04.15.2025

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81º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 7:55 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 4:03 p.m. | Low: 9:46 a.m. + 11:51 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:50 p.m. | Low: 6:55 a.m. + 8:09 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Outdoor adventures await

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.

Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg

Home to one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast (according to the city), this 400-acre park is chock full of observation towers, boardwalk trails, and benches for taking in the landscape (and maybe some turtles, too).

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

Find your leafy paradise

Asked

What is your favorite park activity to do in our city?

A. Walking my dog
B. Spending time with the kiddos
C. Jogging or working out
D. Other

There's no wrong answer

Events

Tuesday, April 15

Wednesday, April 16

Finding Common Ground Through Community Engagement | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | St. Petersburg Museum of History | $35 | Take in insights from local leaders from spots like USF St. Pete and the St. Pete Downtown Partnership at this annual Working Women’s Forum.

Bracelet Bar: Spring Edition | 6-8 p.m. | Armature Works | $35 | Carefully select your fave springy beads, then string them into a custom bracelet over a glass of vino.

Thursday, April 17

Gretchen Rubin | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $20 | Dive into the “Secrets of Adulthood” with the New York Times-bestselling author of “The Happiness Project” at the bougie downtown bookstore.

Water Street Walking Tour | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Gensler | $30 | Stroll through the bustling neighborhood + take a peek at gems like the Edition on this The Tampa Bay Design Week tour.

Friday, April 18

Tommy Prine | 7 p.m. | Skipper’s Smokehouse | $20+ | The youngest son of TBAY music royalty takes the outdoor stage with tunes from his debut album “This Far South.”

Tiffany Haddish: “The Funny and Fearless Tour” | 7 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $45 | You’re in for a comedic trip at this show from the popular stand-up comic.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Development

We recently shared the news of Ray Jay’s potential rejuvenation. And the vision is starting to come into focus. The renovation plans will definitely transform the space into a mixed-use development — which won’t be a problem as the Glazers own the stadium’s surrounding land. We’ll keep you updated. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Opening

Calling all Santoro’s devotees. The owner of the popular pizza joint is opening a new venture, Giancarlo’s Cafe. The north Hyde Park eatery will open later this year, and serve simple + affordable amped up diner eats. (That’s So Tampa)

Announced

Soon, you’ll be able to tuck in with your latest read at The Book Lounge. The Burg’s new book lover’s paradise debuts on Central Avenue in June. Bibliophiles can look forward to plenty of reads, board games, snacks, and drinks. (I Love the Burg)

Eat

Yes, we have another Central Avenue arrival for ya. Cheeky’s, a new fish restaurant and oyster bar, opens this summer. Brought to you by one of Willa’s cofounders, the menu promises “chubby oysters, burgers, ice cold martinis, frozens, fine wines, and a lotta fish.” (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Outdoors

Want to give back to Pinellas’ parks this Earth Month? Help install the next phase of the living shoreline at Philippe Park this Saturday, April 19. The work entails placing castle blocks, oyster bags, and oyster volcanoes so make sure to wear proper clothing + closed-toe shoes. Register online. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Biz

Two of our TBAY-based banks are doing numbers. Climate First Bank and Waterfall Bank reported the highest percentage increase in deposits from the final quarter of 2023 to the final quarter of 2024, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

The Lightning could clinch the second seed in the Atlantic Division tonight. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Featured Deal

Restock your wine fridge ahead of spring + summer events. For a limited time, Swirl Wine Shop is offering up to 70% off premium collections of red, white, and mixed selections.*

Number

$1,300. That’s what you could spend on a brand new tablet, smart watch, and noise-canceling earbuds — or what you could spend overpaying for car insurance. If you like the former option, see what you could save by switching car insurance providers.*

Correction

Yesterday, we told you the beloved beachfront hotel, The Thunderbird, is getting redeveloped. The longtime hotel is in Treasure Island, not Clearwater Beach. Take a peek at its history.

The Buy

A breathable long-sleeve tee, great to pair with jeans and jackets on cool spring days.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

I had to share this lovely moment from one of my walks over the weekend. Meet my dog Sage’s new friend Brady the manatee, spotted on a stroll down the North Bay Trail.

The shadow of a person and a dog reflect in the water, where a manatee is swimming in green-blue water. — Three best friends on a Saturday afternoon.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “What’s your favorite wellness service?”

A person holding up a mittened hand, takes a mirror selfie while dressed in a fluffy white robe and fleece headband. — City Editor Bailey decked out for the cryochamber.

50% of folks say they love saunas and cold plunges
33% of readers are into float therapy
17% of people adore red light therapy

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