Bikers can expect new safe two-way bike lanes. | Photo via City of Tampa
Ready for a little freewheelin’?
Good news: The City of Tampa is beefing up its bike lanes. Construction kicks off this week to add a total of ~3 miles to the Green Spine Cycle Track — the city’s east-west urban bicycle track.
Right now, the track starts at Cass Street and North Rome Avenue and runs through downtown and Ybor City into East Tampa. The $4.4 million project will extend the Green Spine north, up Nuccio Parkway and North 15th Street to Cuscaden Park at East 21st Avenue.
Drivers can expect detours around the route. Leaders say construction should wrap up by the end of the summer.
Take a peek at the expanded route.
Graphic via City of Tampa
The mostly federally funded expansion is the latest move to make biking safer across Tampa Bay. For context: Tampa was ranked the third-most deadly city for cyclists in the nation in 2023.
How does it make biking safer?
The expanded route will feature two-way bike lanes with three-ft brick dividers between bikers and drivers — just like the rest of the track.
Motown Thursday | 6 p.m. | Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg | $5 | Boogie to vinyl hits styled with soul, jazz, rhythm, and blues at the historic Sunshine City venue.
Chocolate and Wine Tasting | 6-8 p.m. | The Study Wine & Beer Lounge, St. Petersburg | $40 | Cozy in for a night of sumptuous wines paired with Schakolad chocolates.
Friday, Jan. 24
Rough Riders’ All-Krewe Pre-Invasion Party | 7-10 p.m. | Tampa Convention Center | $25 | Kickoff the Gaspy celebration by meeting the Krewes of Tampa pre-invasion, grabbing drinks, and dancing to DJ beats.
Jessica Kirson | 8 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $39+ | Get ready for the popular comedian’s ridiculous characters and self-deprecating vulnerability.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Sunshine Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Midtown Tampa | Free entry | Shop goods from 50+ vendors from fresh produce to artisan goods in the bustling neighborhood.
Tweed Ride | 2-8 p.m. | St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club | $50+ | Dress up in your most dapper duds for this bike ride around scenic Mirror Lake followed by a bumping after party.
Sunday, Jan. 26
After Gasparilla Cleanup | 8-11 a.m. | Locations vary, Tampa | Free | Join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and the City of Tampa to help clean up the party at some of your favorite South Tampa parks.
Yoga at The James | 8:45 a.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $10+ | Flow at this invigorating class hosted by the Trailblazers — your ticket includes museum admission.
Well, it’s official. The top college teams in the country will take the field at Raymond James in the 2029 National College Football Playoff championship. The Cigar City is replacing Dallas (hey DALtoday) as the host city due to scheduling conflicts. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Edu
Pinellas County Schools is changing up its summer programming for elementary students. Without COVID-era funding, the district is refocusing its money from unlimited enrollment and summer field trips to reading efforts. The district expects to invite ~6,600 students. (Tampa Bay Times)
Show
Are you “Down” to see Lil Wayne and the Hot Boys rock the Amalie Arena stage? The venue just announced the legendary rapper and special guests will perform on Saturday, Feb. 22. Tickets are on sale now.
Gallery
Welp, we didn’t wake up to a dusting of snow like some of the folks in North Florida... but we can still take in the photo evidence. Enjoy these shots of kiddos and adults sledding in Pensacola. (WTSP)
Eat
Watch some of TBAY’s best chefs compete for the crown at the Tampa Bay Food Fight. The foodie event takes over Amalie Arena on Feb. 11. Who’s coming? The lineup features “Chopped” Judge and Food Network host Geoffrey Zakarian, plus 50+ chefs from spots like Bern’s Steak House and Mise En Place. (That’s So Tampa)
Plan Ahead
Yes, we have another local foodie competition for you. Join The Burg Coffee Shop Battle to explore 18+ of the Sunshine City’s cafes. Your $25 early bird pass gets you $5 credit to all of the spots, so you can vote for the top java. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
Dive deep into the Rays’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki and the financial and logistical hurdles they faced. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Festival
Quick, think of your favorite local BBQ restaurant. Are they competing to be crowned Central Florida’s best BBQ? Find out at the 28th Annual Lakeland Pigfest this weekend. Enjoy BBQ from 150+ vendors, family-friendly activities, live music, and more.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
The Buy
The Buy
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
So what does happen to the rainbow of beads left behind on South Tampa streets post-Gasparilla. If they end up in the water, they can entangle wildlife and leave harmful chemicals in the water.
It’s easy to do your part to make sure plastic beads don’t end up in our waterways by recycling your colorful strands with the Florida Aquarium post-party.
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