01.09.2025

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58º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:22 a.m. | Sunset 5:51 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 10:09 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 10:07 a.m. + 7:02 p.m. | Low: 12:37 p.m.

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Amp up your 2025

Get a glimpse of all the underwater life — and pristine water— Shell Key has to offer. | Photo by @getupandgotampabay

Coming up with New Year’s resolutions can feel daunting. But it’s a great excuse to get out of your current routine and experience more in Tampa Bay.

Whether you’re hoping to spend more time exploring the Gulf this year or make new pals, we’ve got you:

Kayak TBAY’s waterways

Kayaking or paddle boarding is one of the best ways to deepen your appreciation for our bays, rivers, slices of the Gulf, and streams.

Get into running

Ready to embrace prime outdoor running season in Florida? The best way to get started is finding folks to keep you accountable, and will make the journey fun (or at least moderately enjoyable).

Shuffleboard it out

One of Tampa Bay’s long-time, quirky mainstays is its shuffleboard community. For the non-shufflers among us: Players use cues to push discs down a marked court.

St. Pete Shuffleboard Club - 1 — Shuffleboard continues to grow popularity in the Bay area.

Join the arts scene

We’re known for our world-class museums, arts festivals, and the absolute boatload of galleries and creatives across TBAY. And there’s plenty of ways to get your start — no experience needed.

Even more tips

Asked

What’s the most popular New Year’s resolution?

A. Exercise more
B. Save more money
C. Spend more time with friends and family
D. Get organized

You've got this

Events

Thursday, Jan. 9

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $42+ | It’s sure to be a high-action matchup between the Bolts and the legendary franchise.

Friday, Jan. 10

Jeff Dunham: “Artificial Intelligence” | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $61+ | Prepare to chuckle at the hand of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his cast of characters from a cranky old man to a jalapeno on a stick.

Willy Porter | 8 p.m. | Palladium Theater | $25+ | Prepare for a night of guitar-driven tunes capturing the universal questions and struggles of human existence.

Saturday, Jan. 11

PLANTAPOLOOZA III | 10 a.m. | Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg | $8 | Head to the tropical paradise for this local botanical event featuring tons of vendors, lectures by native plant experts, and kids workshops.

Sunday, Jan. 12

Pirate Pet Parade | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Water Street Tampa | Free | Argh you ready for a flotilla of pirate pups to parade throughout the bustling district?

Second Sunday Market + Art Walk | 11 a.m. | Armature Works | Free entry | Make the most of the breezy weather and shop from local and regional artists and watch live painting.

“The Happy Healthy Plant-based Cookbook” | 3:30-5 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $5+ | Now’s your chance to dive into plant-based cuisine, as Erin and Dusty Stanczyk share from their cookbook featuring 75+ veggie, grain, and fruit-packed recipes.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Sports

Outdoor hockey is coming to Tampa Bay. The Lightning will face off against the Boston Bruins in the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at Ray Jay on Feb. 1, 2026. Something to look forward to.

Civic

The City of St. Petersburg just scored a $6.9 million Digital Equity Competitive Grant. The federal money will be used to get e-resources, training, and quality internet access to residents. The city will work with community partners to improve digital literacy, and combat unaffordable wifi and limited access to devices.

Open

Mowgli’s Tiffin just opened in the EDGE District. The Sunshine City eatery’s menu is packed with Indian fusion cuisine like kaati rolls, paneer curds, curry, kebab skewers, a Kolkati Roll, and grilled cheese naan. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Watch

Roll out the red carpet. The Dunedin Film Festival runs through Sunday, Jan. 12. The 7th annual event features animated film about an origami yellow-billed magpie, a short film on a Cuban immigrant helping other immigrants, and documentaries on an Antarctic exploration and Black water advocates — to name a few. Get tickets.

Pet

New year, new furry best friend. The SPCA is waiving adoption fees for all adult animals through Sunday, Jan. 12. The deal is part of a nationwide “Welcome Home” adoption campaign paid for by Hill’s Food. Plus, you’ll take home Hill’s Pet Nutrition coupons to help keep your pet’s bowl full to the brim.

Try This

Just in time for Gasparilla, a pirate ship — complete with a pirate queen — is on the market. The owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill is selling his pirate ship float for a cool $10,000. The 33-ft long float features a pirate ship floating atop cerulean waves, a pirate queen helming the bow. (Tampa Bay Times)

History

This weekend, head to the Sulphur Springs Museum to hear USF professor Christopher Meindl share from his latest book, “Florida Springs: From Geography to Politics and Restoration.” The Sunday, Jan. 12 lecture will delve into ground-water pumping and the cause of excess algae in many springs. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Ranked

No. 56. That’s where Tampa ranked on WalletHub’s 2025 job market rankings. The outlet looked at factors like employment growth, the monthly average starting salary, and job opportunities. The Burg followed right behind at No. 57. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

It’s time to break down some of the top Bolts this season and discuss the offensive abilities of the Lightning’s blue-liners. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Health

Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*

Eat

Start 2025 with Thrive Market: organic groceries delivered right to your door. (They ban over 1,000 harmful ingredients.) Join here to get 30% off your order plus a free $60 gift.*

The Buy

The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

If your New Year’s resolution is to start posting more on social media, have we got a treat for you. Follow us on Instagram for even more updates and local events to start your year off strong.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “What story are you most excited to follow?”

A rendering of the Rays new proposed stadium, showing fans inside a ballpark. — The Rays are staying in TBAY. | Rendering via Tampa Bay Rays

The biggest story we’re following this year? About 38% of you said you’re closely watching the the Rays stadium/Trop repairs saga. As are we.

And continuing the sports theme, 27% of you are on Super Bowl announcement watch. In addition to actual Super Bowl watch, we assume.

Finally, ~19% of our readers are ready for the Howard Frankland opening, and ~16% of people are eager to hear more about the West River development.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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