02.18.2025

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76º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 6:23 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 6:36 a.m. + 5:46 p.m. | Low: 11:21 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 2:17 p.m. | Low: 7:54 a.m. + 9:24 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Here come the good times

The Don CeSar offers scenic terraces with a view of the coast — and a backdrop of the iconic pink hotel. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Whether you’re getting a jump start on your holiday party planning or preparing for an upcoming wedding reception or family reunion, check out this list of rentable venues in Tampa Bay.

Multiple options

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, 200 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa

Rate: Pricing available upon request
Multiple spaces totaling 11,000+ sqft and including waterfront options
Key features: Downtown location, on-site restaurant and bar, 270+ hotel rooms, valet parking

NOVA 535, 535 Dr. M. L. King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg

Rate: Pricing available upon request
Capacity: 80-350
Four spaces
Key features: 1920s historic building, exposed brick walls, courtyard with lit bamboo, room for food trucks, getting ready space

Snapinsta.app_348857828_1045296839765519_5019786045764340770_n_1080.jpg — The Vault brings those old school Tampa vibes to your ceremony.

Interesting venues

Yacht StarShip, Multiple spaces

Rate: Pricing available on request
Accommodates 25-300
Multiple spaces including outdoor decks
Key features: Scenic cruise on waterways of Tampa Bay or Clearwater Beach, DJ, in-house food and drink service

Hotel Haya, 1412 E. 7th Ave., Tampa

Pricing available on request
Accommodates up to 200 guests
4,000 sqft
Key features: Herringbone wood floors, Downtown Ybor City location, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass-blown chandeliers

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

10+ more venues

Asked

What is your favorite aspect of attending a wedding?

A. The ceremony
B. The reception
C. Dancing
D. Cake cutting
E. The food/meals

There's no wrong answer

Events

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Community Feedback Sessions: Voices of the Corridor Workshop #2 | 5:30-7 p.m. | St. Pete College Midtown Campus | Free | Residents, business owners, and stakeholders of the Deuces neighborhood are invited to weigh in on the future of the area.

Galentine’s Day Terrarium Making | 6:30-8 p.m. | Bayboro Brewing Co., St. Petersburg | $42| Sip on a brew or two while filling your 6-inch glass terrarium with succulents and galentine’s decorations.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Florida Conversations: Chitlin’ Circuit | 6:30-8 p.m. | Tampa Bay History Center | Free | Local and national experts will discuss how Black-owned venues during the Jim Crow era fostered community and launched the careers of musicians like Ray Charles.

“Good Natured” Film Screening | 7-9 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | Free | Join the folks from WEDU PBS for the premiere of the documentary exploring the power of nature and the efforts to protect it and a performance from the Masterplants Orchestra.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Friday, Feb. 21

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays | 1:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $90+ | Watch as the Rays kick off Spring Training against the Yankees at their new temporary home.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Development

What’s going on with X Tampa? Construction on the 29-story downtown tower may restart soon. The project’s developer just scored a new loan for the co-living concept, after pausing construction in 2023. Right now, there isn’t a timeline for the project. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Edu

USF President Rhea Law just announced she will retire following a national search for her successor. Law’s historic stint at the university’s helm includes some huge moves like the start of construction on the new football field and USF’s induction into the Association of American Universities. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Let the beach doggin’ begin. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park reopened to visitors yesterday after a months-long hurricane cleanup. Much of the popular Tierra Verde park is now open, but the East Loop and parts of the seawall are still closed and boat ramp access is limited.

Open

Speaking of the beaches, Pass-a-Grille’s Paradise Grill is open for your sunset dining pleasure. The casual beachfront eatery is back serving grouper sandwiches, wings, and plenty of frozen drinks after repairs from 2024’s hurricanes. (I Love the Burg)

Watch

The makers of “Razed,” a new documentary telling the story of the since demolished Gas Plant District, just announced new showings. Get your free tickets to a showing on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity, or Friday, Feb. 28 at USF. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Number

42,017. That’s how many fans packed Ray Jay to watch Lionel Messi take the field last week. Messi played the majority of the exhibition match, as Orlando SC and Inter Miami battled to a 2-2 draw. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Ranked

The Burg’s Sunken Gardens is nominated for Best Botanical Garden is the US. The 100+-year-old roadside attraction is up against blooming good spots like the New York Botanical Garden, Desert Botanical Garden, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Vote now through Wednesday, March 10. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Will the Bucs be big time buyers when the new league year begins? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Number

20 grams. That’s how much protein is in two scoops of NativePath’s Grass-Fed Collagen Powder — blend it into coffee, smoothies, or even winter soups to boost beauty and health daily.*

The Buy

This No. 1 best-selling exercise dress. Wear it for your afternoon walk, then add a cardigan for dinner and cocktails.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Coming off a solo Valentine’s weekend and ready to get back out there?

You’re in the right place. Florida recently ranked as the No. 1 state for singles. And Tampa Bay definitely boasts some of the most romantic date night spots.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “What’s your dream home feature?”

A modern home with a pool — Imagine spending the summer in this Snell Isle pool.

Yesterday’s peek inside a Coffee Pot Boulevard mansion has us making dream home wishlists like “House Hunters” couples. You get it.

It seems that most, ~65%, of you share the same dream: a resort-style pool and hot tub. A strong ~21% of readers have a home theater on their shopping list.

Finally, about ~15% of you really want a home gym.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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