How to get involved

• The City Council Citizens Advisory Budget And Finance Committee meets tomorrow, Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Sister Cities Room at Old City Hall. Attendees are welcome to sign up for public comment.
• There’s another public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5:01 p.m. at Old City Hall, and it’s also being streamed online. A note: Make sure to submit your request for public comment before heading to the meeting.

Need a refresher on what’s included?

• $405.7 million for work on capital improvement projects across the city, from renovations to historic buildings to new field lighting.
• ~$17.2 million is included for Neighborhood and Community Affairs — the unit that ensures your block runs smoothly.
• $7.3 million on its Stormwater capital improvement program. Of that, $3.8 million would be spent on the South Howard Flood Relief and Streetscape Project + $1.5 million would be used for the Citywide Watershed Master Plan.
• $49 million for the city’s Parking Division, with ~$9.8 million earmarked for improvements and upgrades. Take that, potholes.

• “Per” | Thursday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | LAB Theater Project, Tampa | $31 | It’s the opening weekend of the play by Donald Loftus which follows a man haunted by ghosts in an asylum.

• Science After Dark | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Tampa | $20+ | Experience a little “Science in Motion” with hands-on activities, demos, beer and wine, appetizers, and liquid nitrogen ice cream — 18+ only.
• The Black Honkeys + The Stone City | Friday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m. | Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | $10+ | Take in some top-notch tunes from the local, soulful band + The Stone City at the laid-back venue.

• Fall Plant Sale Pop-Up | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Urban Roots Garden Supply, Tampa | Free entry | Hunt for rare plants like Venus flytraps and butterworts, plus enjoy deals on the garden shop’s wares.
• “How To Train Your Dragon” In Concert | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 2 p.m., 7 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg | $23+ | Watch the iconic Dreamworks film in 3D with its award-winning score performed live by The Florida Orchestra.
• Pilates, Tailgate & Rowdies Tickets | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 4:30-8:30 p.m. | Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg | $71 | Now’s your chance to join a Pilates sweat sesh right on the Rowdies’ field, then tailgate before the night’s match.
• Luke Bryan | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 7 p.m. | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre | $74+ | The country sensation brings his “Mind of a Country Boy Tour” to the outdoor venue.

• Construction will continue on the Sundial’s revamp. A judge recently ruled that owners can continue the renovation project — which includes a new courtyard bar and community gathering space. The project is set to open Oct. 17. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• TBAY’s beloved ice cream brand is celebrating five years of the chillest flavors. Head to one of Chill Bros.’ five locations today for half-off scoops all day. We recommend the Bee’s Knees.

• South Tampa’s cookie dough scene is heating up — figuratively. Cookie Dough Bliss & Creamery opens Thursday, Sept. 26 at 3409 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. The hot-pink hued shop will serve up 20+ varieties of edible cookie dough and host a milkshake bar. (That’s So Tampa)

• We know exactly when this storm is rolling in. Stormrunners, Gulfport’s new bar + restaurant in the former Caddy’s location, opens Wednesday, Sept. 25. And to celebrate, the new spot is choosing three folks to win an exclusive tasting of the new menu.

• Welcome to Clutch City Cluckers. The Nashville hot chicken-serving food truck will set up shop on Friday, Sept. 27 at 2315 E. Fletcher Ave. Stop by the grand opening from 5 to 8 p.m. for a free sandwich, and then 50% off the entire menu after 8 p.m. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

• We have some good news for Florida’s corals. Mote Marine Laboratory just successfully bred smooth flower coral, a breed that is traditionally hard to create in captivity. Researchers plan to bring these corals to South Florida’s reefs, which should create more temperature-resilient offspring. (WUSF News)

• Author Kristen Hare digs into some local lore in her latest book, “Hotels, Motels & Inns of Florida: Historic and Beloved Places to Stay in the Sunshine State.” Spoiler: St. Pete’s The Crystal Bay Hotel might have hosted some famous guests. Speaking of TBAY factoids, here’s our must-read. (Tampa Bay Times)

• This Dunedin course is transporting you to the home of golf... kinda. The Highland House at Dunedin Golf Club opens on Nov. 1, serving upscale American eats. The restaurant is part of the historic club’s multi-million dollar renovation, and will also serve as event space for weddings and other gatherings.

• It’s time to breakdown the mixed performance of the Bucs’ offensive line. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
  

• Balance transfer cards: One of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt. This card gives you almost two years to pay off your existing balance, sans interest — plus, that sweet, sweet cash back.*

• You can advertise in this newsletter with no long-term commitment or contract. Your message could be right here in as little as two days. Secure your spot.

• Pirate’s Bounty: Like the beloved snack, you won’t be be able to get enough of this blend of Dr. Pepper, Nerds, half n’ half, and cherry.
• Rum and Coke: Like your favorite Gaspy cocktail, but skip the alcohol and add vanilla, clove, and coconut to Coke.
• The Creamsicle: A true ode to Florida’s citrus groves, this blend would feature Fanta, a touch of Sprite, and a good dollop of cream. Talk about summertime magic.