The Aquafence kept Tampa General dry as Hurricane Helene flooded South Tampa. | Photos via AquaFence
The year’s just begun, and St. Pete leaders are already making major moves to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
Late last week, St. Pete City Council members voted to invest $600,000+ in an AquaFence — like the one used to safely surround Tampa General last year — to protect a wastewater station near Albert Whitted Airport.
The 500-ft long and 9-ft tall barrier will be deployed during storms to protect Lift Station #85 from a combined total of 15 ft of storm surge. For reference, Hurricane Helene caused up to 7.8 ft of storm surge in some areas of Tampa Bay.
How does that impact us during storms?
Officials sometimes have to shut down the city’s wastewater facilities due to storm surge. This particular lift station collects and pumps sewage from the downtown St. Pete waterfront.
The goal is for folks downtown to still be able to use their toilets and shower even as storm surge rises.
What else do leaders have planned?
The city also committed $2 million to floodproof sewage pipes, tanks and structures at the facility with protective coating.
Asked
Asked
Are you making hurricane preparation upgrades to your home?
A. Yep, I’m working on it B. They’re already done C. Not yet D. I’m not making any
Circuit Training with Body Fit Tampa | 5:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Finish off your Monday strong with a high-energy circuit training class.
Fiona Davis | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $29 | Head to the upscale bookstore for a conversation between authors Sarah Penner and Fiona Davis, about Davis’ new novel which takes you from a New York City party to Cairo and back.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Laughing Glass hosted by Dan Bakst | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg | $5 | Head to the contemporary glass museum to chuckle at the hand of a slew of comics — tickets are two for $5.
“The Cher Show” | Tuesday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | Straz Center for Performing Arts | $48 | Now’s your chance to take in the Tony Award-winning musical of the legendary performer’s story, played by three women.
Evening Film Series: “Good Will Hunting” | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | $5 | Spend some time with Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams in the beloved Beantown classic.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
S’mores by the Fire | 5-10 p.m. | Armature Works | $10 | Make the most of the chilly temps with a s’mores sesh on the beautiful waterfront.
Trivia Game Night | 7 p.m. | Southern Brewing & Winery, Tampa | Free entry | Bring the pals along for a gripping round of trivia, including an image round and music round, over some beers.
Thanks for a great season, boys. The Commanders beat the Bucs 23-20 in a down to the wire finish last night. That ends the Bucs’ postseason run for the year. Next up, the Commanders head to Denver to take on the Lions (ESPN)
Civic
A new audit shows that some of Tampa’s pumps and generators didn’t work properly during Hurricane Milton. The audit looked at actions between 2021 and the end of 2024. City leaders will hear the full report on Thursday, Jan. 30. Improvements should be made by Tuesday, Sept. 30. (Tampa Bay Times)
Open
There’s a new pickleball club on the scene. Dink House just opened its doors in Largo. The ~15,000-sqft indoor facility offers four indoor courts, event space, a lounge, showers, plus a sauna and cold plunge. A reminder: We rounded up a boatload of other spots to pickle across TBAY. (I Love the Burg)
Announced
Pour out one last pint. Mad Dogs and Englishmen is closing its current South Tampa tavern. But don’t fret, the beloved British pub will reopen soon at the former Love’s Artifacts Bar and Grill. Diners can expect menu faves served across dining areas, two bars, patios, and a fireside lounge. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Closing
It’s the end of an era. Macy’s is shuttering at WestShore Plaza, as the department store shuts down 66 stores across the country. What’s next? WestShore Plaza will be transformed into a mixed-use development with entertainment, retail, dining, hotel, and housing options. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Try This
Snowbirds aren’t the only ones flocking to Tampa Bay for the sunny winter weather. Head to Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach for some sea cow spotting. Open daily, the viewers can watch manatees old and young lounge in the warm water surrounding the power plant. (That’s So Tampa)
Mansion Monday
A Bayshore mansion in Flood Zone X — yes, please. A 4,867-sqft mansion right on Bayshore Boulevard has hit the market. The waterfront home sits 16 ft above sea level, and features floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitche fit for a chef, and dreamy outdoor space. See inside the five-bedroom, six-bathroom home.
Sports
Jim Williams delves into potential MLB expansion cities, the evolving dynamics of Rays ownership, and how regional and national television deals play a role in keeping the Rays in Tampa Bay. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
These cannabis gummies keep selling out — just one can get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off your order.*†
The Buy
The Buy
This zip up hoodie sweater that strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. It boasts a chic cable knit pattern to effortlessly elevate any cozy winter outfit.
Right now, Gigglewaters is mixing up a Pacific cocktail made with Rumhaven Rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple, and lime. Plus, the Safety Harbor bar is donating $5 from every sale to The California Community Foundation toward its Wildfire Recovery Fund.
Answered
Answered
Last week, we asked “Where will we find you this weekend?”
We recommend trying out the Central Avenue Trophy Fish location for your oyster feast.
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