12.19.2024

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79º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 7:53 p.m. | Low: 12:14 p.m. + 10:28 p.m

Clearwater Beach | High: 3:17 p.m. | Low: 8:30 a.m. + 7:30 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

What do you want us to cover next year?

We’re sure this upcoming year will be as newsy as ever. | Photo via @growgavan

Happy (almost) New Year, Tampa Bay.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories we followed as well as what could change in 2025.

That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2025 — any piece of TBAY life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning cup of coffee in hand.

Want to know where to get the best pho? What that construction site on your block is going to be? The history of a Tampa legend, or a piece of art you walk by every day?

Dream big, because the questions you ask will help dictate what stories we cover from new downtown towers and the sports scene to the best sushi spots.

Submit your question to influence the stories you’ll read next year — it’s our New Year’s resolution to answer 25 of these. Stay tuned in 2025 as we bring you the answers you want most.

Asked

Which stories did you like following this year?

A. All of the restaurant news
B. Give me all the development updates
C. I love the Rays stadium coverage
D. Arts and culture stories all the way

Let us know

Events

Thursday, Dec. 19

Holidays at Haya: A Market & Clothing Swap Soirée | 6:30-9 p.m. | Hotel Haya, Tampa | $0 | Bring some threads and trade for some new dresses, shirts, and pants to add into your rotation at this sustainable shopping event.

Friday, Dec. 20

Saturday, Dec. 21

Very Merry Midtown Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Midtown Tampa | Free | Roam the bustling neighborhood shopping for gifts, pick up treats from the donut truck, get those presents wrapped, and take photos with Santa and his elf crew.

2024 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | 6-9 p.m. | Tampa Riverwalk | Free | Grab a spot along the waterfront to watch the fleet of festive boats cruise down the Hillsborough River.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

Buckle up, Tampa International Airport just kicked off construction on its new Airside D. Once finished, the $1.5 billion terminal will feature 16 gates, a mezzanine for two airline lounges, and a variety of shops and eateries. The terminal is projected to open in 2028. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Opening

Rooftop drinks anyone? Sparrow opens on the top floor of the Burg’s Moxy Hotel tomorrow, Dec. 20. The new Central Avenue bar will be open Thursday though Saturday. Stop by for post-work drinks or a full spread of Asian-fusion eats. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Announced

The Burg Diner is almost back. The beloved Sunshine City eatery reopens on Monday, Dec. 23 post-hurricane damage repairs. The menu includes standouts like the Burg Breakfast Plate, the Mediterranean Breakfast, burgers, and tacos. (I Love the Burg)

Eat

If we’re talkin’ tacos, they’ve got the perfect ones. Talkin’ Tacos is opening in Westchase on Friday, Dec. 27. The fast-casual chain serves Halal Mexican Cuisine offerings like birria tacos and Southwest chicken tacos.(Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Number

$1 million. That’s how much the United States Department of Transportation just gave the Pinellas Suncoast Transportation Authority for new technology to simplify reduced fare enrollment for veterans and seniors. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Plan Ahead

The Tampa Bay BBQ Fest is booked for Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12. The beef-heavy Vinoy Park extravaganza features 100 barbecue dishes, plus beer and live tunes. Get tickets. (That’s So Tampa)

Active

It’s time to register for the 2025 Healthy St. Pete Fit City 5K + 1 Mile Walk: Glow in the Park on Saturday, Feb. 1. It’s the eighth year of the annual run, and this year’s theme is Glow in the Park. (St. Pete Catalyst)
He had to do it to us. It’s been 10 years since Tampa’s own “Lucky Luciano” went viral after posting his an outfit pic with the caption “had to do it to ‘em.” The Tampa Bay Times caught up with Lucky a decade later. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Check in with the Rays now that they’ve traded left-handed pitchers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Job

Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: Your first job posting is free! Give it a try.

Arts

All is calm, all is bright at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. Escape the flurry of the holiday season to the peaceful halls of an art museum to explore new worlds of Dutch Impressionism, contemporary art movements, and more.*

Try This

Looking for some (free) lighthearted holiday fun? Light Up BSP has returned to Bonnet Springs Park for the holiday season. See the lights from Dec. 14-31, 6-8:30 p.m., and enjoy live music, holiday scavenger hunts, visits with Santa, festive treats + more.*

Tech

Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*

The Buy

Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:

We love pulling together some of the best festivals, classes, and markets for you, TBAY. But we have even more standout options on our events calendar.

Answered

Yesterday we asked, “Should they remake ‘The Holiday’ in Dunedin and Stirling?”

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.

Should Nancy Meyer’s holiday classic be remade, TBAY style? The vast majority of you — 67% — would love to see Cameron Diaz and Jude Law fall in love in the “Gateway to the Highlands.” In fact, you volunteer to be in the movie.

We do have some “The Holiday” purists, though. About 25% of you think the film is perfect as is. Fair enough.

And finally, about ~8% of you need it on Netflix now. I mean, wouldn’t it be the perfect holiday break watch?

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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