Plus, a Sahara dust cloud may lead to hazy skies.
 
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Today’s Forecast

90º | 40% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. | Sunset 8:30 p.m.
Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 9:15 a.m. + 8:39 p.m. | Low: 2:56 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 5:27 p.m. | Low: 11:36 a.m. + 11:51 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

🎆 Sit back and watch the fireworks

15+ sparkling Fourth of July events across Tampa Bay
Orange and yellow fireworks burst over the water before two high rises, near a green shore with trees. Colorful lights from the city are reflected in the water.
The lights on the river will get even brighter for one night only. | Photo via Visit Tampa Bay
In less than a week, the Tampa Bay sky will be aglow with fireworks — but where should you go to watch them? We rounded up 15+ Fourth of July happenings around TBAY.

Boom by the Bay, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
This free, family friendly event will feature games, live music, and an Apple Pie Throwdown before culminating with fireworks by the river.

Star Spangled Sparkman, Sparkman Wharf
Viewing for the July 4th Boat Parade and Water Ski Show, live entertainment, face painting, and fireworks are free and open to the public — and a Premier Viewing ticket gets you access to an air-conditioned hydration station.

Freedom Fest, American Victory Ship & Museum
Step aboard “Tampa’s most patriotic venue” for photo ops, a silent auction, and one-of-a-kind parade and firework views.

4th of July Party, Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S., St. Pete
Post up with a slice of Kraken Joe’s pizza + a craft brew, then while the night away with live bluegrass from the Fil Pate Trio.

St. Pete Pier Run, starts at St. Pete Pier
Run or walk four miles along the waterfront — with two waves at 6:30 a.m. + 7:45 a.m., you’ll have plenty of time to rest up before one of these other events.

Heights District Fourth of July Celebration, Armature Works
Come hungry for the annual hot dog eating contest, plus other family friendly activities + vendors. A private bar is available to Exclusive VIP visitors.

July 4th Independence Day Fireworks & VIP Celebration, Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Your ticket gets you a barbecue buffet, an open bar, and prime viewing. What else is there to say?

4th of July Celebration, Busch Gardens
You’ll have four days to experience the choreographed music, light + firework show, along with thrill rides and free beer samples.

4th of July Aboard Yacht Starship, launch from 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Celebrate the Fourth in style: your ticket gets you a two-hour cruise, dinner buffet, open bar, and firework views from the water.
8 more spectacles
 
Events
Friday, June 28
  • “Star Trek” | Friday, June 28 | 3-5:30 p.m. | New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa | Free | Catch the 2009 flick, featuring a burgeoning young hero, James T. Kirk.
  • Tampa Bay Rays vs. Washington Nationals | Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30 | Times vary | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $15+ | Catch a ballgame at the Trop this weekend during a topsy-turvy season for the Rays.
Saturday, June 29
  • Summer Croc Fest | Saturday, June 29 | 12-9 p.m. | ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa | $15+ | Learn about + support two unique lineages of Cuban Crocodiles alongside conservation experts.
  • Book & Brew | Saturday, June 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | 2D Cafe, 2105 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $7+ | Hear dystopian sci-fi + fantasy tales alongside hand-selected craft brews — the first drink’s on the house.
Sunday, June 30
  • Yoga, Bubbles & Brunch | Sunday, June 30 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Lolita’s Wine Market, 420 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg | $18 | Soak in a morning yoga flow before tucking into some bubbles + brunch.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Drink

Award-winning wines shipped right to your door
A person holds a box that says "Wine Insiders" and a few bottles of wine.
Wine Insiders makes wine shopping easy, convenient, and affordable. | Photo by Wine Insiders
Thanks to Wine Insiders, treating yourself to a great bottle of wine after a long day doesn’t take a trip to the store.

Shop 40 varietals from 15 top wine regions around the world on Wine Insiders without any commitment — unlike online wine clubs, Wine Insiders doesn’t require a membership. Bonus: You’ll skip the retail markups.

Enjoy 40% off your first order at checkout, plus get free shipping on orders of six bottles or more.
Get your first order 40% off
News Notes
Weather
  • A dust cloud from the Sahara Desert is rolling across the Atlantic Ocean on its way to our very own Tampa Bay. You’ll notice hazy skies and bright sunsets from now until early next week — but this yearly occurrence won’t have any serious ill effects, according to meteorologists. (Tampa Bay Times)
Travel
  • The Pinellas Suncoast Tranist Authority is exploring transit options between St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Clearwater Beach thanks to a budget surplus. No public transit currently connects to the airport. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Today Is
  • The last day to sign up for Drink Up Week, our celebration of local beverage business. It’s completely free to sign up, and all you have to do is offer a drink deal the week of Drink Up (July 22-July 28) + you’ll be included in our Drink Up map (and maybe even in our newsletter).
Open
  • Pistil House is now open. The new “flower and wine bar” at 2533 1st Ave. S. in St. Pete also sells Look Alive coffee, nonalcoholic beverages, bites, and beer — which you can enjoy on the homey spot’s front porch.
Development
  • Hillsborough County records shows developer Dr. Kiran Patel secured a $72.5 million loan to fund a mixed-use development on a lot earmarked for Tampa’s Encore District. The 20-story tower would house 294 apartments, plus office + retail space. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Feel Good
Drink
  • Popular TBAY coffee shop Bean Bar opened its newest location at 11406 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood — now with a drive-thru. Expect the same signature lattes, sandwiches, breakfast bites, smoothies, and fancy chocolate milk. (That’s So Tampa)
Sports
  • It’s been a good week for the Rays so far. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Finance
    • Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
    Eat
    • Looking to dine out this weekend? According to OpenTable, top-loved restaurants this month include Zen Kitchen & Bar for food and Punch Room for ambience.*
     
    Ranked

    🏅 Two medals? That’s just unfair

    Tampa Bay area ranks twice on Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best Things to Do”
    A body of reflective blue-green water surrounded on all sides by trees and thick plantlife.
    Crystal River is the only national wildlife refuge created just for manatees. | Photo by @annemie.travel
    Tripadvisor published its “Best of the Best Things to Do,” and with it its list of the 25 top experiences in the United States. TBAY and the surrounding area made the list — twice.

    Ranking at No. 9 is Get Up and Go Kayaking’s Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour. The ~two-hour tour courses through mangroves and sandbars, while the crystal clear water + kayak gives you a top-down view of the preserve’s diverse marine life. Dolphins, manatees, and roseate spoonbills are all a part of the best outdoor activity in the world, according to the site.

    You may recognize No. 25 from TBAYtoday’s own guide to 10 day trips around Tampa Bay: a trip to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. (It’s OK Tripadvisor, we’ll share.) Specifically, the three-hour Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tour made the list — and with just a one-hour drive from Tampa, you can make it there and back in time for dinner.
    The Buy

    The Buy 6.28.24 (Affiliate)
    A Prime membership — because Amazon Prime Day is coming Tuesday, July 16 + Wednesday, July 17. You need a membership to be eligible for the sale prices (which are usually pretty great).
     
    The Wrap
     
    Dayten Rose

    Today’s edition by:
    Dayten
    From the editor
    That’s all from me — looks like I’ll be handing it over the professionals. Thanks for hosting me, TBAY.
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