Plus, layoffs at the Tampa Bay Times.
 
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92º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. | Sunset 8:13 p.m.
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🍏 How to have a “brat summer” in Tampa Bay

What’s a “brat summer” and how do I have one?
A screenshot of a "brat" generated image, akin to Charli XCX's green "brat" artwork. The words say "Tampa Bay" in lower case black letters.
Slime green is the new black. | Screenshot via Brat Generator
Slime green word salad. Viral TikTok dances. McLain’s brat-cha. Your Gen Z + Millennial relatives calling you “so brat.”

It’s been a “brat summer” whether you knew it or not, so we’re here to explain what it means and how to get in on the fun before flannels and pumpkin spice lattes take over in a few months.

Released on June 7, British singer Charli XCX’s album “brat” debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts. Its 15 tracks examine existential topics like womanhood, family, and insecurity — all with an electric veneer of dance pop partying. In essence, to be a “brat” is to be yourself, flaws and all, while still having fun.

Now that you’re caught up on the lingo, here are three spots to live out your very own “brat summer” in the Tampa Bay area:

Wendy’s Closet on Central | Grand Central District, St. Pete
Part of “brat summer” is dressing the part. Think: sporty sunglasses (even inside), cropped graphic tees, Von Dutch hats, and neon green threads. Lucky for you, Tampa Bay is full to the brim of thrift stores, flea markets, and resale options.

Lowry Parcade | Lowry Park, Tampa
This quirky bar combines retro arcade games with a selection of local craft beers, ciders, and wines. Unleash your inner brat at Nerdy-Oke (aka karaoke) hosted on Thursdays. There’s no shortage of karaoke spots in TBAY.

Keel Farms | Plant City
Apple-picking options are sparse in the Tampa Bay area, but strawberries + blueberries are up for grabs at local U-Pick farms. Make it “brat” by practicing the viral “Apple” TikTok dance when you go.

Need us to put another pop culture phenomenon in TBAY terms? Drop us a line and we’ll share our findings in a future newsletter. Bye, bye, brats.
Asked

What does “so Julia” mean?
Test out your Gen Z lingo knowledge by matching trending terms with their definitions.
You got this
 
Events
Thursday, Aug. 8
  • Opening Reception for “Tutu Tango: A Photographic Ballet in Four Acts” | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 5-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts | $0-$12 | Celebrate the museum’s newest exhibition with light bites, an award-winning short film, and artist talks.
  • The SoundBar | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wild Roots, St. Petersburg | $35 | Join Christina the Lightworker for a meditative sound experience centered on grounding + spiritual healing.
Friday, Aug. 9
  • Genealogy: Finding Female Ancestors | Friday, Aug. 9 | 3-4 p.m. | Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, Tampa | Free | Learn how to track your female ancestral history at this genealogy course.
  • 2024 Bolts Brew Fest | Friday, Aug. 9 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $35-$120 | Sip local and national brews at the seventh annual Tampa Bay Lightning-hosted event.
Saturday, Aug. 10
  • Sandbag Second Saturday | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Pavement and Traffic Operations Building, St. Petersburg | Free | Get prepped for the next storm with up to 10 free sandbags as hurricane season continues.
  • Self-Defense: Mastering Restraint & Compliance Techniques | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | MA Fitness Kickboxing, St. Petersburg | $105+ | Learn non-aggressive conflict resolution techniques led by self-defense experts.
  • August Free Saturday | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum | Free | Explore the museum free of charge on the second Saturday of each month.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Community
  • The Tampa Bay Times plans to cut 20% of its payroll amid ongoing financial strain. The paper’s 270 staff members have the option to take payouts, maxing out at 12 weeks pay, and have until Friday, Aug. 16 to accept. Layoffs will follow if saving targets are not met. (Tampa Bay Times)
Concert
  • Ms. Lauryn Hill & the Fugees are no longer performing in Tampa tomorrow. In fact, their entire tour was canceled days before its Cigar City kick-off. Those with tickets are eligible for refunds. (WFLA)
Opening
  • Reservations open tomorrow, Aug. 9 for Beach Drive’s newest restaurant. Juno & the Peacock will host a ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 23, after which diners will have a range of modern American coastal cuisine to choose from, and cocktail options at the adjoining Pluma lounge. (I Love the Burg)
Coming Soon
  • A new Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar is coming to St. Pete Beach. No View Bar will open at 6708 Gulf Blvd. in September, sharing the kitchen and dining space with Grillin’ N Chillin’. The spot will serve beer, wine, and specialize in fresh seafood bites. (St. Pete Rising)
Development
  • In more St. Pete Beach news, The Hotel Zamora is getting a $7.5 million makeover. Owners hope the renovation project will turn the boutique hotel into a four-star luxury spot. There are upgrades planned for the lobby, pool bar, pool deck, and fitness center. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Biz
  • Ciccio Restaurant Group just sold its Tampa headquarters for $3 million. The group operates popular TBAY spots like Cali, Taco Dirty, Fresh Kitchen, and fitness studio CAMP. CEO Tyler Azzarelli says the Cigar City is still the company’s base. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Weather
  • A St. Pete doctor didn’t let Debby stop her from saving lives. Dr. Meghan Martin lives in the oft-flooded Shore Acres neighborhood, and spoke to reporters about her unusual commute earlier this week, which she made via paddle board. (WTSP)
Olympics
  • Tampa’s own Erriyon Knighton is going for the gold in the men’s 200-meter race at 2:30 p.m. today. Keep up with all the Paris 2024 action with our friends at 10 Tampa Bay.
Watch
  • A news helicopter captured footage of flooding + damage across the Tampa Bay area following Debby. Some parts of Pinellas County received over a foot of rainfall, including Pinellas Park where 14+ inches fell. (WTSP)
Sports
  • Get ready for the Bucs’ preseason. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Travel
    • Psst. Want to fly out of Tampa International for less? It’s Going’s annual birthday sale — get 40% off a Premium membership and get notified about amazing flight deals all year long (like $166 to Cancun).*
     
    Active

    Paddle up

    Grab a paddle for National Pickleball Day in Tampa Bay
    Two people playing Pickleball at an outdoor court.
    Tampa Pickleball Crew’s indoor facility opened last year. | Photo via Tampa Pickleball Crew
    Earlier in 2024, pickleball was named the fastest growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association for the third year in a row. In honor of National Pickleball Day today, we’re roundup up a few of the ways to play in the Tampa Bay area.
    • The City of Tampa has courts at several of its parks, including Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, MacFarlane Park, and Vila Brothers Park.
    • St. Pete has similar offerings around the city, with Crescent Lake a popular choice for many locals.
    • Tampa Pickleball Crew’s indoor facility opened in 2023, with lessons + sessions available for players of all skill levels in Ybor City. Did we mention it’s air-conditioned?
    Don’t know where to begin? Lean on our community. The Tampa Bay Pickleball Facebook group is full of locals offering advice, and trying to find playing partners.
    Our full pickleball guide
    The Buy

    The Buy 8.08.24 (Affiliate)
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    More worth The Buy
    Answered

    We asked if your power went out during Debby

    A downed tree following Hurricane Debby. A car is under its leaves, and a huge trunk lies horizontal across a road. Greenery is strewn across the road.

    Crews are working to repair damage across TBAY.

    |

    Photo via City of St. Petersburg

    And around 80% of you said the lights went out during the storm. We sincerely hope you, your loved ones, and your possessions are safe after Debby rolled through. The Tampa Bay area will bounce back, as it always does, despite the damage.

    As always, our hurricane guide is a great resource to prepare for any future disasters.
     
    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    As a local journalist, the Tampa Bay Times news hit me like a ton of bricks. While I understand the economic reasons behind local media layoffs, it still makes me sad.

    I’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your readership and support. Without you, we would not be able to write stories about the place we love. This is the best job I have ever had, and it is a privilege to write for you all.
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