09.23.2024

Today’s Forecast

⏳ Hot TBAY time machine

Turn back time at these nostalgic activity ideas in Tampa Bay

A seafoam green curved building with a neon red sign reading "Gulfport Casino" is framed with palm trees underneath a light blue and cotton candy sky.

The Gulfport Casino was built in 1906. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Ah, the good old days. Before the distractions and chaos of modern life, a simpler time existed. But what if we told you that those days are still within reach?

Here are some ideas to channel your inner Cher around Tampa Bay.

Get moving

The Gulfport Casino opened in the 1930s and still lives on today, serving the small seaside city as a reminder of days past. But the seafoam green building wasn’t built for blackjack — it primarily hosted dances, and still does today. So grab a date, some friends, or family members for ballroom lessons, Argentine tango sessions, and disco parties.

Remember big hair, 80s tunes, and neon fits? You could wind back the clock with a trip to a skating rink. There are several local ones to choose from, including Tampa’s United Skates of America, where there are adult-only events and options for the whole family. So the kids can see how you used to roll.

Catch a flick

An old newspaper clipping showing the Silver Moon Drive-In's original sign and plot. — This issue of The Exhibitor from Jan. 12, 1949 shows what Silver Moon looked like less than one year after it opened.
|
Photo via Cinema Treasures

Before you needed a reminder to turn off your phone, the movies were an entirely different experience. Some of our readers may remember the heyday of drive-in movie theaters, and some probably feel as if they missed out. However, we’re here to lift your spirits. There are three drive-in theaters in and around the Tampa Bay area:

The Ruskin Family Drive-In has hosted movie lovers since 1952.
In Dade City, Joy-Lan Drive In Theater and Swap Shop still shows flicks.
And a little ways up I-4, Silver Moon has multiple screens. Our friends at LALtoday love this one.

Or, you could head to the historic Tampa Theatre to watch new releases, classic movies, and everything in between.

Nostalgic eats + natural beauty

Asked

When did the City of Tampa’s population surpass 300,000 people?

Here’s a hint: Today’s population is ~400,000.

A. 1980s
B. 1990s
C. 2000s
D. 2010s

Take a guess

Events

Monday, Sept. 23

Chillable Red Wines | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Thrive DTSP, St. Petersburg | $49 | Learn about wine and sip away at this interactive class designed for vino enthusiasts.
Aerobics Mondays | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa | Free with registration | Get your week started with a full-body workout to counter those Monday blues.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Ageless Grace Exercise Class | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 9:30 a.m. | Sunshine Senior Center, St. Petersburg | Free | Improve strength and balance to reduce your risk of falling during Falls Prevention Week.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $17+ | Bring the thunder for the Bolts’ first preseason game ahead of the 2024-2025 NHL season.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Travel Photography Workshop | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 5-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts | $82 | This two-hour presentation-style workshop will help you bring your vacation and travel adventures to life.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Hillsborough County officials voted late last week to cut $8 million from next year’s affordable housing budget. The money is being used for projects like sidewalk and resurfacing and Veterans Memorial Park improvements. (WFLA)

Environment

“It’s a serious infrastructure problem that has a lot of cost associated with it,” said Dr. Gary Mitchum, associate dean of the College of Marine Science at USF. Mitchum was talking about the potential of increased flooding on St. Pete amid the city’s ongoing search for solutions. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Development

An entity linked to Tampa’s Eisenhower Property Group spent $15.1 million on ~398 acres near the Hillsborough-Pasco line. The land will be used for the vast incoming Two Rivers community with almost 6,000 homes and copious office, retail, and commercial spaces. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Real Estate

A 1928 home built by renowned St. Pete artist Mark Dodd has hit the market. The $1.85 million Historic Old Northeast spot retains its charm, with Mediterranean tile flooring, high-beamed ceilings, and an outdoor fireplace. Included? An original Dodd painting. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Trending

Remember our Moo Deng piece last week? Well, we took to Instagram to hypothesize on how the famed viral sensation would fare in Tampa Bay.

Listen

Let’s get ready for preseason hockey. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Job

Lyft’s Women+ Connect empowers women and nonbinary drivers. New drivers (of any gender) earn a $400 bonus for 40 rides in seven days. Terms apply.*

Development

Let’s crunch some numbers

The numbers behind the new Howard Frankland Bridge

A shot from up high of the Howard Frankland Bridge project. The Bay water is reflecting sunlight, while cars drive along the existing bridge. An incomplete structure spans left to right as crews work on the bridge. The Tampa skyline and South Tampa are in the distance on a bright sunny day.

The bridge is named after the 20th century entrepreneur and philanthropist. | Photo via FDOT

With all the traffic along the Howard Frankland Bridge, it’s easy to take in the sights. Mangroves, tranquil Tampa Bay waters, dolphins, and heavy construction machinery.

ICYMI: The Florida Department of Transportation is replacing the old bridge with a new one, and says construction is 90% complete. Let’s look at the numbers around the project, set to open next spring.

The new bridge will have eight lanes: four for normal traffic, and four express lanes. A parallel bicycle/pedestrian pathway is also under construction.
Work initially began in fall 2020, meaning we’re up to four years of construction.
And it ain’t cheap. With a cost of at least $865 million, it’s FDOT’s most expensive bridge project ever.
Officials hope it will better cut down traffic for the ~250,000 drivers who use the road to cross between Hillsborough and Pinellas county every single day. The bridge will be 168 ft wide — the widest in Florida.
And shoutout to the 300+ workers.

The Buy

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This suede leather car coat — it’s the perfect fall transition piece as we head into the new season.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

Let’s hear it for Tampa Bay’s meteorologists. Without them, hurricane season would be far more daunting than it already is.

This quirky Tampa Bay Times opinion piece serves as a reminder of why we should be grateful for their stoicism, insights, and calm demeanor.

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