Plus, Tampa Electric rates are going up.
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Today’s Forecast

71º | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:16 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.| Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:12 p.m. | Low: 12:53 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 3:51 p.m. | Low: 9:10 p.m. + 8:31 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Welcome, 2025 (almost)
Tampa skyline at night
The sun is setting on 2024. | Photo via @trevorcreative
The end of 2024 is nigh, and we sure are ready to party. It’s time to make some New Year’s plans, TBAY.

Parties

NYE with DJ Diesel | DJ Diesel, otherwise known as basketball superstar, Shaquille O’Neal, is spinnin’ hits along the Tampa Riverwalk at this all-night party.

LUSH: NYE Party at Hotel Haya | Hotel Haya | Head to the heart of electric Ybor City, where you’ll sip on cocktails, munch on bar snacks, jam out to tunes from the Actual Bank Robbers Band and DJ Mila Killa, and toast with champagne at midnight.

NYE on the Pier 2025 | St. Pete Pier | Dance the end of 2024 away under a giant disco ball along the Burg’s waterfront at this city-sponsored party featuring food trucks, live DJs, and a champagne bar.
Union New American features a wood bar topped with a gleaming counter packed with bottles, and the room is surrounded by windows.

Imagine ringing in 2025 at Union New American’s airy bar.

Photo by Pezz Photo

Dinners

Timpano | Make that resy for a sunset or moonlight dining experience at the Hyde Park spot, complete with a multi-course tasting menu and bubbly.

Union New American | The ‘20s-inspired New Year’s Eve soirée includes live entertainment, a vintage car display, live music, and a midnight champagne toast.
More dinners + kid-friend picks
Strategic Property Partners

Asked

How do you like to spend New Year’s Eve?
A. At a party
B. At a dinner
C. Cozied up on the couch
D. Watching the fireworks
There's no wrong answer

Events

Friday, Dec. 20

2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | 3:30-9:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium | $40+ | Pack Ray Jay to watch the Gators take on the Green Wave.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party | 6-9 p.m. | MacDinton’s Irish Pub, Tampa | $15 | Pull on your gaudiest, holiday-themed threads and make your way to some of TBAY’s best bars.

Strings Vs. Sax Dinner Party Experience | 9-11:59 p.m. | Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour, Tampa | $20 | Watch as Tampa saxophonist Marlon B. Sax and Stephen Strings perform everything from R&B to top 40 hits at the Black-owned speakeasy.

Saturday, Dec. 21

Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus | 1 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Snap some shots of the kiddos and family with Mr. Claus and drop off new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.

Holiday Movies in the Park | 5:30 p.m. | Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg | Free | Pack a blanket and all the snacks for a family-friendly showing of the “The Grinch.”

2024 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | 6-9 p.m. | Tampa Riverwalk | Free | Grab a spot along the waterfront to watch the legendary lighted boat parade make its way down the Hillsborough River.

Sunday, Dec. 22

Puppies and Pilates with MercyFull Project Rescue | Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | 2832 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa | $30 | Kick off the week with a mat Pilates session + bring a bag of unopened pet food, toy, or supplies for a $5 Procure gift card.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers | 5 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $60+ | It’s a Florida showdown as the Bolts take on the 2024 Stanley Cup champs.
There's plenty more to do
Click here to have your event featured.
Polk Museum of Art

News Notes

Community

Tampa Electric bills are officially going up. Yesterday, Florida Public Service Commission voted to approve a rate hike for the next three years. Customers can expect bills to go up $9 to $13 starting in January. (Tampa Bay Times)

Number

$1 million. That’s how much USF + Tampa General Hospital are spending on beefing up programming for student nurses. The money will be used for new classrooms, training facilities, and laboratories. Leaders hope the program will produce 450 undergraduate nurses and 260 advanced practice registered nurses per year starting in 2028. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

Despite back-to-back hurricanes, Pinellas County tourism is still breaking records. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater announced Pinellas County made $11.2 billion through tourism in fiscal year 2024. About 15.4 million folks spent time in the area at events like the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Reggae Rise Up. (I Love the Burg

Show

It’s a wholly Tampa Bay affair. Gulf Coast-born singer-songwriter Leon Majcen, who’s now based in Tennessee, is playing at Hooch and Hive tomorrow, Dec. 21. It’s one of the downtown Tampa venue’s last shows before owners close the curtains at the end of the year. Get tickets. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Sports

Take a peek at the challenge that awaits Tampa Bay Buccaneers stars Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving this weekend. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Number

$863,080. That’s the approximate income you need to make to be considered a one-percenter in Florida — compare that to the $1.22 million you need to make in Washington D.C. Factor that into the cost of living in Tampa Bay. (Axios)

Sports

$150. That’s the average cost for a family of four to attend a Tampa Bay Rays game, according to a study by MoneyGeek. Hoping to avoid that price? Consider attending a weekday game, which can save families $25 on average. Purchase tickets for next season, starting with the home opener on Friday, March 28. Note: The game’s location is still pending.

Holiday

You officially have an excuse if you can’t check off all your tasks tomorrow — it’s the shortest day of the year. Tomorrow, Dec. 21 is the winter solstice and the beginning of Yule. Celebrate at Cave of Creation’s session on Winter Solstice Healing Journey and Tools for Restoration.

Tech

There’s a new app in town. Mozi lets you know when you’re in the same city or at the same event as other friends. If you’re headed to the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (or any other winter events), for instance, you can use the app to meet up with other people you know who’ll be there.

    Fun Fact

    TBAYtoday does not have paywalls because we believe access to essential local news is priceless. You can support our free, daily newsletter with a donation. Think of it like buying us coffee — or tea, if that’s more your style. Thank you for your support.

    Shop

    The holidays are here — and with them come extra expenses. Regain control of seasonal credit card debt with a 0% intro APR credit card. Experts scoped out this top option that offers a long interest-free period and earns up to 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months.*

    Tech

    If new phones are on your family’s Christmas list, you can switch to the Total 5G+ Unlimited plan and receive up to four free Samsung Galaxy A35 5G phones. Enjoy unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot with 12x faster speeds, all backed by “America’s Favorite Network.” Make the switch.*

    Shop

    🎁 Don’t miss these last-minute gift picks
    CAT-14-FastShip.png
    Including a cute necklace and a Kindle remote page turner. | Graphic by 6AM City
    Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? Shop five great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping.

    Layering initial necklace | $15.99 | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.

    Magnetic portable power bank charger | $37.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.

    Candle warmer lamp + Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle | $39.99 + $36.00 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.

    Men’s casual henley tee | $19.99 | Snag a soft and comfortable slim-fit shirt.

    Kindle remote control page turner | $19.99 | Upgrade their Kindle reading experience with a universal remote control page turner.

    Planning one last in-person shopping spree? Check out our local recs.
    More gifts that ship fast

    City Guide

    Tampa Bay was made for family fun
    Glass figures of all shapes and sizes are at the Chihuly Collection. They are brightly colored.
    The Chihuly Collection is a feast for the eyes. | Photo by TBAYtoday
    We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Florida Aquarium to hidden gems like Shuffle, there’s something in Tampa Bay for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30+ kid-friendly activities around TBAY.

    🍽️ Foodie families

    Armature Works, Tampa | Rainy days are no problem at this indoor food hall. Pick up everything from burgers to locally-made ice cream from Chill Bros. Scoop Shop at this popular riverfront spot. Pro Tip: Cap the night off with one of the outdoor movie nights on the lawn.

    Trip’s Diner, Multiple locations | This longtime TBAY classic has it all: avocado toast, loaded cheese fries, quesadillas, treats, and most importantly, a solid kids’ menu.

    Mullet’s Fish Camp, St. Pete | Fish camps are a Florida experience like no other, and this spot is no exception. Dine on mahi or grouper nuggets and beer in the nautical-themed yard.
    City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa
    Even more ideas

    The Buy
    A new year is just around the corner. Ring in 2025 in style with these celebratory must-haves:

    🎉 These party drink pouches are giving adult Capri Sun vibes.
    🎉 Get (temporarily) tatted with these NYE-themed iridescent tattoos.
    🎉 A New Year’s Eve party isn’t complete without some sparkly decor.
    🎉 This 2025 charcuterie board box is the cutest festive addition.
    🎉 Say “cheers” at midnight with these glowing cups.
    More NYE party essentials this way

    The Wrap

    From our Editor
    Copy of City Editor-Wrap (1).png
    As we close out the year, I just want to thank you for your readership, support, and feedback. I’m so proud of the community we’ve created.

    And as we plan for the next year, I’m wondering what coverage you liked the most this year? Cast your vote.

    Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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