12.17.2024

From our friends at

82º | 60% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:14 a.m. | Sunset 5:37 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low:10:51 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 2:11 p.m. | Low: 7:07 a.m. + 5:56 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

It’s play time

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.

🍽️ Foodie families

Eddie & Sam’s Pizza, Tampa | Post-game those Riverwalk strolls and soccer games with a little ‘za at this casual, local spot.

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.

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.

🧠 Educational activities

Great Explorations, St. Pete | Kiddos can play pretend at exhibits like a child-sized health care center, fire station, and news station.

floridaRAMA | Formerly known as Fairgrounds St. Pete, this immersive scavenger hunt is the perfect indoor activity for the whole family + features the work of 75+ local and international artists.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa

20+ more options

Asked

Kid-friendly bars and breweries are:

A. A lifesaver for me and my family
B. A fun place to gather with a group of friends
C. Places I actively avoid

There's no wrong answer

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 17

December Green Drinks | 6-8 p.m. | Sans Market Zero Waste Store, St. Petersburg | $22 | Shop zero waste bath and home products, and your donation helps fund projects that reduce emissions in our community.

Meet Santa in the Park | Tuesday, Dec. 17-Monday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | North Straub Park, St. Petersburg | Free | Bring your camera along to snap pics of your little one with Mr. Claus.

Stone Cold & The Jackal | 7-8:30 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa | $59 | Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson from “General Hospital” usher you into the holidays with festive songs, comedy, and a little audience participation.

Cheap Trick | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock | $73+ | “Don’t Be Cruel,” just bring your pals to see the the legendary rock band take the stage at this show for folks 21 and older.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Merry Funkmas Disco Party and Toy Drive | 6 p.m. | Hooch and Hive | Free entry | Don your ugliest sweater, shake ya tail feather to some funky beats, and bring toys and canned food donations to enter a raffle.

S’mores & Hot Cocoa Board Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $40 | The Creative Kitchen shares tips on designing the perfect s’mores and cocoa board to dazzle your guests.

Wine and Wreaths Holiday Workshop | 7-9 p.m. | Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, St. Petersburg | $70 | Lean into the winter season by making your own fresh wreath while enjoying wine at the festively-decorated bar.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Eat

We finally have answers on what’s moving into the old Luv Child location. Jay Luigi, Ciccio’s popular Italian eatery, opens in the South Tampa spot this Thursday, Dec. 19. Promising “Italia All Day,” the menu is stocked with pizzas, pastas, shared plates, and the brand’s beloved rice bowls. (That’s So Tampa)

Opening

New coffee spot just dropped. Sun Bear Coffee Roasters just opened up inside the Burg’s zero waste fave, Sans Market. Folks can stop by the Edge District java joint for light roast coffees and cold brew aplenty. (I Love the Burg)

Development

What’s going up on Clearwater Beach? Meet the Viceroy Residences Clearwater Beach. The new 86-unit condo building, featuring a resort-style pool and restaurant, is going up on Gulf Boulevard. The units will hit the market next year, priced between $2.5 million to $12 million. Vertical construction starts in 2025. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

Indie Flea is here to stay. The popular flea market partnered with the City of St. Pete over the weekend for a massive holiday market. But what’s next? Indie lovers can expect more Tampa markets and many more events. (Tampa Bay Inno)

Real Estate

We’re feelin’ hot hot hot. Well, our rental market is at least. RentCafe ranked the Cigar city No. 30 on its “Top 30 Most Competitive Rental Markets in 2024" list. Research found that the new units + did drop apartment occupancy slightly. (Tampa bay Business Journal)

Sports

The Buccaneers got a huge road upset win over the Chargers, hanging 40 points on the NFL’s top scoring defense. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Travel

Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*

The Buy

Whether you’re hosting or simply showing up to this year’s festive gatherings, cultivate holiday cheer with these lighthearted additions.

❄️ A set of holiday magnetic drink markers so you can tell everyone’s glass apart.
❄️ This best selling inflatable reindeer antler ring toss game the entire family will love.
❄️ Silly glasses for everyone to wear, available to celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas.
❄️ A 50-pack of fake snowballs so you can create a little chaos.

More holiday must-haves

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

I couldn’t be more excited about the Jay Luigi news. So I’ll let you in on a not-so-secret secret for one of their other spots, Cali.

The best thing on the menu is the Hot & Crunchy bowl. Just make sure you add in seared ahi tuna and sticky rice.

Answered

Last week, we asked, “Which restaurant should they bring back?”

Snapinsta.app_166825607_258563212567788_9110374059553107829_n_1080.jpg — Local artist Jess Cazin paints historic and nostalgic Tampa spots, like the The Colonnade Restaurant (pictured).

It seems folks really miss the Colonnade Restaurant with ~68% of readers rooting for its return.

Next up, The Fish House in Ruskin scored ~16% of the vote. We sure wish we could sample some of those oysters and fish sandwiches at the Old Florida joint.

And finally, about 8% of people are still missing the Cuban fare at Hugo’s Spanish Restaurant, and the healthy eats at the recently-closed brunchery, Luv Child.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio.

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602