Coachman Park. Reserve your spot.

4th Annual Juneteenth Festival | Saturday, June 15 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Get ready for the yearly family-friendly festival featuring a KidsZone, live music, food vendors, and community resource booths.

“The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration | Thursday, July 4 | Spa Beach Park and Family Park, St. Pete Pier
The City of St. Pete-sponsored fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is visible all the way along downtown’s waterfront.

Zach Bryan | Wednesday, August 14 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Another country star taking the US by storm, Bryan’s mix of intricate lyricism + relatable worldview make this a show not to miss.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

20+ other summer happenings

The Buy

The Buy 5.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A most-loved mother’s day gift so you’re prepared once Sunday, May 12 rolls around. Shop gifts great for mother figures, yourself, or anyone who deserves a little something.

Answered

Earlier this week, we asked for your favorite Busch Gardens roller coaster. Here’s what you said:

A ground-floor look at the building site at Phoenix Gardens. The winding blue track is in front, with several people in high-viz jackets and hard hats stood nearby behind a barrier. The ground is sandy and construction equipment surrounds the track. — Boots are on the ground.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

As you may recall, we recently wrote about Busch Gardens’ exciting new development: Phoenix Rising. The coaster is set to debut later this year, and is billed as the “best first ‘big kid coaster’ to ride,” by BG President Stewart Clark.

Until then, the park will continue to provide thrills + excitement, just as it has done since 1959. According to you, our readers, SheiKra is the best ride, with 43% of you labeling the red beast your fave.

In second place was Cheetah Hunt, which reaches speeds of 60 mph, with 36% of the vote. There was less love for Iron Gwazi (14%) and Kumba (7%).

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

If you’re after even more summer excitement, I’ve got good news. One of my absolute favorite spots for a sweet treat is teasing a summer menu: Cinnaholic. The spot’s dairy-free eats are always a hit.

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