02.11.2025

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82º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:10 a.m. | Sunset 6:18 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 4:13 p.m. | Low: 9:02 a.m. + 7:43 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:10 p.m. + 10:47 p.m. | Low: 4:40 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Ready, set, roast

A yellow pirate water taxi moves along a calm Hillsborough River. There are buildings in the background and a cloudless blue sky above.

Some say... cough ChatGPT cough... that Tampa Bay’s weather is unpredictable. | Photo via @piratewatertaxi

We set our sidesplitting sights on a good old fashioned, lighthearted comedy roast of Tampa Bay and took our humorous intent to ChatGPT, the online AI chatbot that uses natural language processors to generate text-based responses.

Here’s what it had to say — if you can handle it.

Can you roast Tampa Bay, FL?

Downtown Tampa: An ambitious attempt at urban sophistication, featuring the Riverwalk—a scenic path where tourists stroll while locals dodge the occasional pigeon.

Downtown St. Petersburg: A gentrified hipster haven where art galleries outnumber parking spots, and the local coffee shops serve overpriced lattes with a side of pretension.

How’s Tampa Bay’s traffic?

Tampa Bay’s traffic is a dynamic mix of congestion, construction, and occasional chaos. During peak hours, expect delays on major routes like I-275, I-4, and the Howard Frankland Bridge.

Now, give Tampa Bay a real compliment.

Tampa Bay’s true charm lies in its people and their unwavering spirit, making it a place where culture, community, and natural beauty converge harmoniously. We more than agree.

That's not all it had to say

Asked

Do you agree with ChatGPT’s take?

A. Umm no way
B. I agree with some points, but not everything
C. I think it’s pretty accurate

Make your voice heard

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Pilates on the Pier w/ Rare Body Pilates | 6-7 p.m. | St. Pete Pier | Free | Sweat out the mid-week blues at this guided class from the boutique Pilates studio with a view of the waterfront — bring a mat, towel, and water bottle.

“Black History They Don’t Want You to Know” | Wednesday, Feb. 12-Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Stageworks Theatre, Tampa | $37+| Sit back for this show blending spoken word poetry and hip-hop sharing the stories of historical figures like Bumpy Johnson and Huey P. Newton.

Thursday, Feb. 13

Back to Nature: Re-wild Your Garden | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, St. Petersburg | Free | Beef up your backyard’s birding potential with this session on creating a beautiful, animal-friendly habitat.

“Survey the West” Exhibition Opening Reception | 4-6 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | Free with membership | Members get the chance to meet renowned recognized Tampa-based artist Ya La’ford and mingle with other local art lovers over light bites and drinks — you can still buy a membership.

Galentine’s Day Flower Crown Class | 6-8 p.m. | La Setima Club, Tampa | $54 | Weave a bloom-heavy crown with your gals with the folks from Florist Fire Design Group.

Friday, Feb. 14

The Music of John Williams with The Florida Orchestra | 8 p.m. | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $20 | Experience seven decades of the legendary composer’s work from “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” to “Jurassic Park” and “Jaws.”

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

Here’s your latest Gas Worx update: Developer Darryl Shaw and Kettler just scored a $182 million loan for the mixed-use project. The money will be used to build the project’s “E blocks,” which include a transformed warehouse with restaurants and stores. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

Welcome to the neighborhood. Castille Urbana, St. Pete’s latest condo tower, is opening its doors to residents this week. The 40-unit building in downtown also boasts a dog park and washing station, and gym. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Development

Speaking of new St. Pete towers, a new hotel/apartment building is going up near Tropicana Field. St. Petersburg’s Development Review Commission approved plans for the $25 million tower last week. The 13-story building will house 60 hotel rooms and 60 residential units. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Arts

The Sunshine City is taking down its famous “Bending Arc” art piece this week. The iconic suspended sculpture on the St. Pete Pier suffered damage during last fall’s hurricanes and needs repairs. Right now, there isn’t a date for reinstallation. (I Love the Burg)

Outdoors

TBAY has its own Riverside Park — and it may soon undergo some upgrades. City leaders are proposing a $4-$5 million transformation for the Temple Terrace park, including a fishing pier, dedicated kayak launch, 20-ft observation tower, and a boardwalk running along the Hillsborough River and up to South Riverhills Drive. (Tampa Bay Times)

Try This

Don’t leave the doggos out of the Valentine’s fun. Seminole Heights’ Sea Maids Creamery is hosting a Scoops & Smoochies party on Saturday, Feb. 15. from 5 to 7 p.m. Stop by to meet adoptable dogs from the Mercy Full Project, a puppy kissing booth, and pup- and people-friendly treats.

Ranked

The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is fast approaching — and it’s now nominated as one of the best arts festivals in America. Our beloved riverfront festival is up against celebrations like the Orange Beach Festival of Art and the Ann Arbor Art fair in the USA Today competition. Vote through Monday, March 3. (That’s So Tampa)

Eat

Ribs on the Ridge returns to Lake Eva Park Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15 for the final leg of this year’s Florida Triple Crown of BBQ competition. Look forward to live music, family-friendly activities, and taste the region’s best BBQ.*

Sports

The Bolts proved they are still a force to be reckoned with as they moved to third place in the Atlantic Division ahead of the 4 Nations Break. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Community

Thousands of engaged subscribers are reading this right now — just like you. So why not make it about your business? With our easy-to-use self-service ad portal, promoting your business, event, or brand has never been simpler. Get premium visibility in our trusted local newsletter.

The Buy

Fun fact: Nordstrom Rack gets new arrivals every day that are marked down up to 60%. Here are some we have our eye on:

👚 This preppy sweater vest blouse with cuffed sleeves.
👖 A pair of casual wide leg pants available in six bold patterns.
👗 This lace mock neck dress that’s perfect for special occasions.
🧥 A quilted bomber jacket that can be paired with countless outfits.
👟 These retro-inspired kicks for under $40.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Baseball is almost back — you can breathe a sigh of relief. Pitchers and catchers report this week for MLB Spring Training.

Now, let’s take a look at this year’s Rays giveaways. The highlights include City Connect tropical shirts, Rays rope hats, and a Rays football jersey.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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