04.09.2025

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81º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:11 a.m. | Sunset 7:52 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 2:46 p.m. | Low: 8:09 a.m. + 8:23 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:04 a.m. + 11 p.m. | Low: 4:49 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

The time is nigh to get verified

A shot of Airside F at Tampa International Airport at night. There is a brooding sunset in the background, with deep red, purple, and orange tones. Floodlights light the airport and cars drive past the terminal.

TPA offers 90+ nonstop routes. | Photo by Andrew Heneen via Wikimedia Commons

After years of delayed deadlines, it’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025.

Why do I need one?

You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, apply for benefits, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.

Take this 30-second quiz to find out if you need a REAL ID.

How can I get one?

You’ll need to have a Florida driver’s license or ID before you can apply for a REAL ID. The good news? You can apply for both at your local Hillsborough or Pinellas DMV.

Here's what to bring

Events

Wednesday, April 9

Thursday, April 10

Floral Designer Tour with Cassie Osterloth | 9-10 a.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete | $30+ | Let the floral designer guide you through the museum’s latest Art in Bloom show, interpreting and highlighting the work of her fellow designers.

Full Body Workout with Rumble Boxing | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Sweat out the day’s stress with a boxing-inspired group fitness class set to custom hip-hop and dance mash-ups.

Tampa Bay Blues Kickoff Party | 7:30 p.m. | Palladium Theater | $45 | Kick off the weekend with a rockin’ performance from Ronnie Baker Brooks & North Mississippi Allstars.

Carin Leon | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $40+ | The Mexican singer-songwriter takes the stage on his “Boca Chueca Tour.”

Friday, April 11

Irvine’s Spirit Chef Showdown | 7-10 p.m. | Epic, Tampa | $160 | Watch 16 chefs battle it out in eight different culinary challenges at this action-packed Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival event.

Saturday, April 12

Hop on the Lawn | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Armature Works | $15 | Tow the kiddos and their baskets along for egg hunts and Easter activities aplenty — make sure to buy an egg hunt ticket for a specific time slot.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The Nolen is nearly open. The 23-story downtown St. Pete tower features 31 condo units with private elevator lobbies, a wellness room for massages, a heated pool, outdoor fire tables, an outdoor kitchen, a gym, and a private wellness room for massages. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

A new Instagram op awaits. Paradeco Coffee Roasters just opened a new cafe at the SkyBeach Resort — yes, with the same pink and turquoise Art Deco flair. Located off the courtyard, the cafe offers 3D-printed lattes, plus a variety of gluten-free and vegan eats. (I Love the Burg)

Closing

So long, EVOS. The healthy fast food spot is closing its final TBAY locations in South Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Carrollwood after 31 years. Stop by through Friday, April 11 for wraps, bowls, smoothies, and even healthier burgers.(Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Ranked

No. 1. The U.S. News & World Report just named The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine the top medical school in Florida. The school was also one 16 medical schools in the US to score the outlet’s Tier 1 rating — based on factors like research activities + student selectivity. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

How much will the incoming tariffs add to your Sunday brunch bill? Some local restaurant owners say they aren’t raising prices immediately, but one Italian market has already had to increase prices due to the number of imported goods the spot sells. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Who are the best fits that will realistically be there for the Bucs in the first round? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Eat

One-night food fest “Taste of Water Street” returns next Wednesday, April 16. Look forward to live music, curated bites, and refreshing sips from more than 20 tasty neighborhood eateries. See the list of spots + snag tix .*

Shop

Psst — We can’t stop scrolling Nordstrom’s list of spring wardrobe essentials, including this travel and vacay-friendly printed scarf dress and these Kate Spade sunglasses.*

Finance

We know you’re smart (you subscribe to TBAYtoday, after all), but we all have our blind spots when it comes to spending. Here are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*

Correction

We got a little too jazzed about all of the great gigs going on. Jason Isbell played Ruth Eckerd Hall last night, not Thursday, April 10. And Mat Kearney plays The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on Saturday, May 10, not at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

The Buy

We all want the best for our pets, and premium care can come at a premium cost. With pet insurance, you can reduce the strain on your budget, whether it’s for treating a chronic condition or an unexpected emergency.*

Explore plans starting at $10 a month

The Wrap

Happy Masters week, TBAY. As the pros descend on Augusta, consider hitting some of our esteemed local links.

And even if you’re not a golf aficionado, you can still enjoy a top-notch themed menu, right?

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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