12.05.2024

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Under the dome

MOSI's Iconic Blue Dome is framed by a blue sky and sits atop grass.

Soon, you’ll be able to visit MOSI’s iconic blue dome once again. | Photo via MOSI

The future is nigh. After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Dome Theatre at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, is reopening next year.

And Champa Bay is picking up another accolade: the improved MOSI facility will take the title of America’s second-largest digital dome planetarium. The improved blue dome will house planetarium tours of the universe, 360-degree movies, and much more.

Hi Res - MOSI Digital Dome Theatre Concept Image 6456px - credit MOSI.png — Imagine watching an undersea expedition or film from this vantage point.

So what can visitors expect?

The Digital Dome Theatre features:

A new 10,000-sqft screen
10 massive, high tech projectors that use 8K technology — which means the projections will be “sharper, brighter, and more immersive than the old film technology that last operated inside the dome in 2017,” according to a release.
Custom speakers that create an immersive experience

How many people can it fit?

The new dome can fit 300+ people. That’s a 250+ increase from the capacity of MOSI’s existing Saunders Planetarium.

When does it open?

The longtime learning center’s dome will reopen in the first half of 2025 — delighting a whole new generation of field trip goers, parents, and kids.

Asked

Which movie would you want to see in the dome?

A. “The Martian”
B. “Journey to the Center of the Earth”
C. “Interstellar”
D. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”

Take your pick

Events

Thursday, Dec. 5

Friday, Dec. 6

Dome Night: Pink Floyd | Friday, Dec. 6, Friday, Dec. 13, Friday, Dec. 20 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | The Dalí Museum | $20+ | Prepare your eyes and ears for “The Dark Side of the Moon Immersive Show,” a 360° experience featuring the legendary band’s hits.

Tree Lighting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Main Street Safety Harbor | Free | Head to the waterfront city’s downtown to watch the massive Christmas tree light up, plus enjoy carolers and a visit from Santa.

“The Blues Is Alright Tour” | 8 p.m. | Yuengling Center, Tampa | $60+ | King George is sure to delight with his signature party-centric sound filled with R&B flair.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Mezzo Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Willa’s, Tampa | Free entry | Mezzo Market is coming to Tampa for the first time, with its array of boutiques, shops, vintage goods, handmade products, plants, and food and drinks.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Civic

Tampa Electric’s rates are going up. The Public Service Commission just approved a new three-year base rate that will increase residential customer bills starting in January. Customers can expect bills to go up $5 to $20 per month. (WTSP)

Sports

Horns up, baby. The Bulls are headed to the Hawai’i Bowl. The USF Football boys take on the San José State Spartans on Tuesday, Dec., 24 at 8 p.m.

Travel

Tampa International is rolling out a slew of new flights. Jetsetters can soon take advantage of new flights to Boston, Washington Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, Portland, ME, Burlington, VT, and Vancouver, BC. Use our airport guide to make your plan. (That’s So Tampa)

Development

Tampa is getting a new affordable housing complex. Work is set to begin this week on Gardens at Diana Point North, a 24-unit townhome community. The first homes will be ready by July or August 2025, with the rest finished by the end of 2025. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Real Estate

Good news for Tampa Bay renters. According to Realtor.com, the average local rent in October was $1,709, a 2% decrease from last year — which follows the national trend. Experts predict the trend will continue into next year. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Just four Florida restaurants made OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America list for 2024. Our very own Bern’s Steak House, plus Dry Dock Waterfront Grill in Sarasota, and Sails Restaurant in Naples all made the list. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

Looking for a gift for that chef in your life? Move over Ina and Giada, The Dalí Museum just unveiled its own Café Gala Cookbook, packed with Spanish-inspired cuisine faves. What’s more, every recipe features a lovely backstory. Get your own copy. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Sports

Dig into the headlines and deadlines for the Tampa Bay Rays’ potential new ballpark. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

The Buy

Champagne bottle savers. They fit all standard bottle necks to keep your sparkling wine from going flat — the perfect hack for upcoming holiday events and New Year’s Eve parties.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

Spotify Wrapped 2024 is out. But if you want to know how many hours you spent driving over potholes, watching Denis Phillips, or planning beach days that never happened, you need to check out TBAYtoday’s Wrap.

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