If you’re leaving on a train from Tampa, it’s likely you’ll be riding on The Floridian — a new, temporary route between Chicago and Miami. | Photo courtesy Amtrak
Train travel is booming. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has served 24+ million riders, and in 2023, Tampa’s Union Station served 129,036.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Floridian
If you’re leaving from Tampa Union Station, you may end up riding on the Floridian (a relatively new route):
WiFi | Floridian trains come equipped with free WiFi, so you can keep reading TBAYtoday. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
Food + Drink | This train offers cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase) and traditional dining (chef-prepared meals for first class travelers).
Accommodations | The Floridian features coach seats + various private roomettes and bedrooms.
Which of the following is a real perk of riding Amtrak?
A. You can BYOB in Sleeping Car accommodations B. There are no middle seats C. You can bring dogs/cats on trips under 7 hours for a small fee D. 1 personal, 2 carry-on, and 2 checked bags are included in the ticket price for most trains E. All of the above
Grove Gang’s Giving: A Friendsgiving Event | 7-9 p.m. | 7th + Grove, Tampa | $55+ | The feasting starts now with this decadent and device-free fall meal accompanied by table games, discussions, and a wine/liquor tasting — please wear monochromatic fall colors.
Giggly Squad Live: “Club Giggly” | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock | $115+ | Your favorite Bravo stars and podcast hosts take the stage for a night of giggles.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
TREMBLE on the mat | Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Prepare to sweat on the riverfront at this low-impact full-body workout that combines strength training, cardio, and Pilates.
Kayaking Adventure | Coffee Pot Park, St. Petersburg | Free | Kayak by manatees and waterfront mansions on this Healthy St. Pete-led tour — make sure to register.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Fowler & Friends Holiday Show | 8 p.m. | Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa | $15 | Jam out to tunes from JP Soars, Ed Wright, Dan Signor, Chuck Riley and Chris Peet at the laid-back venue.
Did you know? Although Impressionism originated in France, it influenced painters all over the world, including Dutch Impressionist Willem Maris. | Photos provided by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, courtesy Hoogsteder Museum Foundation.
Looking for a unique way to embrace the winter season?
Get inspired by the Netherlands, a country known for its cozy winter activities, at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s exhibit on Dutch Impressionism.
The exhibit showcases snapshots of life in 19th century Netherlands and is on display until Sunday, Feb. 23.
Last week, St. Pete leadership asked the Rays to send the city a letter terminating the new stadium deal. The team said the current deal isn’t doable due to the delay in issuing funding and the rising costs of construction. Here’s a breakdown of the past seven weeks, in case you’re also finding the deal hard to follow. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
The scores are in. Both Tampa and St. Pete earned perfect scores on The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index. The yearly study analyzes cities’ policies, local laws, and services supporting LGBTQ+ residents and employees. That’s the second year in a row both cities came in at the top.
Community
Tampa City Council just approved a $7.7 million South Tampa flooding mitigation project. Kimmins Contracting Corp. will install box culverts within Parkland Estates and South Howard Avenue to push water into Hillsborough Bay. The project won’t be done until 2029. (Tampa Bay Times)
Development
Speaking of South Tampa, Brixmor Property Trust, which owns a slew of open-air shopping centers, just purchased Britton Plaza. The 30-acre shopping center will likely be redeveloped, as many of its businesses moved out. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Shop
Shopapalooza returns this weekend. Head to Vinoy Park on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to browse goods from 350+ local businesses. Some of the local holiday shopping tradition’s lineup includes: Sip Shop Hooray, Ashe Couture, Valhalla Resale, Daydream Shop & Makerspace, and Sans Market. (St. Pete Rising)
Plan Ahead
Get ready for “The Big Picture.” The Tampa Theatre’s new film series kicks off in 2025. Every month, the Theatre will focus on different themes, genres, and directors on select Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. January’s theme is Welcome to the Show, and features movies like “The Last Picture Show” and “Cinema Paradiso.” (That’s So Tampa)
Biz
How are our beachside businesses doing post-hurricanes? Things aren’t back to normal yet, but one Pass-a-Grille business owner says, “but the beaches have rebounded. It is improving week to week.” Right now, about 80% of TBAY beach destinations are running and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater expects more to open this year. (Tampa Bay Times)
Show
Now’s your chance to check seeing Willie Nelson in concert off your bucket list. The American singer-songwriter is playing the BayCare Sound on Saturday, Feb. 15. Tickets to see the 91-year-old’s “Last Leaf On the Tree” are on sale now. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Sports
Zac Blobner joins the team for a breakdown of the Rays stadium deal fallout. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Going’s “Best sale of 2024” is here with up to 50% off select memberships for a limited time. Sign up to save an average of $500 on international flights.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
The Buy
The Buy
A king size sherpa electric blanket that’s 22% off for early Black Friday. Save $30 on this warm, washable electric blanket, great for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend.
I’d like to take this opportunity to express just how grateful I am for all of our readers. Thank you for reading every day, sharing such thoughtful feedback, and coming along for the ride with us.
But I do have one small request. I’s love to add more folks to the family. If you’d like to share this link to subscribe with a friend, I’d deeply appreciate it.
Answered
Answered
Last week we asked, “How often do you listen to podcasts?”
It appears we are not podcast people. Okay, the bulk of our readers aren’t — not me.
About ~52% of you said podcasts “really aren’t really my thing.” But we do have some fans: ~19% of you said you tune into podcasts
a few times a week, and 15% of you are daily listeners.
Some — ~15% — of you are still on the fence, saying you listen to shows sometimes. If you do need a suggestion for those Turkey Day road trips, or trots if you’re really bold, we put together some suggestions.
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