02.12.2025

From our friends at

85º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 6:19 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 4:17 p.m. | Low: 9:29 a.m. + 8:32 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:21 a.m. + 11:25 p.m. | Low: 5:20 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Keepin’ it local

An outdoor area with fake grass, benches, and red umrellas facing an ivory-covered wall with a rainbow in the sky.

A peek of the views at Green Bench Brewing Co. | Photo by @ashleyofthesea via @greenbenchbrewing

Around here, we prefer to shop local.

We’re highlighting a handful of Tampa Bay’s Black-owned businesses, so you can shop consciously:

Gabby Bakes

Surely you’ve seen this Tampa baker’s stand absolutely slammed at Indie Flea markets. The local baking sensation now ices up a slew of vintage-inspired vegan cakes in her hot pink baking studio in Seminole Heights.

Central Station Barbershop & Grooming

You might’ve seen the Barbershop Book Club on the news. Owner Antonio Brown both clips hair and encourages kids read to him while they’re in the chair.

Green Bench Brewing Co.

VinePair ranked this Sunshine City spot as one of the best breweries in the US in 2024. Plus, its adjacent concept, Webb’s City Cellar, was named a James Beard semifinalist last year.

Black English Bookstore

Tampa’s own City Councilwomen Gwen Henderson opened this bookshop to elevate Black authors. The Tampa Heights shop also sells art and gifts, and hosts book signings and author events.

Jerk Hut Island Grille & Beach Club

Stop in to one of the longtime Tampa restaurant’s four Cigar City locations for massive portions of Jamaican dishes. We — and everyone else — recommend the Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork.

5 more spots

Asked

How important is shopping local to you?

A. Extremely important
B. It’s a consideration
C. Not that important

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Gabby Bryan | 7-8:30 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa | $23 | Settle in for the New York-based stand-up comedian, actress, and Emmy-award winning producer’s show.

Thursday, Feb. 13

Strawberry Blonde Ale Beer Dinner Experience | 3:30-7 p.m. | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa | $65 | Get a first taste of the brewer’s strawberry-infused ale, take a tour of the grounds, and enjoy a three-course meal designed to enhance the beer’s flavors.

Galentine’s Trolley Experience | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown St. Petersburg | $114 | Grab the gals and set off on a four-hour trolley ride featuring a tasting of Cuban-inspired drinks at St. Pete Distillery, a professional portrait session, and an outdoor dinner.

Andrea Bocelli in Concert for Valentine’s | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $190+ | Enjoy a night of soaring arias, hits, and love songs from the legendary performer, joined by the Opera Tampa Chorus.

Friday, Feb. 14

MLS Preseason Florida Derby: Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF | 7:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium | $29+ | Kick off the new MLS preseason with a intrastate rivalry match.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Rays Fan Fest 2025 | 1-5 p.m. | St. Pete Pier | Free | Meet your favorite Rays players, shop the Bargain Beach section benefiting the Rays Baseball Foundation, and see your favorite mascots.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

$5.1 million. That’s how much St. Pete City Council just agreed to spend on the Salt Creek and Lake Maggiore drainage project. The city plans to use the money to install a moveable barrier for flood control during storms, a new pump station, and extend the property to create a wetland preserve. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Development

Leaders denied a St. Pete couple’s appeal to turn a historic Euclid Methodist Church into a weddings and event venue. Leaders cited concerns about creating parking and noise issues in the residential neighborhood. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Coming Soon

Make that weekly wine night a permanent tradition. Savoir on Central, a membership wine club, is opening this spring in the Sunshine City. The Central Avenue spot will serve a curation of wines, coffee, and small plates. In addition to memberships, vinos can enjoy sessions with local sommeliers. (I Love the Burg)

Drink

Ichicoro might be shuttered, but one of the beloved Seminole Heights ramen spot’s alums is heading out on her own. Jessie Wohlers and business partners just took over Jug & Bottle. They plan to add a lot of wine and old Ichicoro cocktails to the menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Community

Blake High School alums are having a quite a year. First, Doechii dominated the Grammys, now Isaiah Rogers picked up a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. But the cornerback wasn’t our only tie to this year’s game — check out our other connections. (That’s So Tampa)

Try This

This Saturday, Feb. 15 is World Hippo Day and you better show up for Ruka at ZooTampa. The baby pygmy hippo was born last spring, and rivals Moo Deng in cuteness and antics. Get your tickets.

Festival

Professional + amateur chefs from across our region are about to descend upon Lake Eva Park this weekend, Feb. 14-15 to compete in Ribs on the Ridge, the finale of Florida’s Triple Crown of BBQ. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and all the brisket you can handle at this free event.*

Sports

Which Lightning star will make the biggest impact during the next two weeks? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Shop the No. 1 new face powder release: Laneige’s Neo Blurring Powder. It absorbs excess oil, leaving you with a more natural, softer complexion.*

Finance

Out for 2025: High-interest debt. In for 2025: This balance transfer card, featuring cash back on purchases, zero annual fee, and 0% intro APR into 2026.*

The Buy

A really good pet insurance plan. Let’s face it — vet bills aren’t getting any cheaper, and your fur baby’s health shouldn’t be a financial stressor. Money has ranked top pet insurance picks, with plans starting at just $10 a month.*

Find a plan

The Wrap

Yesterday, we shared ChatGPT’s take on TBAY, and asked if you agreed.

Most — a strong ~61% — of folks said the AI program was pretty accurate in its judgment. Another ~26% of people said they found some assessments accurate, but felt like some points were off.

And finally, 13% of readers completely disagreed.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

† Disclaimers and Legal | * Advertising Policy

The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602