Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. We’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line. Bonus points for including the type of device and software/platform you’re reading our newsletter on.
All in the family
Back in 2022, Tampa, Kansas residents made a visit to the Cigar City. | Photo via Tampa International Airport
Our Tampa is the best. Okay, we’re a little biased — but the rankings on dog-friendly cities, most-active places to live, best cities for foodies and so on and so forth kinda prove our point.
But, in the interest of brotherly — or sisterly — hospitality, we’re taking a open-minded look at the other cities across the US that share the Cigar City’s name. We asked AI to compare the cities, now we’re highlighting some key similarities and differences — beyond the name. Here’s what the artificial intelligence program said.
“Both locations have tight-knit communities, though Tampa, Florida, is much larger and more urbanized compared to the smaller, rural Tampa, Kansas.”
“While Tampa, Florida, is known for tourism and a diverse economy, Tampa, Kansas, has a more agricultural focus, but both cities engage in local commerce that supports their residents.”
“Both towns are situated near water bodies — Tampa, Florida, on Tampa Bay, and Tampa, Kansas, near local rivers and lakes.”
“Each Tampa has local events and festivals that reflect their community spirit, though the scale and type of events differ significantly.”
Tampa, Kansas’ skyline is just a little different than ours.
And further out toward the West Coast, there lies another Tampa: Tampa, Colorado. We hate to burst your bubble, but it’s little more than a railway and plains.
So we’re taking a look at the nearest city to see what it could be like —pending some development — and how it compares to the Big Guava:
Keenesburg, Colorado
“Both places have tight-knit communities. Keenesburg is a small town with a rural feel, while Tampa, though larger, has various neighborhoods with strong local identities.”
“Both areas offer outdoor opportunities. Keenesburg has access to rural and agricultural landscapes, while Tampa features parks, waterfronts, and beaches.”
“Both locations have experienced growth and development, though the scale is different. Keenesburg is growing as part of the expanding Denver metropolitan area, while Tampa is a major urban center in Florida.”
“Both towns emphasize family-friendly activities and community events.”
Halloween Craft Night: Floral Pumpkins and Cutie Lanterns | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Daydream Shop & Maker Space, St. Petersburg | $29 | Skip the carving and paint your own pumpkin masterpiece and tissue paper lanterns to display on Halloween.
ARTober | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Seminole Garden Center, Tampa | Free entry | Spend a night under the stars playing cozy fall games, an artisan mocktail bar, a food truck, and creativity guaranteed.
“The Boy Who Loved Batman” | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Nov. 10 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $75+ | Follow the journey of the beloved DC Comics character from the page to Hollywood.
Stand-Up For St. Pete: A Hurricane Relief Comedy Show | Friday, Oct. 18 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg | $31+ | Chuckle your heart out to the antics of Tatiana Frank and Andre Kim — proceeds benefit the We Are St. Pete Fund.
Saturday, Oct. 19
KPB Gandy Beach Cleanup Monthly Series | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 9 a.m. | The Getaway, St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Join fellow residents to clean up one of the area’s popular beaches post storm — make sure to wear closed toe shoes.
The Heights District’s 7th Annual Fall Fest | Saturday, Oct. 19 + Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12-5 p.m. | Armature Works | Free entry | Get in the autumnal spirit at riverfront pumpkin patch with activities like a mini fall market, bounce house, and petting zoo — plus, bring donations for Metropolitan Ministries.
Need help filing for FEMA assistance? Both renters and home owners alike can apply for potential help with rental assistance, home repairs, and more. There’s multiple help centers available or you can apply online.
Weather
Finally, some good news. Forecasters say chances of a storm developing in the Caribbean within the week are falling. But, don’t put the hurricane kit away yet, the season lasts through Saturday, Nov. 30. Almost there.(Tampa Bay Times)
Real Estate
Cleanup is underway at downtown St. Pete’s collapsed tower site. Liberty Equipment is working on removing the 500-ft crane from the Residences at 400 Central construction site that crashed into an adjacent building during Hurricane Milton. Right now, we don’t know how long the process will take. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Number
10,000. That’s how many football fields’ worth of debris Tampa needs to collect post-hurricanes. Every day, 32 solid waste trucks and 23 contracted trucks hit the road to pick up the equivalent of about 18 fields in total. (That’s So Tampa)
Development
Work will soon begin on turning a Sunshine City lumber yard into an affordable housing complex. Owners expect to start the demolition of the 3300 Fairfield Ave. S. site soon, and turn the land into a 264-unit complex. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
There’s few better spots to get in the fall spirit than the hilly, tree-laden historic Roser Park. This year’s Halloween Block Party has been postponed. The party will feature ghost tours led by local historians and ghost investigators, Halloween-y movies like “Monster House,” and a market. (I Love the Burg)
Announced
Hold off on heading to the theater — at least the Palladium. The historic St. Pete venue is closed until Sunday, Oct. 27 for post-hurricanes repairs. In the meantime, take a peek at some of TBAY’s other shows. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Eat
Don’t worry, Taste of Latino is still on. The foodie fest takes over Centennial Park next month after Milton caused it to be postponed. Head to Ybor on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 12 to 6 p.m. for the TOP Latino Chef Contest, live music, a domino tournament, and well-needed merriment. (That’s So Tampa)
Sports
Prep for Monday’s face-off against Baltimore with this Bucs run game breakdown. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Bailey
This fall hasn’t been the best. Talk about an understatement. But we’re still trying to find spots of joy in all the madness. If you have a autumnal snap or two to share, we’d love to see them + potentially share them in the newsletter.