Plus, an update on building permits post-hurricanes.
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79º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 6:09 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 4:51 p.m. | Low: 10:09 a.m. + 8:57 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 1:03 p.m. + 11:56 p.m. | Low: 6:25 a.m. + 5:56 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

🐒 To the treetops we go
An orange crane works on the construction of Busch Gardens' wild Oasis realm while workers and staff in hard hats walk around.
Park leaders expect the project to be finished this spring. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Busch Gardens is taking you to a whole new realm this year: a “Wild Oasis.”

The park’s latest experience opens this spring, said Erick Elliott, the park’s vice president of design and engineering. The long-awaited realm will be “North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm,” Elliot added.
The rendering of the Busch Gardens' new realm: Wild Oasis, a leafy, jungle-inspired area with a drop tower, fake mountain, and mist.

We’re already dreaming of that drop.

Rendering via Busch Gardens

    What can we expect?

    • The exhibit will feature multi-species animal habitats with capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys, and a variety of tropical birds.
    • Visitors will be able to take a peek at the creatures from underwater, ground level, and aerial perches.
    • Hop on the new drop tower ride — if you’re 38 inches or taller.
    A wooden tower currently under construction in the trees at Busch Gardens.

    We got a bird’s eye peek at the progress.

    Photo by TBAYtoday

    • The realm also boasts 200 ft of climbing adventures.
    • Pack the swimsuit so the kiddos can cool off in the fountains, geysers, waterfalls, and jets of the Enchanted Falls — a water play and splash pad area.
    • Make sure to spend some time at the Canopy climb, a four-story climbing structure, with crawl tunnels, a vertical climbing maze, and suspended swinging bridge.

    Asked

    Which one of these closed theme parks wasn’t in Tampa Bay?
    A. Super-Test Amusement Park
    B. Luna Park
    C. Treasureland
    D. Safety Village
    Take a spin

    Events

    Thursday, Jan. 30

    “Time Shards” | 6-9 p.m. | OXH Gallery, Tampa | Free | Take in the gallery’s latest exhibit from Delaina Doshi and Rebeca Lopera Esteban, which explores reshaping reality as it exists into an abundance of possibilities.

    Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Los Angeles Kings | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $35+ | It’s sure to be a hot match as the Bolts take on Anže Kopitar and crew.

    Henry Cho | Thursday, Jan. 30 | 7 p.m. | Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa | $25 | The American stand-up comedian takes the Cigar City stage for his “The Empty Nest Tour.”

    Saturday, Feb. 1

    Water Bath Canning 101: Jams and Jellies Workshop | 9-11 a.m. | UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Seffner | $10 | Begin your water bath canning journey by cooking up some strawberry jalapeño jam.

    Grand Prix Day | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Great Explorations Children’s Museum, St. Petersburg | $12+ | Bring the kiddos along to take a seat in an actual Grand Prix race car from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and enjoy more race-themed activities and crafts.

    Fit City 5K & 1 Mile Walk: Glow in the Park | 5-8 p.m. | Vinoy Park | $15+ | Pull on your neon threads and sneaks for the 8th annual Glow in the Park race around the scenic waterfront.

    Sunday, Feb. 2

    Victorian Valentine Making | 12-2 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $25+ | Craft your own little love note after learning about color, texture, embellishments, and tricks to make cards pop up and move.

    Ybor City Flea | 12-4 p.m. | The Cuban Club, Ybor City | Free entry | Shop, snack, and dance to DJ beats at this local market from the folks at Indie Flea.
    Events calendar here
    Click here to have your event featured.

    Tech

    Snag an iPhone 13 for under $150
    Presented by Total Wireless
    Total Wireless brand creative with white background.
    Enjoy 12x faster speeds with “America’s Favorite Network.” | Photo by Total Wireless
    Didn’t get them that iPhone they wanted for Christmas? Redeem yourself with this deal:

    Get the iPhone 13 for only $149.99 when you switch to the Total 5G Unlimited or 5G+ Unlimited plan on Total Wireless.

    Read: No data limits. No surprise fees. No contracts. Just everything you want, with nothing that slows you down.
    Make the switch

    News Notes

    Development

    Tampa City Council just rejected the third attempt to build a tower on Congregation Rodeph Sholom’s preschool land. Related Group proposed building a 16-story, 38-unit building on the Bayshore parcel. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

    Community

    Thousands of Pinellas residents are still waiting on permits to rebuild their homes after last fall’s hurricanes. Beachfront mayors say they are following federal permitting guidelines to make sure residents secure discounted rates from the National Flood Insurance Program. (Tampa Bay Times)

    Announced

    Meet The Kraken. The Florida State Fair’s newest ride is sure to make you scream, swinging riders from up to 147 ft. A reminder: The fair runs from Thursday, Feb. 6 to Monday, Feb.17. Get your tickets. (That’s So Tampa)

    Real Estate

    We recently shared the news that the final slice of WestShore Plaza Mall is closing. So what’s next? Last year, city officials rezoned the expansive mall so it can see a new life. The 53-acre site’s owner, WPG, is still securing funding for the redevelopment project. (Tampa Bay Times)

    Coming Soon

    The Ball debuts its new look next month. The downtown St. Pete speakeasy’s new decor is pop art and disco ball-themed, featuring a disco ball DJ booth as the bar’s centerpiece and a canopy of disco balls. (I Love the Burg)

    Shop

    Saturday Shoppes is coming back to Tropicana Field’s parking lots in March. Hurricane Milton displaced the popular Saturday market for five months. Mark your calendar for the Pets Day Out market on Saturday, March 22 to browse 100+ vendors. (St. Pete Catalyst)

    Sports

    Which Bucs coaches — or front office members — might be at risk to join Liam Coen in Jacksonville? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

    Finance

    Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*

    Wellness

    Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*

    Health

    Ready to feel better about your weight-loss goals? Through Hims & Hers, you’ll get the cheapest 12-month GLP-1 plan†, plus expert care and personalized support. From custom medications to snack ideas in the app, it’s all designed just for you. Start your free assessment.*

    The Buy
    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Dress up your space with these adorable + affordable decorations.

    💗 Some shiny and on-trend XOXO balloons.
    💗 Pastel heart-shaped bowls — perfect for storing Valentine’s Day candy.
    💗 This whimsical heart-shaped wreath with hues of pink, purple, and yellow.
    💗 These vibrant window clings for less than $10.

    Bonus pick: It’s not decor, but we’re obsessed with this heart-shaped Dutch oven.
    More worth The Buy

    The Wrap
    Copy of City Editor-Wrap (1).png
    One of my favorite coffee shops is celebrating its ninth birthday this weekend. Join me (in spirit) in picking up a birthday cake latte, crunchwraps, and raffles from the Central Avenue java joint.

    Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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