Tristin McCollum takes the field with the Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl. | Screenshot via WTSP
For the first time in awhile (subtle flex), the Buccaneers aren’t taking the field for the Super Bowl. We’ll be back in it next year, Champa Bay.
Even though we won’t see any Buccaneer red or pewter on the field, that doesn’t mean we don’t have some local connections to the big game. Let’s take a look:
The Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver actually started his career with the Bucs, spending four years in TBAY. And the wide receiver is making us proud: Patrick Mahomes connected with Watson on a two-point conversion in the AFC Championship against Buffalo.
If the Chiefs pull off a third consecutive win, Watson would earn his fourth Super Bowl ring.
Nope, you’re not seeing double: Eagles safety Tristin McCollum has a twin, our very own Zyon McCollum. Which would have made an Eagles vs. Bucs Super Bowl matchup quite awkward — though we did trounce them in last year’s Wild Card round.
This will be the safety’s first Super Bowl appearance.
Asked
Asked
Which TBAY-born singer would you like to see perform at the Super Bowl?
Ashley Elston | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $19 | Ashley Elston shares from her debut adult novel “First Lie Wins,” which is also a pick for The Reese’s Book Club.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Black Pioneers | 4-6 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $5+ | Listen to insights on the photographer’s images of African American cowboys, Black-owned ranches and rodeo operations, parades, inner-city cowboys, retired cowhands, and rodeo clowns.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators | Tuesday, Feb. 4, Thursday, Feb. 6 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, Tampa | $27.25+ | Watch the Bolts take on Brady Tkachuk and the rest the Canadian crew.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta | Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 11 a.m. | Lykes Gaslight Square Park, Tampa | Free | Sweeten the lunch break with a bite from local food trucks like Kebablicious, Aussie Grill, and Wich Press.
Bouquet and Brew | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg | $45 | Craft the Valentine’s Day bouquet of your dreams at this guided workshop.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Arturo Sandoval | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $45 | Jam out to the musical stylings of the Cuban-American jazz trumpeter, pianist, timbalero, and composer.
“I call myself the Swamp Princess because I’m from Tampa…Go to Tampa, there’s talent there.” That’s what Doechii told the crowd last night as she accepted the Grammy for Best Rap Album of the Year. The 26-year-old won for her massively popular album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” (Pitchfork)
Number
~$8 million. That’s how much Pinellas County leaders just earmarked for a new Largo affordable housing complex. Olea on 26 will feature 144 units, with 36 reserved for households making 40% of the area median income. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Development
With HSN moving out of its St. Pete property, the 70-acre Gateway parcel could be redeveloped into a mixed-use project with housing, a hotel, retail, or restaurant space. HSN will announce layoffs by the end of March, but it will also relocate and make some employees remote. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Real Estate
Related Group just opened a new apartment complex in Tampa Heights. Manor Riverside boasts 360 apartments, 16,000 sqft of amenities, and waterfront views. How much is the rent? The West River units are priced between $1,875 and $4,323. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Show
Prepare for a “Whirlwind” of a show. Country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson is coming to Amalie Arena on Friday, Nov. 7. Tickets to the Grammy Award-winning star’s show go on sale tomorrow, Feb. 4 at 8 a.m.
Outdoors
Get well soon, little friends. The Florida Aquarium is administering lifesaving care to 29 sea turtles at its Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach after the recent cold temps. Now, the Aquarium is asking for donations, as care for each turtle averages out to $15,000.
Announced
It’s nearly time to return to the pitch. The Tampa Bay Sun just announced they will kick off the season against the Gotham FC. The match is booked for Sunday, March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Riverfront Stadium.
Sports
Will Josh Grizzard replace Liam Coen for the Bucs? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Eat
Ready, set, grill. The second leg of the Flordia Triple Crown BBQ, competition, Grills Gone Wild, takes place in Davenport Feb. 7-8. Taste even more BBQ while enjoying live music and a classic car show.*
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
A four-pack of bamboo + glass jars — these 10-ounce containers are perfect for overnight oats, chia seed puddings, dressings, snacks, or anything else you want to prep and store.
In my TBAY musician research, I discovered that Jim Morrison, the late lead singer of the Doors, actually went to what was then St. Pete Junior College. Please use this fun fact to wow your next date or dinner party guest — you’re welcome.
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