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Explore Tampa Bay’s most haunted spots
A pumpkin is lit up surrounding by pitch black darkness. Its eyes are triangles and its mouth is jagged and smiling.
You’re not turning me into a latte. | Photo by TBAYtoday
As if it hasn’t been scary enough around here lately. Get the pumpkin carving kit out, Halloween is around the corner. This handy guide will help you feel ghoulish at Tampa Bay’s creepiest spots.

Tampa


The Tampa Theatre | First opened back in 1926, the grand theater’s ghosts will send shivers up your spine. From the man in a fedora seen sitting in seat 308 to the 107-year-old organist who haunts the wings, there are ghost stories aplenty here. See for yourself with a haunted tour.

The Cuban Club | It wouldn’t be Ybor City without a few ghosts. Destroyed by a fire in 1916, the Cuban Club reopened the following year. Keep your eyes peeled for a woman in a misty dress walking down the stairs, and be sure to check if there’s someone sat at the piano when it starts playing. There are tours for those brave enough.

Sulphur Springs Water Tower | Ever seen the water tower while driving down I-275? Several ghosts have been spotted atop the 214-ft structure over the years, including those of a pirate-y persuasion, and it’s a popular site among paranormal investigators.
An old-timey photo of the Tampa Theatre. It is misty and the seats are empty.

Catch a show, or maybe just some chills.

Photo by @tampatheatre

St. Pete


The Don CeSar | It’s easy to get swept up in the charm of the Pink Palace that lines the Gulf of Mexico, but it hasn’t always been a dream house. Thomas Rowe built the Don for his lost lover, Lucinda, back in the 1920s. He never saw her again in this life, but the pair have been spotted holding hands in the courtyard.

The Palladium Theatre | What is it about theaters? Several guests at the Palladium have swapped stories about a woman in red in the stairwell. Not to mention an unexpected visitor in the men’s bathroom.

Did we leave out your favorite haunted haunt? Let us know.

Asked

What’s the scariest place in Tampa Bay?
A. Tampa Theatre
B. Ybor City
C. The Don CeSar hotel
D. The deli line at Publix
Reveal your worst nightmares

Events

Thursday, Oct. 17

  • Art on the House | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 4-8 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art | Free | Escape into a world of exceptional art — any donation accepted for entry.
  • Surreal Nights at the Dalí: Halloween Edition | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | The Dali Museum | $15 | This special edition of the monthly event brings seasonal frights to the museum where tunes + Dalí’s visionary artwork intertwine.
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vegas Golden Knights | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $32+ | The Bolts are looking to continue their hot start to the new season — victory would make it three wins out of three.
  • The Autumn Festival | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel | Free entry | Hit the shops for seasonal fun, live music, a charity pumpkin patch, a farmers market, and plenty of deals.
Friday, Oct. 18

Saturday, Oct. 19

  • Wicked Plants & Creeping Critters | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg | $15 | Explore the creepy side of the botanical world with carnivorous plants and insect insights.
  • International Archaeology Day Lecture: Roman Gladiators | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 2-3 p.m. | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | You’ll be entertained and educated by USF’s Dr. Davide Tanasi at this lecture on all things Roman gladiators.
Calendar events here
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News Notes

Announced
  • Tropicana Field will not be ready in time for Opening Day 2025, according to Tampa Bay Rays officials. The roof sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Milton, and the timeline to fix it is not yet clear. Officials are yet to announce a solution. (Front Office Sports)
Community
  • Need to get rid of sand bags? Pinellas County just opened a drop-off site at Sand Key Park. Residents can stop by from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to drop off used bags. Reminder: Bags that came into contact with floodwaters should be disposed of.
Edu
  • Learn more about disaster preparedness at Pinellas County’s virtual Local Mitigation Strategy workshop tonight. Officials will give tips on how to assess future risks and limit damage to property. Registration is free for the 6-7 p.m. event.
Number
  • 10%. That’s how much stronger Hurricane Milton became due to climate change, according to scientists from World Weather Attribution. Experts say record hot water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico contributed toward Milton’s rapid intensification, leading to stronger winds and extra rain. (WFLA)
Active
  • Two national fitness chains are bringing locations to downtown Tampa. YogaSix and and Jetset Pilates will both open studios in the new AER tower — that’s right by the Straz. Both companies are leasing 1,600+ sqft of space. (Tampa Bay Business Journals)
Closed
  • The doors are closed at Cena, a contemporary Italian restaurant in Tampa’s Channel District. “This summer was the worst summer we’d ever had,” said Ken Stoltenberg, a partner in the restaurant. In addition to economic difficulties, the executive chef’s recent departure contributed to the closure. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Weather
  • Are you chilly this morning? A cold front is impacting our area, bringing temps in the 50s to the Tampa Bay area. And if that’s not cool enough, meteorologists say these sorts of events can reduce our risk of tropical systems. (WSTP)
Opening
  • The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is reopening on Monday, Oct. 21 after sustaining heavy damage in Helene and Milton. CMA has raised over $100,000 since Helene hit, and visiting the facility is one way to help out and have a great day out with the family.
Listen
  • Relive the Bolts’ victorious home opener. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Finance
    • During times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. Here’s how they work (hint: 18 months with 0% interest, plus 2% cash back) and why experts recommend this specific card.*

    The Wrap

    Today’s edition by: Patrick
    So now we know the Trop won’t be ready for Opening Day in 161 days’ time, where will the Rays play?

    The Tampa Bay Times took a deep dive into the options facing the team. Personally, I’d vote for a temporary stint at Steinbrenner Field to bring some Rays ball to Tampa.
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg

    Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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