03.26.2025

From our friends at

86º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:26 a.m. | Sunset 7:44 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 3:02 p.m. | Low: 8:13 a.m. + 7:40 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:18 a.m. + 10:28 p.m. | Low: 4:24 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

A message from our team

We want to give someone $100. Click here to fill out our four-minute survey + it could be you.

Bailey crosses the Bay

A shot from up high of the Howard Frankland Bridge project. The Bay water is reflecting sunlight, while cars drive along the existing bridge. An incomplete structure spans left to right as crews work on the bridge. The Tampa skyline and South Tampa are in the distance on a bright sunny day.

The bridge is named after the 20th century entrepreneur and philanthropist. | Photo via FDOT

Hey TBAY, City Editor Bailey here — one of the lucky ones without a morning commute. Well, I guess that depends on how you feel about that daily trek to and fro the brick and mortar palace of business.

But when a new major Tampa Bay bridge opens for the first time in decades, you must cross it. I headed out on Monday and Tuesday mornings to compare the commuting experience on both the new + old Howard Frankland Bridge.

The view from the driver's side headed south on the Howard Frankland shows an unblemished concrete lane, some cranes, and cones set up along the drive. — The new view headed down the bridge into St. Pete.

The terms

As with any good experiment, I maintained the same controls on both Monday, March 24 + Tuesday, March 25 drives. Consistency is key.

I left from Curtis Hixon Park at 8:30 a.m.
Routed Apple Maps to Kenwood
Chugged my same blend of cold brew + half-and-half while leaving the house
Popped on the same playlist (Bailey’s Brand-new Bridge Crossing Mix)

See how it went

Asked

How often do you think you’ll take the new Howard Frankland?

A. At least once per day
B. Multiple times per week
C. A few times per month
D. I literally never cross it

There's no toll on this poll

Events

Wednesday, March 26

Leslie Liao | 7-8:30 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa | $32 | The Netflix-featured stand-up comedian, actress, and writer will make you chuckle.

Personal Safety and Threat Awareness “Creating a Weapon Mindset” | 7-9 p.m. | Sunshine Center, St. Petersburg | Free | Get ready so you can stay ready with this course sharing anti-stalking tactics and other ways to prevent danger — take home a $25 gift card for future trainings.

STOMP | 7:30 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $35+ | Watch the troupe create rhythms using matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps.

Thursday, March 27

Flirt-o-RAMA: FloridaRAMA’s Singles Match-Up Experience | 7-9 p.m. | FloridaRAMA, St. Petersburg | $35+ | Fill out a personalized Matchbox survey, then enjoy happy hour and a roam around the immersive art gallery with your new match.

Friday, March 28

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Colorado Rockies | Friday, March 28, Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $75+ | Slap on some sunscreen to watch the Rays take the field for the first time at their new temporary home.

American Stage “HAIR” in the Park Opening Night | 6-10 p.m. | Demens Landing, St. Petersburg | $200+ | Don your best 60s flair and enjoy a meal, open bar, and a live performance of the classic musical on the Burg’s waterfront.

Saturday, March 29

Secrets of the Zoo Tour 2025: Florida | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | ZooTampa | $140 | Go behind-the-scenes of the National Geographic show to meet the animal and human stars + see how the animals are cared for — recommended for animal enthusiasts ages 12 and up.

Pilates with The Pilates Krewe | 9-10 a.m. | Armature Works | Free | Tow the yoga mat along for a challenging outdoor mat Pilates class using open-ended resistance bands.

Pack your calendar

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

The University of Tampa picked up some prime real estate. The private university just paid $10+ million for just under an acre near Oxford Exchange. Leaders have not announced whether the land will become student housing. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Number

120 hours. That’s how much time the Rays have to swap Steinbrenner Field from the Yankees Spring Training setup to their temporary 2025 home. WUSF shares a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation, from changing out the signs to switching out memorabilia. (WUSF News)

Coming Soon

The owners of Mangosteen are opening a new restaurant in the Burg. Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge will serve diners Laos-style tacos, yakitori, tapas, and omakase. The eatery opens this summer. (St. Pete Rising)

Announced

No need to head to the Year 3000, the Jo Bros are bringing their “Living the Dream Tour” to Tampa this year. Your favorite brotherly trio plays on Amalie on October 22. The show will also feature Marshmello, The All American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls. Tickets go on sale later this week.

History

What is the lore behind the Ybor City chickens? The Tampa Bay Times digs into the history of the neighborhood’s fowl, and their enduring presence as Ybor evolves. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Check in on Chris Godwin’s road to recovery. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*

The Buy

A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

Shop more Big Spring Sale deals

The Wrap

I have to level with you: I’m more of a Gandy girl. I mean with Salt Shack and Hula Bay parked on one side and Patrona and The Getaway on the other, the access to good waterfront dining is stacked. Add in the A1 views of the water and it’s a slam dunk.