It’s hot, Tampa Bay. Maybe too hot. Luckily for us, our home is full of glorious waterways, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico, meaning there’s more than one way to cool off.
And of course our vibrant bar scene is included, where cabanas, deckchairs, and private pools await. Here are some of our faves:
The Don CeSar | 3400 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach
The historic pink palace’s job is just... beach (and pool). Barbie’s greatest envy offers day passes, where the poolside hangout sits within earshot of the Gulf’s gently lapping waves.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street | 510 Water St., Tampa
Enjoy sixth-story views from a poolside deckchair + or cabana — available for purchase. Sunsets, cocktails, and multiple dining options are all on the menu for a luxurious day by the pool.
The Tampa EDITION is the Tampa Bay area’s only five-star hotel. | Photo by Dynamite Travel
Seminole Hard Rock’s Pool Bar & Grill | 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa
The hotel + casino’s pool area boasts casual dining options and signature cocktails. Pro tip: Keep your eye on the events calendar — artists like 50 Cent and Steve Aoki recently performed at the venue.
Hollander Hotel | 421 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Spend a St. Pete afternoon at the boutique spot’s pool — open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. There’s no cover charge, plus there’s DJs, and food + drink options galore.
Tampa EDITION’s Pool Bar | 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Soak in panoramic views of downtown Tampa before soaking in the five-star hotel’s rooftop pool. The party arrives on the weekends — with DJs spinning tunes into the night.
Open Mic Poetry Night | Tuesday, July 23 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $5 | Join Michelle Klettke for a night of vivid verse and literary appreciation.
Bridgerton Trivia | Tuesday, July 23 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Dearest gentle reader, test your knowledge of the ‘ton in this themed trivia night — dining reservations required.
Mario Kart Tournament | Tuesday, July 23 | 7-10 p.m. | The Neon Lunchbox, 1756 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $20 | Challenge your friends with a round of the classic Nintendo game at the retro bar.
Wednesday, July 24
Yin Restore | Wednesday, July 24 | 12 p.m. | Bionic Bloom, 146 2nd St. N., Ste. 101, St. Petersburg | $5 | Spend a soothing hump day with some self care at this yoga flow — featuring breathwork + meditation.
“The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” | Wednesday, July 24 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Join fellow sci-fi book lovers to discuss the story of Rosemary Harper and her voyage to the far reaches of the galaxy.
Thursday, July 25
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp | Thursday, July 25 | 8:30 a.m. | AdventHealth Training Center, 1 Buccaneer Pl., Tampa | $10 | Get a first look at the Bucs ahead of the 2024 season at this open practice session.
Artist Talk by Chip Weiner for “Photo Ybor: Then and Now” | Thursday, July 25 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | Free | Learn about Wiener’s process of recreating photos of Ybor’s past at the gallery’s newest exhibit.
Pinellas Paint for a Cause | Thursday, July 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $43 | Unleash your artistic side by creating a Tampa skyline through a paw-shaped window — benefiting Safe Paws Animal Rescue.
Boyz II Men is coming to Tampa later this year. The storied vocal group will play the Hard Rock Tampa Event Center on Thursday, Oct. 3. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 26.
Community
The City of Treasure Island is changing parking regulations by Sunset Beach. Free street parking is ending and will cost $5 per hour starting Monday, July 29. Pro tip: Nearby city lots cost $3.75 an hour. (WFTS)
Sports
Single-game Tampa Bay Sun FC tickets are now up for grabs. Tampa’s first professional women’s soccer team makes their debut on Sunday, August 18, and tickets start at $29.
Shop
St. Pete plant lovers rejoice. Indie Flea’s Plant and Garden Show returns to the Morean Arts Center later this year. On Sunday, Sept. 8, shoppers can spruce up their yards with plants, flowers, and gardening equipment from 12 to 4 p.m. (I Love the Burg)
Real Estate
How about a pool bar of your own? Former Bucs star Ryan Jensen is selling his Davis Islands home. Jensen retired earlier this year, and is looking for $3.2 million for the ~4,600-sqft, five bed, five bath, property at 614 Luzon Ave. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Drink Up
Thirsty? Well (or top-shelf), the wait is over — Drink Up Week has arrived. We’re celebrating our area’svibrant beverage culture through Friday, July 26 with buzzy deals from local businesses including Pups Pub + LALA St. Pete. Find a deal + toast to Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurs, mixologists, venues, and drinks.
Feel Good
A local World War II Navy veteran celebrated his 106th birthday this past weekend. Glenwood Myers marked the occasion alongside five generations of his family at his Largo home. (Fox 13)
Listen
Isaac Paredes has been impressing for the Rays. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
This hearing device is not for everyone… because not everyone wants to talk to other people. (We’re sometimes in our introvert era, too.) But if you do want to have clear conversations, meet the first hearing aid designed with conversation in mind. Bonus: It’s so small, it’s basically unnoticeable.*
Outdoors
Hulk needs friends
Tampa’s Green Team is looking for new members
Tampa’s Green Team launched in 2023. | Photo by City of Tampa
The City of Tampa is looking for a new crop of environmental heroes to join its Green Team. Since launching last year, the environmental stewardship program has racked up quite the resume, removing 34,000+ lbs of litter from the city, planting 1,200+ trees, and educating local kids.
The full-time roles run from August 19, 2024 to July 31, 2025.
Members will receive a monthly living stipend of $2,125, and a further $6,850 educational award at the end of the year.
Other benefits include student loan assistance, health care coverage, professional development, and plenty of exercise.
Act fast: The application deadline is later this week on Thursday, July 25 at 5 p.m.
The Buy
The Buy 7.23.24 (Affiliate)
Ranger Ready’s tick and insect repellent. Rated 4.5 stars, the spray-on repellent comes with one spray to use on clothes monthly and one spray for daily use. Psst — Use code “20JULYREADY” at checkout for 20% off.
Last week, we asked what you think of the Rays’ stadium plans
The Rays are staying in TBAY. | Rendering via Tampa Bay Rays
St. Pete City Council approved plans to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District late last week, finally giving the green light to the decades-discussed Rays stadium.
When we asked for your thoughts, 55% of you said you love the idea. Further down, 23% of you are against the plans, and 22% would like more time to make up their mind.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.