12.18.2024

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81º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 5:37 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 11:33 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 2:44 p.m. | Low: 7:49 a.m. + 6:39 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Our Scottish brethren

Stirling castle rises off a cliff surrounded by trees and craggy rock and is framed by a light blue sky.

Add this castle to your must-do list. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

So far this year, we’ve taken you on a virtual journey to Takamatsu, Japan and Agrigento, Italy on our quest to delve into all of TBAY’s sister cities. Today, we’re taking you on a red eye to Stirling, Scotland — Dunedin’s sister city.

Why Stirling?

So how did our funky beachfront village and the Scottish city meet? Well, first off, Dunedin is actually the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Which makes sense, because Dunedin was established by two Scots back in the 1800s.

Many other Scots made the waterfront area their home, leading to lots of Celtic influence in the TBAY town from street names to businesses.

A stone bridge crosses the dark blue River Forth in Scotland and is framed by trees and bushes of white flowers. — We’d make this commute any day.

The cities entered a sister city partnership in 1964. Earlier this year, Dunedin leaders marked the 60-year anniversary with a visit to their Scottish brethren.

To this day, the city proudly celebrates its Celtic roots in the spring with the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival and the Dunedin Celtic Festival in the fall. The city is also home to The Scottish American Society of Dunedin and the Dunedin Pipe and Drum Corps.

Town history + travel tips

Asked

Should they remake “The Holiday” in Dunedin and Stirling?

A. I need it now
B. No thanks, it’s already perfect
C. I volunteer to be in the movie

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 18

S’mores By the Fire | Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Armature Works | $10 | Grab your loved ones and roast marshmallows around the fire pit on South Lawn — kits are $10 and make two s’mores each.

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg | $65 | Decorate your pad for the season with your own wreath made with fresh greens.

Patti LaBelle | 8 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater | $53+ | Spend an evening with the “Godmother of Soul,” as she serenades you with hits like “On My Own” and “If Only You Knew.”

Thursday, Dec. 19

Jay Nolan Artist Talk | 5:30-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts | $12 | The artist behind the museum’s latest exhibit, “Fandom: Celebrating Rock & Roll,” takes you behind the shots.

Jewish Heritage Night | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $44 | Join for a special Bolts game versus the St. Louis Blues, featuring a Menorah lighting, kosher meal, and take home commemorative pin.

Christmas Sound Bath & Pajama Party | 7-9 p.m. | Bliss Wellness Studio, Tampa | $45 | Pull on your coziest pajamas for a relaxing sound bath, hot chocolate, and conversation.

Friday, Dec. 20

2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | 3:30-9:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium | $50+ | Pack Ray Jay to watch the Gators take on the Green Wave.

Calendar events here

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Arts

✨ All is calm, all is bright at the AGB

Presented by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

A painting of cows drinking from a small body of water in the impressionist art style, a painting of a bridge and buildings in the winter and a digital rendering of a building.

The museum’s expansion will feature all-new galleries and more space for free exhibits. | Photo provided by Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

The flurry of the holiday season is exciting, but it can also be hectic. Pro tip: You can find moments of peace at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.

Enjoy free admission and retreat into new worlds, including:

Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School, 1860–1930 (on display through Feb. 23, 2025) | Explore 19th-century Dutch life.
Rodin at the AGB: Selections from the Cantor Collections (on display through Jan. 11, 2026) | Experience the works of the infamous sculptor.

More to explore in 2025

Hair & Newton: The Rise of the Highwaymen | Discover works by African American artists depicting Florida’s natural beauty.
Andy Warhol | Delve into iconic pop art pieces.
American Art| See contemporary art movements and their societal impacts.
Frank Lloyd Wright and The College of Tomorrow | Examine the visionary designs of this renowned architect.

Learn more about the museum’s 14,000 sqft expansion, which will be complete in January, and support the museum by becoming a member.

Discover your happy place

News Notes

Sports

We have your latest update on the new Rays stadium funding. Pinellas County Commissioners voted 5-2 to allow bond sales that will fund ~$312.5 million of the $1.3 billion project. The news follows St. Pete City Council’s bonds approval last week.

Edu

Soon, Pinellas County teachers will be equipped with new badges with built-in panic buttons. County school board members approved a $3.8 million contract for the silent alarm system — which is also used in Hillsborough schools. (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

Red Apple, the developer behind the new Residences at 400 Central building, just purchased more Sunshine City land. The developer plans to build a residential tower on the Mirror Lake property. Red Apple hasn’t released plans, but a 23-story tower is approved for the parcel. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Shake Shack is opening its first Florida drive-thru right here in Tampa Bay. The Wesley Chapel location opens this Friday, Dec. 20, serving up angus beef burgers, milkshakes, and crinkle-cut fries. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

Pulpo is now serving up Latin-inspired fare in the Grand Central District. The restaurant + bar is now open seven days a week for everything from Peruvian-style ceviche to handmade cocktails. (I Love the Burg)

Open

Celebrate Hump Day with some brews at a new local spot. Tampa Bay Drinkery also recently opened in the Burg’s Grand Central District. But there’s more than just drinking to be had, you can also take in live music and shop records. (I Love the Burg)

Try This

This Saturday, Dec. 21 is the final Mezzo Market of the year. Get that last-minute holiday shopping done from 140+ local sellers offering everything from art to plants. The market runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sports

The Lightning’s rivalry showdown against the Panthers is fast approaching. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Biz

Last call. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.

Shop

Psst — Need a quick gift? Cloud socks are luxe, buttery-soft socks that cradle feet in plush comfort. You’re getting these for yourself, right?*

Health

Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*

Home

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

Feel Good

Support your TBAYtoday team

If you’ve felt the love for our product, support us by sending a donation. | Graphic by 6AM City

Has TBAYtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?

If that was you, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life. Would you be willing to show some love for our team?

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The Buy

A puffy laptop case. It features a waterproof design, secure magnetic closure, and handy inner pocket for added storage.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

I absolutely loved this profile of the Florida Senior Games, which happens right here in Wesley Chapel. And if you feel inspired by their pickleball pursuits, we have some courts to check out.

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