11.20.2024

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81º | 70% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:55 a.m. | Sunset 5:35 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 12:51 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 4:34 p.m. | Low: 9:02 a.m. + 7:13 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

What’s happening with the stadium plans?

A rendering of the Rays new proposed stadium, showing fans inside a ballpark.

The Rays are staying in TBAY. | Rendering via Tampa Bay Rays

Without concrete funding, plans for the new Rays stadium hang in the balance, and the team’s future in Tampa Bay remains unclear.

Yesterday, Pinellas County Comissioners voted 6-1 to delay a vote to issue bonds that will partially fund the $1.3 billion stadium. A reminder: Pinellas County planned to commit ~$312.5 million in local bed tax dollars to the project, the City of St. Pete pledged $287.5 million, and the Rays would cover $700 million, plus any overage.

Pinellas County Commission chair Kathleen Peters said the delay will give the two new commissioners time to get acclimated, read the communications about the project, and talk to residents. She stressed the magnitude of the decision, calling it “generational change.”

The Commission will vote on the bonds at their next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The Commission’s decision follows the Rays’ statement hours before the meeting that “they can no longer move forward with a new stadium deal under the current terms,” which the Tampa Bay Times first reported.

What's at stake?

Asked

What should happen with the Rays?

A. Play at Steinbrenner until they get a new stadium
B. Try and find another location in the area
C. Relocate to another state
D. I’m not sure yet

Share your take

Events

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Thursday, Nov. 21

Luis Diaz | 7-9:30 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa | $15 | The Cuban-American frat bro turned super dad delights with his standup set.

Artist Preview Dinner x BASK and AADMIXX at Arts Club | 7-10 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION | $200 | Meet the artist, preview and pre-purchase works from the upcoming exhibition and enjoy a specially curated menu, created to complement the art on display.

Friday, Nov. 22

Taylor Swift Silent Disco | 8-10 p.m. | Sparkman Wharf, Tampa | $24 | Dance along the Riverwalk to Taylor Swift’s iconic hits, make friendship bracelets and custom trucker hats and denim jackets, and enjoy temporary tattoos — ticket price includes the disco.

Saturday, Nov. 23

The Heights District’s 3rd Annual Brews & Blues Beer & Music Festival | 5-10 p.m. | Armature Works | $10+ | Taste tons of brews from 40+ breweries and rock out to a blues live music lineup on stage on the Armature Works Pier.

Ben Folds | 7:30 p.m. | Ferguson Hall, Tampa | $45.50 | The legendary piano man plays the Downtown Tampa venue on his “Paper Airplane Request Tour” with special guest Lindsey Kraft.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Opening

Bring on the Autumn Harvest Bowls. Sweetgreen is finally opening up in Downtown St. Pete after construction delays. Stop by the Central Avenue location on Tuesday, Dec. 10 for tons of customizable salads, bowls, sides, and healthy desserts. (St. Pete Rising)

Weather

Did you notice a chill in the air this morning? Us too. Forecasters say we can expect temps in the 50s later in the week, and some rain today from the remnants of Tropical Storm Sara. The good news? Both are a sign that hurricane season is on its way out. (Tampa Bay Times)

Travel

Soon, you’ll be able to catch a nonstop flight from Tampa to Vancouver, British Columbia. The new WestJet flight will run once per week every Saturday starting June 14 through Oct. 25, 2025. The best part? The tickets start at as low as $143. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Announced

Now even doggos can enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise. Margaritaville at Sea just announced a new Fido-friendly cruise. The first-ever voyage sets set this month with 250 dogs and their owners aboard on The Islander. And the offerings are a tad different, with dog shows, training sessions, costume contests, and parades. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Health

A new USF study will track how social media use impacts kids as they grow up. Researchers will follow a selection of 11 to 13-year-olds over the next 25 years, using surveys to measure long-term impacts of digital media use. The Life in Media Survey will be used to determine attitude, behavior and health changes. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Biz

Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to highlighting + supporting locally-owned small businesses, is on Nov. 30. Let us know your favorite small businesses in the Tampa Bay area for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Number

Speaking of local businesses, new business applications in the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater area increased by 84% from 2019 to 2023. That’s the third highest increase in the entire country. The US Census Bureau recorded 49,066 new business applications in 2019, which grew to 90,271 in 2023. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Sports

Stu Sternberg made some comments about Pinellas County’s commitment to the new stadium. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Wellness

No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*

Finance

When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*

Home

Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans. (Think: Peace of mind, for less.) Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*

Seasonal

🎁 Holiday magic for two

A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "For your significant other."

Including comfy flannel and a book embosser. | Graphic by 6AM City

It’s always the ultimate question of the season — what are you going to gift your partner for the holidays? Shop great gift ideas, including local picks.

Local pick: Chicken and Grill Korean BBQ gift card | $25+ | Take care of the next date night’s bill — and make it a good one — with a gift card to this local Korean barbecue spot.

TheraGun Mini Massage Gun | $199.00 | A compact and travel-sized deep tissue massager.

Women’s Orolay Thickened Down Jacket | $151.99+ | The ultimate winter coat that’s windproof, warm, and stylish.

Local pick: SOHO Wellness Med Spa gift card | $1+ | The best facial or massage is the one you don’t pay for.

Sherpa-lined flannel shirt jacket | $76.95+ | Snag them a warm jacket great for hiking, trekking, and camping all season long.

“From the library of” book embosser | $18.99+ | This personalized gift will add meaning to their home library.

Gifts for neighbors, foodies, and singles

The Buy

With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:

🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun.
🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+.
🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out.
🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing.
🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

I’m personally hoping the Rays stick around. Like many of us, I grew up going to games at the Trop. My favorite memory? Scoring a pair of Joe Maddon glasses at a game, and rocking them for at least a whole summer — and then when he took the helm of my team, the Cubs.

I’m worried that was my last chance to pet stingrays at a Major League Baseball game — and deeply regretting not doing so at my last game this summer. I want to hear your treasured — or not so much — moments at the Trop. Share them with me for a potential future story.

Answered

Yesterday we asked “What’s the most popular holiday drink in Florida?”

A Christmapolitan in a coupe glass covered with snowflakes sits on a red velvet cloth framed with boughs of holly. — We’ll take a coupe.

You got it. Okay, a lot (43%) of you got it. Floridians’ cocktail of choice is the Coquito. An eggnog-esque concoction of coconut milk, cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, rum, and eggs.

The next most popular guess was eggnog with ~25%. Come on guys. We could not be further from the frosty white North.

And finally, ~21% of folks voted for the cranberry mule, and ~11% guessed a white Russian.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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