12.13.2024

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Today’s Forecast

Drumroll, please

An up-close shot of Ruka, the baby pgymy hippo at ZooTampa. Her head emerges from murky water and she appears to be feeding on her mother who is mostly off-screen. Her brownish skin is wet, and looks slimy with light reflected off it.

It’s time to pay your friends at ZooTampa a visit. | Photo via ZooTampa at Lowry Park

The votes are in for the TBAYtoday historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

It seems many of us hold fond memories of soaring above the giraffes and macaws aboard the SkyRide at this beloved Tampa spot — because this Tampa gem scored 40% of the vote. Man, do we miss field trips.

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

The spot where Tom Brady flipped the Lombardi Trophy to Cameron Brate — who was on another boat — was a close second with 34% of the vote. Because we all remember that moment.

A stretch of historic buildings in Ybor City including Hotel Haya. — Check out Hotel Haya along Ybor City’s 7th Avenue.

El Goya

Not far behind was Ybor City’s El Goya with ~26% of the vote. The next time you’re grabbing lunch or hitting the town in the historic neighborhood 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.

It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.

Make history

Events

Friday, Dec. 13

Saturday, Dec. 14

VOGs and Eggnog | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, St. Petersburg | Free | Create vertical oyster gardens for the community + indulge in a little eggnog.

“Clara’s New York City Christmas” | 11 a.m. | Palladium Theater | $15 | Follow Clara’s journey as she dances amidst the iconic sights and sounds of the Big Apple and finds her way to wondrous Land of Sweets.

13th Annual Onbikes Winter Wonder Ride | 2-10:30 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | $50 | Cruise through downtown Tampa by bike, then stick around for the apres-ski after party and rockin’ concert by Fitz and The Tantrums.

Holiday Hangout Paddle | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Downtown Tampa | $15 | The Riverwalk’s lights and decorations are best taken in from a scenic paddle.

Tombolo Turns Five | 5:30-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg | Free | Celebrate the Burg’s indie bookstore’s birthday with the debut of L.L. Kirchner’s newest crime novel, “Vegas Girls,” food and drinks, and a night market in the courtyard.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Water Street Tampa Market | 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Water Street Tampa | Free entry | It’s the best time of the year to roam an outdoor market, complete with wellness products, produce, and local goods aplenty.

There's plenty more to do

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Jobs

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News Notes

Civic

St. Pete City Council is considering taking out a $50 million loan to help pay for hurricane relief. It’s a short-term loan to pay for debris removal and repairs while the city waits on reimbursements from Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance. (Tampa Bay Times)

Try This

It’s almost fight night. Tomorrow, Dec. 14, UFC Fight Night headlines Amalie Arena with 13 jaw-dropping fights. The main lineup is stacked with competition like Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley and Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo. Tickets start at $113. (That’s So Tampa)

Community

Introducing the Storm Squad. A group of community leaders meets every month to help connect South St. Pete residents with climate change education opportunities and resources. The group appoints storm captains to help when storms strike — helping residents find things like generators or other resources. (Tampa Bay Times)

Travel

Visit Tampa Bay is sweetening the deal for groups booking space at the Tampa Convention Center. Through the Treasured Savings convention incentive program, Visit Tampa Bay will cover initial deposits for organizations booking through December 2025. The program is part of a post-hurricanes push to get back to normal. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Real Estate

A Snell Isle home designed by the same architect as the old “inverted pyramid” St. Pete Pier was demolished. The Knowlton house, designed by architect William Bloxham Harvard, suffered flooding damage during both Helene and Milton. The 8,000-sqft home featured an interior garden for orchids and a a 60-ft lagoon-shaped pool. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Who needs to step up to fill the void left by key Lightning starters? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Plan Ahead

You may want to “block” this day off on your calendar. BrickUniverse arrives on Saturday, Jan. 4, for a full day of LEGO building, set shopping, and larger-than-life works from professional artists. Get your brick tix.*

Seasonal

Have you shopped this year’s ugly sweater selection yet? Snag one for your next holiday party — like golfing Santa or a sequin menorah.*

Finance

How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes — calculate your payment.*

City Guide

Lettuce talk about farmers markets 🥬

Local markets are a top notch place to hunt for thoughtful gifts. | Photo by @shmarketonmain

In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up 12 farmers’ markets in the Tampa Bay area where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and local vendors.

Kenwood Sunday Market St. Pete | Every Sunday, year-round | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Features: 75+ vendors selling fresh produce, multi-cultural foods, hand-made crafts, eco-friendly products, and wellness services, plus live local music.
Parking: Parking lot and street parking
Space: Outdoor, sidewalks, and space outside St. Pete High School

The Market at Water Street Tampa | Every third Sunday, year-round | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Features: Local food and wellness-focused vendors, live entertainment, and various themes.
Parking: Channelside Garage, East Cumberland Garage, Garrison Parking Lot, and the Pam Iorio Garage
Space: Outdoor, sidewalks

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

More markets

Asked

What types of products do you typically purchase at farmers markets?

A. Fresh/seasonal produce
B. Handmade crafts
C. Artisanal/specialty foods
D. Locally-made goods
E. Flowers and plants

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The Buy

A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.

Shop gifts under $25

The Wrap

From our Editor

It’s going to be a packed weekend, from multiple Christmasy ballets and St. Pete Santa Con, to plenty of high-profile runs. But I have one more idea for you. The Davis Islands Golf Parade is this Sunday, Dec. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. — and the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile is set to make an appearance you’ll relish forever.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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