Plus, a taste of Italy in Davis Islands.
 
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91º | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 8:13 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 12:39 p.m. + 10:43 p.m. | Low: 5:22 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 8:24 a.m. + 7:17 p.m. | Low: 1:51 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

☀️ What’s the cost of solar, really?

What’s the cost of solar, really?
Presented by a TBAYtoday Partner
a modern two story house with solar panels on the roof
Solar can be more affordable than you think, saving you thousands in the long run and sparing you from ever-increasing energy bills. | Photo provided by Freedom Solar Power
Feeling the pain of rising electricity bills? Same. While most TBAY locals know energy costs are on the rise (and fast), many don’t know that the cost of going solar is dropping. In fact, installing a system has decreased by 50% in the last 10 years.

While the math works in your favor, we know going solar is still a big decision. That’s why we called in the experts at Freedom Solar Power to answer these reader-submitted solar questions:

How much do I typically save on energy costs?

Homeowners save an average of $30,000 over a 25-year span. Most customers finance their system, similar to a car payment — so, you might, for example, pay $100 monthly on a financed solar system. Since the average TBAY resident pays $241 per month on regular electricity, this means you can start saving in the first month.

How is power generated during cloudy or rainy days?

Solar panels work on cloudy days. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells will still generate energy even when light is partially blocked or reflected by clouds.

But the amount of energy produced on those particularly overcast days is less than normal. When it comes to maximizing sun-generating energy, Southern states are great candidates for solar.

What is the return on investment like?

Solar panels increase the value of your home. A recent study by the University of Michigan found that for the hottest cities in the South, solar investments today will increase in valuation by up to 20% within 25 years due to climate change.

Will solar panels cause roof leaks?

Solar panels aren’t bad for your roof. When installed properly, multiple protections, like sealants + flashing, are taken to ensure your panels are waterproofed. (Freedom Solar also provides a 25-year workmanship warranty which ensures the panels are installed as intended and covers all of the steps to ensure no roof leaks.)

Keep reading to see four more questions. Ready to go solar? Calculate your savings + get a free consultation.
Cost, hurricanes + more
Asked

What would most tempt you to go solar?
A. Not stressing about rising energy costs
B. Saving thousands in the long run
C. Energy independence
D. Helping the environment
E. Other
En-light-en us
 
Events
Thursday, May 16
  • Farm Yard Yoga | Thursday, May 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $25 | Meet adoptable pigs while flowing through a guided yoga practice — all proceeds go to Rescue Pets of Florida.
  • Kathy Griffin | Thursday, May 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Ferguson Hall, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa | $60+ | The Emmy Award-winning comedian and actress shares her personal stories on her new tour “My Life on the PTSD-List.”
Friday, May 17
  • Sunset Market | Friday, May 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | Shop wares from local artisans, crafters, and food vendors at the museum’s monthly market.
  • “Enigma Variations” | Friday, May 17 | 8 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa | $26+ | The Florida Orchestra plays Edward Elgar’s famed work featuring fourteen variations on a single theme.
Saturday, May 18
  • “Reflections: A Spectacular Gala of Dance” | Saturday, May 18 | 1 p.m., 7 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $25+ | Soak in a spellbinding fusion of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance as the area’s esteemed dancers light up the stage.
Sunday, May 19
  • Final Premier League Watch Party | Sunday, May 19 | 10-3 a.m. | MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Free entry | Watch the drama unfold over drink specials alongside fellow soccer fans on the final day of the Premier League season.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Number
  • 10,000. That’s how many scoops of free ice cream are being handed out in Tampa. Moose Tracks Ice Cream is hosting the event at Lykes Gaslight Square Park on Thursday, June 6, and will donate $1 to the Salvation Army per scoop. Yes, we said free. (That’s So Tampa)
Community
  • Remember the baby orangutan recently born at Busch Gardens? Well now you can help name her. The park wants you to vote on her name: Miri, Juno, or Stella. The deadline is Tuesday, May 21.
Development
  • Pinellas Park’s youth sports center is getting a $23.5 million upgrade. City facilities at 4100 66th Ave. N. are set for demolition, and a new center will open next year. Plans include baseball fields, a soccer field, and a new hockey rink. (St. Pete Rising)
Pets
  • Hillsborough County is hosting its Mega Adoption Event this weekend. There will be 300+ pups looking for forever homes at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center in Plant City. The event runs tomorrow, May 17 through Sunday, May 19.
Concert
  • It’s time for local musicians to shine. St. Pete Indie Night debuts at the Floridian Social on Saturday, June 1. Local bands performing include Rohna, Miroux, Pilot Jonezz, and Mustard Service. Tickets start at $20. (I Love the Burg)
Try This
  • Pinellas Ale Works is celebrating its 8th birthday in pup-tastic style this weekend. The dog-friendly spot is hosting Bark & Boogie on Saturday, May 18, where Fido is more than welcome to join the fun. Craft beers, food trucks, and a disco-themed photo booth await. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Shop
  • Seminole Heights Sunday Market is moving. But don’t worry, vendors are just heading inside for the summer months. The market takes place every second Sunday of the month, and will be indoors at the Guinn Center (6900 N. Nebraska Ave.) starting June 9.
Sports
  • Mikhail Sergachev is looking to bounce back for the Bolts next season. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
     
    Food

    🤌 Mamma mia

    Savor a taste of Italy in Davis Islands
    Two people stand at the window of Buchette Spritz Bar in Davis Islands. The wall is painted with the colors of the Italian flag, and the wooden window shutters are wide open. The people behind the bar are smiling with bottles behind them, and a drink on the flower-laden counter.
    Service with a smile. | Photo by @foodfunandliving
    Say hello to Buchette Spritz Bar, a new walk-up window steeped in Italian cultural history which just opened in Davis Islands. Windows like this are known in Italy as buchette del vino, translating to “wine windows.” They grew popular during times of plague in the 17th century. Think of it as an ancient form of curbside pickup.

    Per its Instagram page, Buchette is “where tradition meets innovation in the world of wine.” The spot also serves up nibbles and delightful spritz options. Exhibit A.

    Head to 236 E. Davis Blvd. to try it for yourself, and make sure to tag us on Instagram in your photos + stories.

    Pro tip: If you’re on the hunt for some of the other spritz options in the Tampa Bay area — including non-alcoholic choices — City Editor Patrick is also a big fan of M.Bird at Armature Works, and Intermezzo in St. Pete.
    The Buy

    The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.
    Answered

    Earlier this week, we gave you some Madeira Beach trivia.
    The sun sets in Madeira Beach, Florida. The sun is omitting yellow, orange, and red rays and beams as it sits right on the horizon of the ocean in the distance. There is a boat in the water and someone taking a photo on the sand.

    Don’t take these Gulf Coast sunsets for granted, folks.

    |

    Photo via Wikimedia Commons

    The quaint seaside city is getting ready for the future. That’s why we wrote about The Beachmaker Hotel, the next luxury option coming to the area.

    When we asked you, our esteemed and knowledgeable readers, what Madeira Beach’s population is, you missed the mark ever so slightly. The huge number of tourists and holidaymakers made it difficult, we know.
    • The correct answer was 4,000 people, and only 28% of you got it right.
    • The most popular answer was 9,000 people, with 45% of the vote.
    • 21,000 came in third place, with 25% of guesses.
    • And hardly anyone was fooled by the 1,000 choice — only 2% went there.
    Thank you for playing, TBAY. Keep your eyes peeled for more Tampa Bay area trivia questions in future newsletters.
     
    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    With last night’s Buccaneers schedule release for the 2024 NFL season, it’s time to get ready for some good ol’ fashioned cannon-firing.

    I’m counting down the days until the new season — only 111 to go. In honor of Antoine Winfield Jr.'s new historic contract, this canvas of his iconic peace sign in Super Bowl LV will be on my office wall soon.
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