Sourdough can blur the line between art and food. | Photo by @madisonsourdough
Starter your engines. Sourdough is at an all-time high for popularity, according to Google Trends, and so is interest in making your own. And yes, it’s somehow even more popular than it was in 2020.
If you’re among those baking their way to a new year new you via flour and yeast, here are a few ways to get among the action in Tampa Bay.
Gulf Coast Sourdough is a key fixture at our local farmers’ markets and operates its own popular sandwich house, and hosts classes and shares videos on how to perfect your craft.
Follow Spellbound Sourdough to stay in-the-know on upcoming pop-up classes. Pro tip: The baker also sells their own dehydrated starter packets.
For those who prefer their sourdough made by an expert, there’s a bunch of spots around town to get your fill of doughy goodness. From our experiences, the apron-laden are always willing to offer some friendly advice for beginner bakers eager to learn more.
Asked
Asked
Have you joined the sourdough craze?
A. Yep, I’m already a pro B. I’m just getting started C. I’m considering it D. Baking’s not my thing
Mocktail Monday with Procure | 6:30-8 p.m. | Procure, Tampa | $31 | Keep Dry January going with a night of craft mocktails, take-home recipes, and light bites.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Paw-Fee Break | 10:30 a.m. | Channel District | Free | Treat Fido to a midday walk, stretch your legs with your neighbors, and pick up coffee.
MADabolic on the lawn | 5:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Get ready to sweat at this 50-minute workout focusing on momentum, anaerobic, and durability exercises — bring your own mat and towel.
“MAMMA MIA!” | Tuesday, Jan. 28-Friday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa | $169+ | Dancing queens assemble for the musical rendition of the ABBA-music packed story.
Riverdance 30th Anniversary Tour | Tuesday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Mahaffey Theater | $25+ | Prepare to be wowed by this show featuring Irish and international dances and music.
How much did the back-to-back hurricanes cost St. Pete? A new report estimates Helene and Milton cost the city $247.3 million. That total includes debris removal, damage to facilities, and protective initiatives. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Announced
In related news, St. Pete City Council just allocated $3.1 million for repairs to Al Lang Stadium. The Rowdies’ soccer facility flooded during Hurricane Helene, damaging its locker rooms, bathrooms, and electrical system. The facility will be ready for the season opener on Saturday, April 12. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Florida
Florida lawmakers are proposing changes to how cranes are regulated after a construction crane fell on a downtown St. Pete office tower last fall. Leaders are considering striking a preemption that stops cities and counties from making their own safety rules for cranes. For example: Taking cranes down before hurricanes. (Tampa Bay Times)
Open
Branchton Park just underwent a $10 million renovation. The 43-acre Hillsborough Park recently reopened, decked out with a massive playground, pickleball courts, a splash pad, and walking trails. Find a park in your neighborhood. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
Raise a glass. The new iteration of Mad Dogs and Englishmen opens this Wednesday, Jan. 29. The South Tampa pub will feature staples from the beloved tavern in a new 6,000-sqft space decorated with photos of British pop singers and a custom mural. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
In other stadium news, Populous is set to release a study on Raymond James Stadium’s future maintenance costs early next month. Tampa Sports Authority commissioned the report as the stadium nears replacement age. A 2024 report estimated upkeep and repairs to run about $137 million between 2028 and 2032. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
34. That’s how many hours Tampa Bay residents spent stuck in traffic last year, according to a new study. That comes out to about $600 per driver in lost time and energy — a collective $800 million. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
Imagine taking your morning walk along Coffee Pot Boulevard. A 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom contemporary home is on the market in St. Pete. Take a tour of the 6,076-sqft waterfront property that is situated on a 0.46-acre lot and features wraparound porches, an outdoor kitchen, and a courtyard pool.
Sports
Get ready for the Bolts’ faceoff against the Blackhawks. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Home
Leaks don’t just ruin your day — they can damage your home. Get a free quote from Remodel Your Home to connect with roofing pros who specialize in leak-proof solutions.*
The Buy
The Buy
The perfect Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t exi… Enter: Squishmallows. From ages three to 103, we’re pretty sure these ultra-soft, best-selling stuffed animals will make any age smile. We’re loving these five love day-inspired Squishmallows:
How did our favorite snow birds fare during last week’s frigid temps? The colder temps aren’t good for our manatees; they need a minimum water temp of 68° to weather the winter.
As such, last week a Florida Fish & Wildlife staffer spotted a baby manatee swimming alone in Bayboro Harbor — its snout coated with white lesions. Thankfully, the manatee was safely relocated to ZooTampa to recover from its likely cold-related injuries.
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