11.01.2024

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87º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:41 a.m. | Sunset 6:44 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 4:47 p.m. | Low: 9:50 a.m. + 8:48 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:47 a.m. + 11:34 p.m. | Low: 6:14 a.m. + 5:51 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Get revved up

Someone launches from a platform at a Red Bull Flugtag event. Their blue craft is tilting toward the water from a height, with a team behind them who seemingly just pushed them off the ledge. A crowd watches along the waterfront as the sun shines down.

Registration for local daredevils opens on Monday, July 8.|Photo via Wikimedia Commons

On your mark, get set, flugtag.

Wait, what exactly does “flugtag” mean? For the non-German folks among us, it translates to “flying day.” And fly they will in Red Bull Flutag 2024 — with the Tampa leg booked for Saturday, Nov. 9 — in which competitors build their own air crafts and sail off a 27-ft-high ramp into water (in this case the Hillsborough River).

Still wondering what this looks like? Take a peek at past competitions, and more importantly, designs. (Bailey’s fave is the pug.)

In addition to bringing well needed festive cheer to the Cigar City, leaders also predict the event will bring in ~$3.4 million.

The last time the modern marvel competition took over Tampa was in 2011, when Willy Wonka’s Amazing Flying Flugtag Adventure took home the prize.

The best part of all? No tickets needed, this show’s free.

So what are rules?

Safety-wise, all participants must wear a life jacket and not be buckled into their vessels.
Costumes are encouraged, but they’ve gotta swim in it too. Maybe we’ll see some flippers.
All air crafts must pass a safety inspection.

What’s the timeline?

The competition happens at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m. Organizers recommend arriving early though — to make sure you get those prime photo snapping places to watch. Doors open at 12 p.m., and the pre-flight warm up starts at 12:30 p.m.

And there will also be some competition for spots. The City of Tampa expects 100,000+ people to flood the Riverwalk front area to take in the fun.

The show — cough, competition — lasts through 4 p.m. and the winners will be announced promptly at 4:40 p.m. by a panel of celebrity judges, including Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Events

Friday, Nov. 1

Tampa City Ballet Presents: “Carmen” | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | $35+ | First performed in 1949, this classic ballet examines love, jealousy, and betrayal.

Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5 "| 8-10 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $23+ | Experience the magic of the classic symphony from the ever-talented Florida Orchestra.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Art in the Park | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Trout Creek Nature Preserve, Thonotosassa | $74 | Make your own recycled paper using natural materials found on the park’s semitropical ground in this two-part workshop.

St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Woodson African American Museum of Florida, St. Petersburg | Free with ticket | Join the folks from the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation to meet you favorite authors, check out new books, and take part in discussions and readings.

“Trying to Make It” | 2:30-9:30 p.m. | Stageworks Theatre, Tampa | $30 | Watch tempers rise as a group of strangers are stuck together for weeks in a vacation rental due to a reservation issue.

Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Lexington SC | 7 p.m. | Riverfront Stadium, Tampa | $57 | Head over to the riverfront stadium to watch the Sun defend their 1-0 record against Lexington — you’re going down, LEXtoday.

Sunday, Nov. 3

13th Annual Tampa Pig Jig | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa | $130+ | Bring on the beef and boogying at the riverfront festival featuring performances by Dierks Bentley, The Revivalists, and Chase Rice.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Weather

The National Hurricane is still monitoring the Caribbean Sea. Officials say there’s a 40% chance of a system developing over the next seven days, as of Thursday afternoon. There’s still no definite direct threat to Florida, and we’ll update you if that changes. (WUSF News)

Civic

Pinellas County Commissioners just delayed a vote on a supplemental bond resolution vote to partially pay for the new Rays stadium due to “horrible” timing. Leaders moved the vote on using the $312.5 million on Tuesday, Nov. 19. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Opening

They’re back, baby. Chef & the Baker recently reopened in South Tampa after storm surge forced its closure last month. Stop by for fresh croissant-donuts (known as Croix Donuts) and other pastries, plus breakfast and lunch. (Tampa Bay Times)

Transit

HART is considering scrapping free rides on the TECO Line Streetcar. The potential change comes as grants from the Florida Department of Transportation expires. Want to give your opinion? There’s a public comment meeting on Friday, Nov. 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the HART Ybor Administrative Offices. (That’s So Tampa)

Civic

Speaking of free rides, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is offering fare-free trips to polling stations on Election Day. To qualify, present your sticker or Voter Registration Card. It’s not too late to make a voting plan. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Show

Support those impacted by the back-to-back hurricanes with a little live music. The Burg’s Cage Brewing is hosting Storm Aid, a benefit show, on Thursday, Nov. 8 starting at 3 p.m. The suggested donation is $30 to see the eight-show spectacular. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Josh Sperber breaks down the game and Conor Geekie’s ascension over his rookie season. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Finance

Inflation may be cooling, but car insurance premiums aren’t. Why? All insurance is now priced in real-time — so repair times, parts shortages, and credit scores all play a part in the final price. Take Money’s questionnaire on your best car insurance experience to see if you can save.*

The Buy

A whole room space heater. Save $30 on a small but mighty space heater with a focus on safety — it has tip-over protection, a cool touch case, and will automatically shut off if overheated.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Bailey

Halloween has come and gone, but we reserve the right to celebrate fall a little bit (or a lotta bit) longer this year.

Keep the magic goin’ with a maple bourbon latte from Bandit or Churro Latte from Blind Tiger.

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