10.25.2024

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86º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:36 a.m. | Sunset 6:50 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:50 a.m. | Low: 5:29 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 6:15 a.m. + 9:42 p.m. | Low: 2:13 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Milton’s pumpkin paradise lost

A pumpkin patch overlooking the Hillsborough River. Pumpkins are scattered on hay, with green chairs ready for photo ops. The Tampa skyline is visible in the distance with cloudy skies overhead.

There’s still time to savor fall. | Photo via Armature Works

Let’s start off with some honesty. Helene and Milton somewhat robbed us of fun this fall. But it’s not too late to soak in all the pumpkin patches, ghoulish delights, and seasonal shopping.

This coming weekend is full of possibilities to make the most of the time granted to us by Mother Nature:

Get in, we’re going shopping

Halloween on Central returns to St. Pete on Sunday, Oct. 27. A total of 22 city blocks will be taken over by a host of vendors, local small businesses, food trucks, costumed characters, and plenty of entertainment. The fun takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. between MLK Street and 31st Street.

Among Hyde Park Village’s leaf-laden streets and winding tree canopy, you can feast your eyes on masterpieces at the 34th Annual Arts Fest. Local artists will be showing off their creations on Saturday, Oct. 26 + Sunday, Oct 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and there’s some free parking lots to choose from too.

A pumpkin in a fish tank at the Florida Aquarium. The pumpkin has a face carved into it and there is coral and other aquatic decorations around the gourd. — There’s something in the water.

Bring the kiddo(s)

Head to the Florida Aquarium for Guppyween, where kids in costume get in for free alongside a paying adult. There, the whole family can enjoy costumed divers, trick-or-treating, and underwater pumpkin carving. Pro tip: There’s a sensory-friendly session on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Tampa Riverwalk is hosting its 8th Annual Trick or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26. There will be 50+ treat stations between Curtis Hixon Park and Waterworks Park, plus a bunch of Halloween activities for costumed kids between 4 and 7 p.m.

And here’s one for the pup parents. Get your furry friend in their best costume for Sparkman Wharf’s Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest. It’s free to enter, and is taking place on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., with registration starting an hour before.

More gourd ideas

Events

Friday, Oct. 25

Asian Mega Night Street Food Market & Music Fest | Friday, Oct. 25 | 5-11:30 p.m. | 855 28th St. S., St. Petersburg | Free entry | A host of local vendors + food trucks are starting the weekend serving up delectable eats in the Burg — parking is $10.
Eerie Evening at the Tampa Bay Hotel | Friday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Oct. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum | $25 | Take in the riverfront landmark awash in period lighting, candles, and artifacts, and meet its friendly ghost.
Sabrina Carpenter | Friday, Oct. 25 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $250+ | The pop sensation is lighting up the Cigar City stage with her “Short n’ Sweet Tour.”

Saturday, Oct. 26

Bootcamp with F45 | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9 a.m. | Armature Works | Free | Start your weekend with a sweat sesh by the Hillsborough River — remember a mat and towel.
Artist Panel: “Skyway 2024" | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete | $17+ | Join a trio of artists who have contributed to the multi-venue Tampa Bay area exhibition.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $43+ | Spend your Saturday night in downtown Tampa with some Bolts action and hopefully another win.
Tampa Booze and Boos Tour | Saturday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Nov. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Bay Brewing Company | $30 | Head to haunted Ybor City bars to down some liquid courage as you learn about the historic neighborhood’s spooky past.

Sunday, Oct. 27

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 1 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium | $55+ | Cheer on the Bucs as they look to get back to winning ways in retro creamsicle jerseys.
A Night at the Museum | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Tampa Bay History Center | $17 | Watch the museum’s exhibits come to life at this seasonal event, featuring games, trick-or-treating, and photo ops with special characters.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Civic

Hundreds of thousands of Tampa Bay area voters have already cast their ballots in the General Elections. Early voting is ongoing throughout TBAY, and we’re here to help you navigate the process. (Bay News 9)

Quoted

“About 800 very large truckloads” of storm debris have been collected by the City of Tampa, according to Mayor Jane Castor. That equates to roughly 150,000 cubic yards recovered by crews across the Cigar City since Hurricane Milton. (WTSP)

Community

Pinellas County is also clearing debris, and has collected ~80,000 cubic yards. Sand is also being cleared as part of the county’s cleanup efforts — around 22,000 cubic yards are accounted for so far. (Bay News 9)

Legacy

USF Head Men’s Basketball Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim passed away yesterday at the age of 43. Abdur-Rahim was battling an undisclosed illness and died from complications during a medical procedure. He spent one year in the role, leading the Bulls to their first-ever regular-season conference title and first-ever top 25 national ranking. (USF)

Opening

We can barley believe it. St. Pete’s stellar brewery scene is hopping up another gear tomorrow, Oct. 26 when Voodoo Brewing Co. opens its doors downtown. The brewpub will serve the brand’s range of craft beers and a full food menu. Pssst: There’s pinball machines upstairs. (St. Pete Rising)

Weather

Speaking of Milton, the crane which slammed into a downtown St. Pete office building during the storm has been removed. It fell during 100+ mph winds from the Residences at 400 Central construction site, and was taken down earlier this week. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Concert

Kelsea Ballerini is returning to Tampa next year. The pop-country singer-songwriter will play Amalie Arena on Saturday, Feb. 22 as part of her 30-stop North American tour. Get dibs on tickets with presale signup.

Announced

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Player-Student Mentoring Program kicks off Monday, Oct. 28. The program is part of the Bucs’ Social Justice Initiative, and will give 100 East Tampa high school athletes support + mentorship from players and staff. (WFLA)

Watch

Warning: Cuteness overload. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay recently took in a herd of guinea pigs, rescued from a hoarding situation. We went to the shelter to take a look for ourselves.

Listen

How do the Bucs recover after losing their two best receivers? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Sports

My name is Jeff

Jeff Vinik celebrating the Lightning's Stanley Cup victory during a boat parade. He is high-fiving fans, wearing beads, holding a water bottle, and smiling along with other Lightning representatives.

Vinik bought the team for an estimated $170 million in 2010. | Photo via WTSP

When Jeff Vinik bought the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2010, few would have believed the story that was about to unfold. Over a decade later, his majority stake is no more.

Vinik undoubtedly revolutionized the Bolts’ fortunes. He took over a team in disarray, with its previous owners running out of money. Since his $170 million purchase, the Lightning have become a premier NHL franchise. Over this time, the Bolts’ crowning achievement was their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021 — an achievement matched only once in the 21st century.

The Vinik Sports Group also controls the lease at Amalie Arena, and has frequently upgraded the venue during Vinik’s tenure, not to mention the owner’s philanthropic efforts across Tampa Bay.

Now, his majority stake in the team will go to Wall Street investors Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz, who will hope to write a similar chapter in Lightning history. However, Vinik will maintain control over the team’s operations until late 2027.

The Buy

An emergency roadside kit. The 90-piece set comes with a LED headlamp, tire repair kit, jumper cables, window breaker and seatbelt cutter, first aid kit, and more.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Patrick

I’m a big fan of our area’s meteorologists. Their stoicism and calm provides so much comfort and information during times of crisis, assuaging fears with years of scientific expertise.

Recently, the esteemed Denis Phillips took to social media to offer his typical measured reassurance as hurricane season continues. I’d recommend following.

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