01.08.2025

From our friends at

60º | 0% chance of precipitation

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

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 11:50 a.m. + 9:19 p.m. | Low: 2:27 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 7:51 a.m. + 6:04 p.m. | Low: 11:28 a.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Stories to watch 👀

A rendering of the Rays new proposed stadium, showing fans inside a ballpark.

Imagine watching Rays games from a brand-new stadium. | Rendering via Tampa Bay Rays

Now that the new year dust has settled, it’s time to dig into what’s sure to be an momentous 2025 in Tampa Bay — from major sports stadium decisions to city-shifting development.

Tropicana Field repairs + new stadium

Between rebuilding the Trop after Hurricane Milton shredded its roof, and the ongoing stadium funding process, there’s a lot to follow from the Rays franchise.

West Riverwalk expansion

A new era is dawning for the West River. And we’ll be here to document every step.

Right now, the transformational project is still in the design phase.

New Howard Frankland Bridge

The long-awaited new Howard Frankland bridge is projected to open this spring after about four years of construction.

Rebuilding after the hurricanes + flooding mitigation

After last year’s back-to-back hurricanes, perhaps the biggest story of the year — and the most personal to us — is how Tampa and St. Pete will rebuild.

Potential Super Bowl announcement

Okay, this one might be a long shot. But we’re hoping this may be the year Tampa secures another Super Bowl hosting gig.

Let's dive in

Asked

What story are you most excited to follow?

A. The Rays
B. The West River development
C. The Howard Frankland opening
D. I’m on Super Bowl watch

Share your take

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Pints Of Science | 7 p.m. | New World Music Hall, Tampa | Free | Three local scientists’ dig into their current projects and passions while you sip on some brews.

Thursday, Jan. 9

Davy Alder Artist Talk | 5:30 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa | $12 | Learn the backstory behind the musician, radio presenter, blogger, and songwriter’s memorabilia collection showcased in “Fandom: Celebrating Rock & Roll.”

Goal Setting and New Year Kickoff | 6-9 p.m. | Embarc Collective, Tampa | $0+ | Spend time creating clear goals for your 2025 around like-minded folks.

Friday, Jan. 10

St. Petersburg Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show and Sale | Friday, Jan. 10-Sunday, Jan. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The St. Petersburg Coliseum | $4+ | Hunt for the perfect piece in the 15,000-sqft ballroom packed with fine and artisan jewelry, crystals, beads, minerals, and fossils.

“Bob Marley A Tribute to Freedom:" | 6-10 p.m. | Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg | $15 | Head to the historic music venue for some of the legendary musician’s greatest hits, performed by the former lead singer of The Wailers.

Steve Martin and Martin Short | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater | $104+ | Now’s your chance to see “The Dukes of Funnytown!” on stage with special guest Jeff Babko.

Saturday, Jan. 11

Pilates & Brunch | 9-11 a.m. | Timpano Hyde Park | $25 | Kick off the weekend with a sweaty Pilates sesh set to a live DJ, followed by a mimosa.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Weather

So how long is the chilly weather sticking around? The cold front will bring frosts, freezes, and wind chills in the 20s through the morning of Friday, Jan. 10. Our friends at WTSP break down the week’s weather. (WTSP)

Transit

Starting this week, Hillsborough County’s Route 1 bus is fare-free. The route takes riders from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida, and further connects to the TECO Line Streetcar. The one-year pilot program is a test to boost ridership and speed up service. (Tampa Bay Times)

Try This

Do we have any Hello Kitty fans? You’re in luck, the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is coming to Westshore Plaza this Saturday, Jan. 11. Stop by to shop 50th anniversary iridescent totes and hoodies, ringer tees, mugs, keychains, cookies, and sweet treats galore. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Open

It’s the best time of the year: Outdoor dining season. Fittingly, Lower Deck at Pointe on Harbour Island, South Tampa’s latest waterfront restaurant just opened its doors, serving oysters, a variety of wings, and cocktails. We’ve rounded up tons of outdoor eateries that pair perfectly with a view. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Eat

Guy Fieri’s chicken-finger joint Chicken Guy! just opened in Wesley Chapel. This is the latest location for the chain which also serves sandwiches, shakes, and fries . Need more Guy-approved spots to try? We’ve got a guide for that. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Plan Ahead

The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show returns to the Burg from Thursday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 19. Beyond a flotilla of powerboats to check out — or possibly buy — there will be seminars, boat training courses, and fishing lessons. Tickets are $23 for adults, and kids under 15 get in free. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Does this tough stretch mean the Lightning must make moves at the upcoming trade deadline? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Read

Want unbiased, fact-centric national news delivered to your inbox daily? Subscribe to 1440’s free newsletter for neutral reporting on business, entertainment, sports, culture, and more.*

Finance

High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*

The Buy

An under-sink organizer — declutter your cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or pantry items with an easy slide-out design that fits around most plumbing fixtures.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

While I didn’t dig into it today, I’m also wondering what new restaurants might open across TBAY in 2025. On a completely selfish note, I’m hoping that Forbici will open soon in downtown St. Pete. Do you have any foodie news predictions? Share them with me.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

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