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93º | 40% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:45 a.m. | Sunset 8:26 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 12:18 p.m. | Low: 8:56 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 9:18 a.m. | Low: 5:13 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

Hey, soul sisters

Here’s what cities our readers think are most similar to Tampa
Drone shot of Tampa skyline at dusk.
Take a whiff of the Tampa skyline at night. | Photo by @nickkrincon
Last week, we shared the cities AI thinks are most similar to our beloved Tampa. But come on, who knows the Cigar City better than its residents?

We asked for your picks in the newsletter + on social — now let’s dig in. Spoiler: There was some overlap.

San Diego

Multiple folks wrote in to suggest “America’s Finest City” — a nickname which definitely works for Tampa too. And it makes a whole lotta sense, when you consider that both places share a beachy vibe, amazing food scenes, sunny weather, and a reputation as tourism hot spots.

The Skyline of San Diego looking out from Coronado Island.

You’re telling me that’s the San Diego skyline, not Tampa?

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Gold Coast of Australia

You might recall that AI suggested this sunny locale too. Though Australia is thousands of miles away, the Glitter Strip bears an uncanny resemblance to Tampa. City Editor Patrick agrees, citing the areas’ beachfront locations, theme parks, good food, and great weather.

Denver

While they might have the Rockies and we have the Gulf, folks in both Denver and Tampa have an immense appreciation for the outdoors and being active. The cities also share a deep love of breweries, boast a range of pro sports teams with passionate fan bases (hey, Bucs + Broncos fans).

The skyline of Denver is bookended with trees and the mountains.

Swap the trees for palms and the mountains for the sea, and Denver looks pretty similar to Tampa.

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

St. Pete

More than one reader wrote in to suggest the Sunshine City. Separated only by a traffic-heavy drive across the Gandy or the Howard Frankland, the Burg and the Big Guava actually have quite a bit in common (though some residents are passionately for one or the other). Both cities rank highly for pet friendliness, recreation offerings, are home to beloved sports teams, and of course, share our pristine waters.

Miami

Tampa’s southern neighbor was also suggested by both AI and our readers. And we understand why. Miami is also located right on the water, is home to a booming economy and tons of Cuban culture, and of course, boasts a lineup of pro sports that few cities can beat.
Asked

Which city do you think best fits the bill?

A. San Diego, duh
B. It has to be the Burg
C. The Gold Coast, no doubt
D. All signs are pointing to Denver
Choose your character
 
Events
Thursday, July 18
  • Christmas In July | Thursday, July 18-Saturday, July 27 | Times vary | Joy Bar, 6905 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa | Free | Celebrate Christmas in July with a comedy night, plus $4 Christmas themed shots and $1.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon from 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday, July 19
  • Cozy & Chic: An Indoor Market Experience | Friday, July 19 | 5-9 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | St. Pete’s newest indoor shopping experience boasts a curated selection of home goods, plants, and decor.
  • New Kids On The Block | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 US 301 N., Tampa | $24+ | Take in the legendary boy band’s hits on their “Magic Summer Tour.”
  • “Widow Clicquot” | Friday, July 19-Thursday, July 25 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | Catch a showing of 2024 film, following the life of the “Grande Dame of Champagne” in France during the Napoleonic Wars.
Saturday, July 20
  • KPB Gandy Beach Cleanup Monthly Series | Saturday, July 20 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Gandy Beach, 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., Tampa | Free | Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful to assist with a shoreline and mangrove cleanup — make sure to register.
  • The James Museum’s First Annual Wedding Expo | Saturday, July 20 | 5-9 p.m. | The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $20-$50 | Find the florist, photographer, or caterer of your dreams while exploring the galleries — get VIP tickets for early access, a FaceTime with the vendors, and a champagne toast.
Sunday, July 21
  • 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival | Sunday, July 21 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Spa Beach Park, 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | Free | Celebrate National Ice Cream Day by picking up a scoop from 25+ vendors, enjoying music and activities, and voting in the “Best Ice Cream” awards.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Open
  • The new South Tampa Kahwa is open for business, and ready to be added to your morning routine. Stop by the 4530 W. Gandy Blvd. location for some hot coffee, chai, or one of the TBAY brand’s pastries. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Seasonal
  • Tonight is the final event of Water Street Tampa’s Sunset Series. The theme? Rhythm of the World. The party takes over the hopping neighborhood from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop by for line dancing, salsa classes, a second line parade, a special set at Alter Ego, and street food.
Listen
  • Embrace another kind of heat this weekend. St. Pete’s Cage Brewing is bringing back Heat Fest tomorrow, July 19 through Sunday, July 21, featuring tunes from 20 bands. Expect folk, punk, indie rock, psychedelic, and jam acts at the free event. (I Love the Burg)
Coming Soon
  • Bring on the boat drinks. Stormrunners Tavern is nearing opening in the former Caddy’s Gulfport location. In addition to prime Boca Ciega Bay views, the location will also house a rooftop bar + outdoor tiki bar. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Aug. 24. (I Love the Burg)
Watch
  • Didn’t make it out to Janet Jackson’s Tampa show? The audience scored a pretty great experience, complete with an incredible summer sunset. Take a peek.
Announced
  • Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz — of massive stuffed grilled cheese fame — recently shut down its St. Pete Beach food truck after closing its downtown St. Pete location earlier this year. Owner Robert Hesse plans to open a new concept in South Tampa. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Sports
  • It’s time to dig into the Rays’ draft picks. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
     
    Weather

    Tampa is getting prepped for the heat

    Taking a peek at Tampa’s new heat resilience playbook
    Bayshore Boulevard has clouds above it. The water is blue and we are looking south along the sidewalk.
    That’s a lot of gravy. | Photo by TBAYtoday
    It’s not just you, these Tampa Bay summers are getting steamier and steamier every year. In fact, last July was the hottest July ever recorded in Tampa — with an average high temperature of 93.3°.

    That’s why the City of Tampa is rolling out its first Heat Resilience Playbook this week. The guide details plans for policies, projects, and programs to keep vulnerable communities safe from the heat.

    Researchers at the University of South Florida + Resilient Cities Catalyst worked with the city to create the playbook — which hones in primarily on East Tampa — and outlines 18 key steps to increase access to places of refuge, including heat resistance in projects, and improvements to the tree canopy.

    “The dangerously high temperatures we are experiencing make heat resilience one of our most urgent matters,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Tampa’s first Heat Resilience Playbook will be a great resource as we enhance our strategy to provide long-lasting, as well as immediate, relief, particularly within our most vulnerable communities.”
    The Buy

    The Buy 7.18.24 (Affiliate)
    Dreo’s oscillating tower fan for your bedroom, which is ultra-quiet, circulates cool air, and is still on sale for Prime Day.
    More worth The Buy
    Answered

    Last week we asked, “Have you ever traveled to Congaree National Park?”
    Dense woods in Congaree National Park
    Congaree is home to champion trees. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
    It seems like a summer roadtrip to South Carolina could be in the cards for some of you. About 75% of you said you’ve visited the national park, but the rest of our readers still need to check out the magic. And we’re betting the tallest trees on the east cost of the US will offer some welcome shade. Take a peek at our guide to Congaree — and six other parks — to get planning.
     
    The Wrap
     
    Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

    Today’s edition by:
    Bailey
    From the editor
    I’m getting so amped for our upcoming Drink Up Week — here’s the rundown. Make sure to bookmark your fave local deals + make some plans.
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