03.28.2025

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Today’s Forecast

86º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 7:45 p.m.

Tides | Tampa Bay | High: 3:10 p.m. | Low: 9:03 a.m. + 9:06 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:55 a.m. | Low: 5:56 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

A message from our team

It’s your last chance to win some extra cash. Let us get to know you by completing this quick, four-minute survey, and you’ll be entered to win $100.

The calm after the storm

George M. Steinbrenner Field in the sunshine. The stands are empty, and the new temporary Rays hoardings and signage lines the stadium. We are positioned outside the stadium looking in, as grounds crew can be seen working on the field and diamond.

Welcome to your new home field. | Photo via Tampa Bay Rays

The time for talk is over. For now, the committee meetings, uncertain future, and contradictory statements from various officials can all be put on the back-burner. Rays baseball is back.

The Rays get their 2025 season underway today with a sold-out home opener vs. the Colorado Rockies. The team’s temporary, Hurricane Milton-induced home for this year is George M. Steinbrenner Field, bringing Rays baseball to Tampa for the very first time.

Steinbrenner has the lowest capacity of any MLB stadium, maxing out at 10,046 — that’s way down from the Trop’s ~25,000. With far fewer seats available, tickets might be at a premium as the season unfolds. Our advice: Take a look at the schedule, make a plan, and buy tickets in advance.

This is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Major League Baseball in the Cigar City. Miss out at your peril.

Rays up.

Asked

What will happen to the Rays beyond 2025?

A. The team will stay at Troicana Field
B. The team will move to Tampa
C. The team will move elsewhere
D. I literally have no idea at this point

Rays your voice

Events

Friday, March 28
Every Map Tells a Story | 2-2:20 p.m. | Tampa Bay History Center | $15 | Explore the museum’s collection of maps, each offering unique insight into the Sunshine State’s rich historic tapestry.

Bunny Photos | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | International Plaza and Bay Street, Tampa | Free | Hop on over for a spring selfie or family photo with the Easter Bunny — you can also reserve a time online.

UniverSoul Circus | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Raymond James Stadium | $28+ | Marvel as internationally renowned performers blend circus and theater for some high-flying acrobatic thrills and feats.

Saturday, March 29
Mezzo Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1111 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Price of purchase | Shop to your heart’s content as the Burg’s best and brightest local crafters and artists sling their treasures in the Edge District.

Tampa Bay Empanada Festival | 12-8 p.m. | Perry Harvey Sr. Park, Tampa | Price of purchase | Sample 100+ varieties of empanadas from 25+ Tampa Bay vendors over cocktails, beers, music, and games.

New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | 2 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $45+ | Turn up the volume on a Saturday afternoon as the Bolts turn one eye toward postseason dreams.

Sunday, March 30
Art on the Spectrum | 9-10 a.m. | Tampa Museum of Art | $5 for kids, $25 for adults | Enjoy the museum in a low-crowd environment, featuring sensory-friendly tools and experiences.

Yoga in the Park | Sunday, March 30-Sunday, Jan. 4 | 6-7 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Free | Get ready for the week ahead with an outdoor class designed for yogis of all abilities — remember a mat, towel, and water.

There's plenty more to do

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Learn

Want to learn something new... from the comfort of your own bed? Try visiting the Museum of All Things, a new virtual museum generated from Wikipedia with exhibits on millions of topics. When the scrolling gets old and you need some real-world interaction, head to Tampa Bay’s IRL museums.

Number

$17.90. That’s the average cost of a large cheese pizza in Tampa based on a national pizza study conducted by Clever. Luckily, there are loads of TBAY pizzerias that are worth the dough, and our options go way beyond just cheese.

Ranked

In case you missed it, the US ranked No. 24 on the 2025 World Happiness Report. According to the report, sharing meals can positively impact our happiness — “on par with the influence of income and unemployment.” Make it an extra happy meal by sharing it at a new restaurant.

Eat

Goodbye, Bistro Shrimp Pasta. If you’re headed to the Cheesecake Factory this weekend, be aware that the chain is removing 13 menu items (and adding 23 more). Maybe consider getting your shrimp at a local option. (USA Today)

Biz

Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.

Edu

Ready for the next step in your career? Southeastern University’s specialized MBA programs help you tailor your degree to your goals, without the need for additional classes (or additional costs). Explore programs + apply.*

Listen

Who will join the Bucs in next month’s NFL Draft? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Travel

The opposite of sticker shock? Going’s free travel membership, which alerts you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. You’re welcome.*

Job

Your business’s hiring ad could be here reaching thousands of our daily readers. Ready to find your ideal candidate? Post your first listing on our community job board for free + level it up with a Featured Job Post.

City Guide

Find your spot in the grass

A biker takes advantage of the sunny day at North Shore Park. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, the Tampa Bay area has dozens of parks to choose from.

Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Tampa + St. Pete’s best:

Nature parks

Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa
Partly located in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, this Old Florida paradise is a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing and hikes. Also enjoy the playgrounds, boardwalk, 1.25-mile exercise trail, and weekend education tours.

Family parks

St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
The ever-updating St. Pete Pier is packed with things to do — from a splash pad and Tiki Bar to a luxe restaurant and concessions. The renowned park has a playground with a pirate ship and tons of green space for lounging, plus you’ll likely come across live music as you stroll.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

What about my dog?

The Buy

Don’t miss these Lightning Deals that are available today only as part of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale:

⚡ An elegant leather shoulder bag that looks designer — minus the hefty price tag.
⚡ A highly rated multipurpose steam cleaner for under $90.
⚡ This neck and shoulder massager with three adjustable intensity levels.
⚡ A chic rotating makeup brush holder that’s waterproof and dustproof.
⚡ This pooch-approved backseat car cover that’s 75% off.

Even more Big Spring Sale deals

The Wrap

From editor Patrick

I took a quick trip last week on a top secret TBAYtoday mission. While I can’t give you those details, I can share this great shot I got of the 813 on my way back into town.

Psst — make your next trip smoother with our guide to Tampa International.

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