Plus, Busch Gardens is closing a coaster.
 
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Today’s Forecast

92º | 70% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. | Sunset 7:56 p.m.
Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 7:16 a.m. | Low: 3:58 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | Low: 12:29 p.m.
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⏳ Hop in the DeLorean with us

Tampa Bay in the 1940s
A black and white photo of military planes flying over the City of Tampa. There are five planes above a smattering of high rises and the Hillsborough River.
Tampa Bay played a role in World War II. | Photo via USF Digital Commons
History class is back in session. After diving into life in the 1930s in Tampa Bay, we’re ready to look at the next decade. The 1940s began amid the outbreak of what would become the deadliest conflict in global history, and ended with renewed vigor + hope for the future.

We’re telling the decade’s story through one event from each year:

1940: The Tampa Shipbuilding Company built its first ship, MS Sea Witch. The US military used the ship throughout World War II, and it sailed across the globe to places like Sri Lanka, Australia, several Pacific Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

1941: MacDill Air Force Base — then known as MacDill Army Air Base — was activated in April 1941, eight months before the US entered the war. Up to 15,000 troops at a time were stationed at the base during the conflict.

1942: The military chose to open an official Basic Training Center in downtown St. Pete which was used to train those heading to the battlefield. The Vinoy Hotel housed participants as they prepared for battle.

A black and white photo of a ship being launched in Tampa during WWII. Crowds are gathered on the dock and the huge ship is generating turbulent waters as it moves away from land.

Several wartime ships were built in Tampa in the 1940s.

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Photo via USF Digital Commons

1943: Curtis Hixon — of Riverfront Park fame — was elected mayor of Tampa, defeating Robert E. Lee Chancey. Chancey served in the role for 12 years and steered the city through the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

1944: One pink palace wasn’t enough, apparently. The Don CeSar, already in use as a wartime hospital, transformed into a convalescent center. That means healthcare staff cared for soldiers who would likely fully recover and return to Europe after some Gulf of Mexico-infused recovery + treatment.

1945: Popular local doctor Frank Adamo returned to Tampa in April after being taken prisoner by Japanese forces three years prior. Adamo’s popularity stemmed from his efforts as a wartime doctor, and his return sparked a “Frank Adamo Day” celebration on April 27. The war ended 128 days later.
What happened after the war?
Strategic Property Partners
 
Events
Monday, Aug. 26
  • Diplomatico Tasting and Blending Event | Monday, Aug. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Grand Cathedral Cigars, Tampa | $105 | Combine tradition with luxury as you sample rum, cigars, and tapas dishes.
  • CatVideoFest 2024 | Monday, Aug. 26 + Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $10-$12 | It’s what the internet was truly made for — watching the best, funniest, and cutest cat videos.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
  • Lifelong Learning Series: History Hangout | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 3-4 p.m. | The James Museum | $0-$10 | This month’s focus is the Battle of the Little Bighorn, led by Ernest Gendron, the museum’s manager of adult programs.
  • Irish Dancing Open House | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 4:30-5 p.m. | Studio@620, St. Pete | Free | Learn to jig and step at this free session — beginners are encouraged.
  • Charley Crockett | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 8 p.m. | Jannus Live | $70+ | The blues and country star brings his talents to the Burg’s hip outdoor venue.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
  • “Skyway 2024" Opening Celebration | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 5-8 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art | $35-$45 | Celebrate the museum’s new exhibition with artist talks, a panel discussion, and local eats.
  • Movie on the Lawn: “Bend it like Beckham” | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 8 p.m. | Armature Works | $0-$10 | Catch the iconic flick accompanied by the Hillsborough River’s gentle lapping — bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • There’s an update to the proposal to raise a historic Davis Islands property by at least seven ft. Tampa City Council rejected the idea, with officials highlighting neighbors’ objections. The owner said they are considering steps forward. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
  • $3 million. That’s how much The Mosaic Co. donated to the Florida Aquarium for its ongoing expansion project. Mosaic will sponsor the aquarium’s upcoming sea lion exhibit, which is part of the facility’s ongoing $45 million transformation. Pacific puffins are also on their way. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Closing
  • A beloved Busch Gardens coaster is closing. Scorpion will soar for the last time on Monday, Sept. 2 after thrilling parkgoers for over 44 years. What will replace it? When we know, you’ll know. (That’s So Tampa)
Arts
  • A new exhibit is open at The James Museum in St. Pete. “Icons and Symbols of the Borderland” showcases work by dozens of artists depicting life near the US-Mexico border. Get tickets. (WFLA)
Today Is
  • National Dog Day, a chance to celebrate our furry friends and an excuse to spoil them. The day is also used to raise awareness about adopting pups from shelters. There are several rescues in the Tampa Bay area where your fur-ever dog could be waiting.
Biz
  • The Tampa Bay Times is looking for the area’s best workplaces. Nominations for the paper’s annual Top Workplaces list are open through Friday, Sept. 20. Whether you work at a nonprofit, large corporation, or small business, submissions are open. (Tampa Bay Times)
Watch
  • Have you been to The Lucky Duck Shop in St. Pete yet? The spot just opened at 2226 Central Ave., and has 100+ different rubber ducks for sale. We checked it out.
Listen
  • There’s less than two weeks until the first game of the NFL season. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Finance
    • Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*
     
    Outdoors

    Cue Charles Bradley

    What changes are proposed for Tampa Bay’s state parks?
    A wooden swinging bench at Honeymoon Island State Park. The structure is in the sand, with tufts of grass scattered about, and faces still Gulf of Mexico waters. The white sand contrasts the rich blue water and light blue cloudless sky.
    Honeymoon Island is a popular beach day spot. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
    Sunshine State officials are considering a recent proposal to make changes at nine of Florida’s state parks, including two in the Tampa Bay area. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to add golf courses, disc golf courses, lodging, glamping sites, and pickleball courts.

    At Honeymoon Island State Park, officials are considering the addition of up to four pickleball courts. The plan is the same for Hillsborough River State Park, but a disc golf course is also in the works.

    Lawmakers were meant to meet across the Sunshine State tomorrow, Aug. 27 to further discuss the proposal, with the public invited to comment. Those meetings were postponed late last week.
    Asked

    What do you think of the proposal to develop Florida’s state parks?
    A. I’m a fan
    B. I’m opposed
    C. I’m not sure
    Share your thoughts
    The Buy

    The Buy 8.26.24 (Affiliate)
    An Amazon Essentials men’s long-sleeve poplin shirt, currently 55% off for Labor Day. Stock up on this wardrobe basic in classic patterns and colors (think: French blue, washed black, and blue-white checked).
    Shop Amazon's Labor Day sale
     
    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    Happy Monday, TBAY. Just a quick note from your friendly neighborhood city editor that the typical peak of hurricane season is 15 days away. It’s never too late to prepare.
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