Debris will take some time to remove. | Photo via City of St. Pete
We’re finally out of hurricane season. Let’s all collectively breathe a sigh of relief. But the Milton + Helene recovery process is far from over.
Let’s check in on some post-storms updates, and other need-to-know TBAY news:
FEMA approves additional aid
The federal agency just approved an additional ~$80.7 million for Hillsborough County’s debris removal efforts. For context, the City of Tampa reports workers have picked up 1,194,420 cubic yards of debris thus far — and that doesn’t include the rest of the county.
New residential hazard mitigation grant program
Many residents were left without a home after Hurricane Helene unleashed some 8+ ft of storm surge + Hurricane Milton brought 18+ inches of rain upon Tampa Bay. The state is expected to roll out a new residential hazard mitigation grant program — which will give residents money to help rebuild their homes.
Hillsborough will keep its sheriff
Last week, President-elect Trump selected Sheriff Chad Chronister as his pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. But late Tuesday night, Chronister announced he’s withdrawing his name from the nomination process.
S’mores By the Fire | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Armature Works | $10 | Grab your loved ones and roast marshmallows around the fire pit on South Lawn — kits make two s’mores each.
Yoga in The Commons | 6:30 p.m. | Midtown Tampa | Free | Namaste by the Bay leads an all-levels flow focusing on strength and mobility — bring a mat.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Winter Bar Crawl: Hosted by the Trailblazers | 5 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $10+ | Pull on your holiday-themed garb and join the James Museum crew for a crawl to some of the Burg’s best bars.
Ornament Making at The Dalí | 6-7 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $10+ | Head to the waterfront museum to make your own surreal ornaments featuring imagery inspired by the special exhibition, The Subversive Eye.
Zitz Sum Takeover X Arts Club | 6-11 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION | Price of purchase | Ready your belly for a menu fusing Japanese, Hawaiian, and other cuisines with the Coral Gables restaurant’s one-night culinary takeover of the luxe eatery.
Nurse Blake: “Shock Advised Tour” | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater | $39+ | The internet sensation shares his hilarious experiences and takes from the nursing world.
Friday, Dec. 6
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Stageworks Theatre, Tampa | $45+ | Watch this comedic musical set in Armadillo Acres, North Florida’s most festive trailer park.
Now, for the question of the hour. How long will the chilly weather stick around? Not long. Forecasters say temps will start to rise tomorrow, and we’ll be sweating by the weekend. Okay, they didn’t mention the sweat. (Tampa Bay Times)
Announced
Consider us thunderstruck. AC/DC just announced a new tour, with a stop at Raymond James Stadium on May 16, 2025. The legendary band will play from its decades of hits on its first tour in nine years. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 6.
Opening
Jimmy’s Tacos is opening up a second spot in TBAY. The popular Ybor City taco joint plans to open a Grand Central district location in August 2025. What’s on the menu? Standout steak tacos, grilled gulf shrimp tacos, and drinks aplenty. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
In other foodie news, local chef Ted Dorsey just announced plans for Sunshine City Tavern. The restaurant will open in the former Oaks on 4th location, and will honor the Burg’s history. The spot will evoke “Saved by the Bell"/"Vice City” vibes and serve everything from barbecue to seafood. (St. Pete Rising)
Film
Add these screenings to your holiday to-do list. The Beer Garden Movie Nights kicks off tonight at Green Bench Brewing. Tonight’s watch is “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” followed by “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and “A Christmas Story” on Wednesday, Dec. 18. (I Love the Burg)
Show
It’s not complicated, we’re getting tickets to Avril. The legendary pop-punk queen, Avril Lavigne is coming to MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater on Friday, June 20. Tickets to see the rocker + Simple Plan and We The Kings go on sale Friday, Dec. 6. (That’s So Tampa)
Number
300+. That’s how many trees Take MAR aims to plant to restore the Sunshine City’s tree canopy. The organization is hoping to raise $30,000 for the project. Donate online. (I Love the Burg)
Ranked
No. 17. That’s where WalletHub just ranked the Cigar City on its “Most Fun Cities in America for 2024" list. We’d have to agree, especially when you consider all that we have going on just this month. (That’s So Tampa)
Sports
Which Bolts might be headed to the Four Nations tournament? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Be among the first to experience the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum’s new expansion this holiday season. You won’t want to miss “Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School, 1860-1930" on display now through Feb. 23. The free exhibit includes 80 rare paintings, never before seen in the U.S.*
Announced
Quick update, craft fans: The Creation Stations at Water Street Tampa won’t be happening this season. But no need to pout or cry, and let us tell you why:You can still get your festive fix with seasonal shopping + themed events (like this upcoming Holiday Promenade) throughout the decorated district.*
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
Wellness
Discover the secret to hearing every detail with the Horizon IX by hear.com. These discreet, rechargeable hearing aids deliver sound so clear and natural, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. With phone connectivity, award-winning service, and flexible payment options, join the 425,000+ customers who love them.*
Travel
Planning to take your RV on the open road in 2025? Buy coverage online in minutes with Roamly, rated five stars by thousands of RV owners.*
Category
History
Put Tampa Bay on the map
Many a celebratory parade has cruised down the Hillsborough River. | Photo by the City of Tampa
The results
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the TBAYtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
El Goya
The next time you’re grabbing lunch or hitting the town in Ybor make sure to take a second look at Hotel Haya’s old school sign.
“The Hotel Haya marquee marks where one of the most prominent gay bars was in the late 70s and early 80s. A fabulous place,” shares Stan D.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Many of us hold fond memories of soaring above the giraffes and macaws aboard the SkyRide at this beloved Tampa spot.
But one reader, Jon S. notes that it also belongs on the map as “where that scene in “Goodfellas” was filmed.” Yes, that infamous scene where Ray Liotta and Robert De Niro dangle a gambler over a lion’s den was filmed at our very own Lowry Park.
Hillsborough River
This is where Tom Brady flipped the Lombardi Trophy to Cameron Brate — who was on another boat, wrote Jess H. Oh we remember that moment.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor. 🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates. 🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial. 🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking. 🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
We seem to have a collective favorite. About 60% of folks said their favorite seasonal activity is strolling a holiday market. Next up, ~19% of readers said you can find them eating all the treats. Right on.
A strong ~15% of people said their fave winter treat is catching a festive show. And ~7% voted the fake snow, duh.
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