04.10.2025

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83º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:10 a.m. | Sunset 7:52 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 2:53 p.m. | Low: 8:33 a.m. + 9:01 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:14 a.m. + 11:40 p.m. | Low: 5:25 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

From our team

Our seasonal Parents’ Gift Guide is in the works, and we want to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations.

A whole new world

The rendering of the Busch Gardens' new realm: Wild Oasis, a leafy, jungle-inspired area with a drop tower, fake mountain, and mist.

We’re already dreaming of that drop. | Rendering via Busch Gardens

As Tampa Bay’s population continues to grow, so do its beloved institutions. In this case, we’re talkin’ Busch Gardens + USF.

We’re taking a look at two ongoing transformations:

Busch Gardens’ next era

Earlier this spring, we shared a firsthand peek at the Tampa theme park’s revamped Wild Oasis realm. But Busch Gardens and Adventure Island president, Jeff Davis, says tons of improvements + additions are on the way, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Davis, who started his role earlier this year, said the team plans to spend $35 million between the two parks this year. Beyond Wild Oasis, the dough will go toward infrastructure improvements (like replacing back areas of the park for animal habitats) + investments in rides, attractions, technology, events, and experiences.

A rendering of the USF football stadium. There are floodlights on and the image is staged at nighttime, with fans in the green stands, and Bulls logos sound the stadium. Campus is visible in the background as the shot is taken from high up. — The stadium is set to open in 2027.

USF stadium progress

USF Athletic Director Michael Kelly shared that Manhattan Construction is getting the on-site prep done for the new USF football stadium, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Think: Clearing a lot on Sycamore Drive for its on-site compound.

Construction will start “in earnest” to get the Tampa football stadium ready for the Bulls’ 2027 season.

Even more deets

Asked

How are you feeling today?

A. Feeling awesome!
B. Could be better, but not terrible.
C. It’s fine, I’m fine, everything’s fine. 🔥
D. Nope, not today.

Answer here

Events

Thursday, April 10

Taps & Tacos | Thursday, April 10-Thursday, June 5 | 5-9:30 p.m. | BayCare Ballpark | $10 | What pairs better with baseball than 50% off brews and cocktails?

Opening Reception for Luci Westphal’s Photo Exhibit: Post-Historic St. Pete | 6-8 p.m. | Craftsman House, St. Petersburg | Free | Tuck into the bungalow to check out the cohesive mixed-media photography series juxtaposing historic buildings with new high-rise constructions.

TFO Soundwaves Chamber Orchestra Series “The Soldier’s Tale” | Thursday, April 10-Saturday, April 12 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $25 | Sit back for Stravinsky’s tale of a soldier who makes a deal with the devil in disguise.

Friday, April 11

Local Stories Live Present | 9 a.m. | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa | Free | Gain insights from local business leaders as they discuss “The AI Advantage: Future-Proofing Your Business.”

Communi-Trees: Grant Workshop | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Carrollwood Village Park | Free | Learn more about the CommuniTrees: Community Tree Grant program’s application process and recommended best practices for trees in communities.

MOMMA Fest | 5-8 p.m. | Florida State Fairgrounds | Free | Mingle with fellow mamas and other folks at this community block party + health fair with wellness booths, health screenings, perinatal support, and education services.

Keys in the Park: A Melodic Duel | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Lykes Gaslight Park | Free | Watch talented musicians tickle the ivories under the backdrop of downtown Tampa.

Saturday, April 12

Downtown Cleanup with Keep Pinellas Beautiful | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | The James Museum | Free | Tromp through the downtown with the Trailblazers, collecting water bottles, litter, and other trash from the Burg’s streets.

Sabor Cubano Fest | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Al Lopez Park | $7 | Dive into Cuban heritage with demonstrations by cigar rollers, domino games, dancing, and plenty of croquetas and pastelitos.

Fill your calendar

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Travel

Treat yourself + your taste buds at this South Florida resort

Presented by The Seagate Hotel

An overhead shot of a resort on the beach, a close up of beef tartar, an overhead shot of a rare steak.

The Seagate includes access to a private beach, multiple waterfront dining options, a championship golf course, full-service spa + two pools. | Photos courtest Leo Diaz, The Seagate

~~Meet~~ Meat your foodie destination of the summer: The Seagate at Delray Beach is freshly renovated and home to Michelin Star Chef Michael Mina’s newest Bourbon Steak location.

After soaking up rays on the private beach and an all-important post-sunbathing afternoon nap, head to Bourbon Steak for:

High-quality cuts of American, Kobe, and wagyu beef
Fresh seafood caught right in The Seagate’s backyard
An extensive wine program

Psst: Score up to 25% off your stay with the All-New Stays, Endless Rays summer package.

Explore more dining options + book

News Notes

Community

Where is Pinellas’ $813 million in hurricane relief funding going? The bulk — 70% — of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery money will go toward low- and moderate-income households and communities. Think: Home repair reimbursement + economic assistance for small businesses. Folks could start seeing money this fall. (Tampa Bay Times)

Opening

Retro House is back in action. The Cantonese eatery just reopened after renovations. Located just outside Ybor City, Retro House serves dumplings, Hong Kong-style noodles, bao, rice bowls, plus, a whole new coffee menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Sports

The Rays are starting this season with a new streak —a 13-game home stand. It’s the first time since 2005 the Rays have played that long of a home stand — in an effort to frontload games before the rainy season. Get tickets to a game at Steinbrenner. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Announced
1,000. That’s how many trees St. Pete is giving away on Saturday, April 19 as part of its Community Canopy Initiative. Stop by a giveaway site at Walter Fuller Recreation Center or Frank Pierce Recreation Center to pick up a South Florida slash pine, sand live oak, sweetgum, or sugarberry tree. (I Love the Burg)

Transit

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a flying car — truly. Earlier this week, Pivotal launched multiple test flights in Tierra Verde. The Silicon Valley company sent its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts on flights to Fort De Soto and other TBAY spots. (Tampa Bay Times)

Outdoors

Want to give back during Earth Month? Pinellas County is looking for volunteers for the Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek cleanup this Saturday, April 12. Bring your own kayak/canoe or register for one for the waterway project — lunch is provided after. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Sports

Baseball season is here, but how’s it going for the Rays? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Number

5. That’s how many minutes it takes to read 1440’s daily newsletter — an unbiased, fact-centric digest of global events, culture, business, and beyond. Subscribe for free.*

Stat

$3,500. That’s how much dough you might have to drop if your dog eats their chew toy. Yes, pets are expensive, but they’re worth it — and this pet insurance could reimburse 90% of those expenses.*

The Buy

There’s nothing like a seasonal wardrobe refresh. Join us in adding these five spring activewear essentials to your cart:

👟 Yitty’s lightweight joggers featuring a slim-fit silhouette.
👟 A ruched performance tank to elevate any exercise outfit.
👟 These high-rise Vuori leggings made with ultra-soft fabric.
👟 A supportive strappy sports bra for under $35.
👟 Beyond Yoga’s top-rated biker shorts with a 5-inch inseam.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

The slight drop in temps this week was desperately needed — at least on my end. I’m taking my little lab, Sage, for extra long walks + enjoying every dinner outside.

Take full advantage with a lengthy outdoor meal, stroll, or coworking sesh outside. July will be here before you know it.

The Buy

The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:

👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.

More worth The Buy

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