04.23.2025

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90º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:56 a.m. | Sunset 7:59 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 1:32 p.m. | Low: 6:38 a.m. + 6:37 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 9:51 a.m. + 9:11 p.m. | Low: 3:14 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Off to the races

First turn thrill in greyhound racing at "Derby Lane", St. Petersburg, Florida.

A look at one of the track’s old races. | Postcard via State Archives of Florida

We’re never wanting for sports updates here in Champa Bay. Just this week we have the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NFL Draft, and a barrage of baseball games across Tampa Bay.

But what’s next for our storied facilities? Today, we’re digging into potential redevelopment + other changes:

What’s next for Derby Lane?

Once the longest continually operating greyhound race track in the country, the St. Petersburg Kennel Club has greeted drivers making their way down Gandy into the Burg for nearly a century.

But that cruise could look a little — or a lot — different soon enough. A private equity group just bought the stadium + its 130-acre property, the Tampa Bay Times first reported.

Looking out on the Rays playing the Red Sox at Steinbrenner Field under a blue sky with a few clouds. — Take a peek at the Rays’ new digs.

Could the Rays stay at Steinbrenner?

The Rays kicked off their first regular season at Steinbrenner just under a month ago — after decking out the stadium with 3,000 signs in a 120-hour transformation. Now, even more folks are wondering if the move could become permanent.

What’s in store for The Club at Cheval?

Heritage Golf Group just bought The Club at Cheval in Lutz — adding to its TBAY course portfolio (including TPC Tampa Bay right next door). Now, Heritage also owns Cheval, its facilities, and 20 acres of undeveloped residential land abutting it.

Take a peek at plans

Asked

What would you like to see happen with Derby Lane?

A. Maybe an apartment or condo building
B. A food hall or multiple restaurants
C. Some kind of live music venue
D. A new stadium of some kind

Take your pick

Events

Wednesday, April 23

Thursday, April 24

2025 Emerging Leaders April Vision Series | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Feeding Tampa Bay | $60 | Head to the food bank’s new home to listen to a panel that will focus on the future of housing and affordability in Tampa Bay.

Build Your Own Pizza Party | 6-8 p.m. | 15th Street Farm, St. Petersburg | $35 | Handcraft your own personal pizzas using a variety of fresh toppings harvested from the half-acre organic farm.

Friday, April 25

Spring into action

Click here to have your event featured.

Biz

👀 Introducing ad bundles

Our bundles secure your business more advertising space for less. | Graphic by 6AM City

The newest addition to our self-service ad portal — our advertising marketplace with no long-term contracts — is bundles. We’ve put some of our most popular products into two different offerings — each with a savings of 20%. Here’s the rundown:

Branded Content Bundle: Three placements in our newsletter, including a 75-word article and two text ads in the News Notes section.

Digital Display Bundle: Two email headers + four email banner ads in our newsletter.

Bundle + save

News Notes

Quoted

“In order for HART to survive, we will need a tax increase.” That’s what Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers said, agreeing that HART needs a new funding source. Leaders might propose increasing property taxes or a sales tax that would be go toward transportation projects. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

It’s a different kind of therapy... just for grownups. A new wine + charcuterie bar just opened inside the Glass Of Life shop in Historic Uptown. Adult Therapy serves tons of vino, heaping meat and cheese boards, mini-boards, and pre-packaged snacks — and browse the store’s stained glass pieces while you munch. (I Love the Burg)

Outdoors

Spend some meditative time caring for one of TBAY’s beloved parks this weekend. Join the folks from TAKE MAR to clear trash and debris from Fort De Soto Park on Saturday, April 26. Best of all, St. Pete Poet Laureate Gloria Muñoz will share some inspiration while you work. (I Love the Burg)

Try This

Our lives are defined by water here in Tampa Bay. Enter Creekshed: a new USF website that “examines the human and natural stories about the waters that drain into Tampa Bay.” On it, you’ll find stories from writers like Jack E. Davis and Sheree Greer, an interactive map, and an archive.

Eat

Have tacos, will travel. Wild Child’s former Chef Michael Roberts continues to delight with his new-ish pop-up venture Taco Wizard. Spend some time learning more about Roberts’ inventive menu ideas, culinary creativity, and his dream to open an “omakase meets botanero” spot. (Tampa Bay Times)

History

La France, Ybor City’s beloved vintage shop, is celebrating 50 years in business on its brick-lined street. The store’s owner Jill Wax stocks the shop with everything from silk kimonos and fascinators to current Gaspy gear. Peek inside the curio closet. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

Break down the Lightning’s playoff performance thus far. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Featured Deal

Psst — This week, spend $55+ online at Clinique and get a free eight-piece kit with code GIFT. We’re eyeing: a new Almost Lipstick and best-selling mascara.*

The Buy

A 100% leak-proof tumbler. The Hydracy Soulmate boasts a sleek design (read: it’s cup holder-friendly), three layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for 24 hours, and is dishwasher safe.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

While we’re talkin’ Derby Lane, I’d love to dig into more of its history. Do you have any stories, childhood memories, or opinions about the track? Share them with me.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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