04.29.2025

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88º | 70% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:03 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 6:14 a.m. + 3:42 p.m. | Low: 9:13 a.m. + 11:52 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:32 p.m. | Low: 6:41 a.m. + 8:11 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Let’s celebrate small businesses next week

Presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

There’s so many small businesses scattered across Tampa Bay. | Photo via @growgavan

Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is almost here, and we’re gearing up to spread the local love.

We’ve partnered with some of Tampa Bay’s small businesses to celebrate the folks who make up the backbone of our local economy.

From Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, you can expect features with local entrepreneurs that shine a light on what it’s like being a part of Tampa Bay’s small business community.

We’re pulling back the curtain to share what’s unique about TBAY’s small biz scene + what spots our local entrepreneurs love to frequent.

Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.

Events

Tuesday, April 29

May the Fourth Be With You | 10 a.m. | Imagine Museum | Included with admission | Don your finest earth-toned robe or armor to roam the cosmic E² Extraterrestrial Exhibition, featuring glass UFOs + Trish Duggan’s 1000-piece Alien Wall.

Cherry Blossom Omakase Dinner | 6-10 p.m. | ro Hyde Park | $195 | Sit back for a six-course feast inspired by cherry blossoms + paired with curated cocktails.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals | 7:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $14+ | Watch the Rays take on the boys from Kansas City over a legendary TBAY sunset.

“Back to the Future: The Musical” | Tuesday, April 29-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $89+ | The award-winning musical follows Marty McFly as he shoots back to 1955 in a time machine built by Doc Brown and changes the course of history.

Wednesday, April 30

Movie on the Lawn: “The Mighty Ducks” | 8-10 p.m. | Armature Works | $0-$10 | Root for the ragtag hockey squad as they fight to beat the odds in the Disney classic — $10 per person gets you reserved seating and popcorn.

Thursday, May 1

OE Book Fair | 6-9 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | Free entry | Head to the downtown Tampa bookstore to meet of 30+ of your favorite local authors over a handcrafted coffee or some bubbly.

Even more ideas

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

The Florida Public Service Commission is expected to reinforce its approval of Tampa Electric Co.'s base-rate increases. The commission will meet on Tuesday, May 6 to reconsider its approval of the $185 million base-rate increase for 2025. The rate would likely rise $86.6 million in 2026 + $9.1 million in 2027. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Outdoors

North Shore Park is about to undergo a massive coastal restoration project. The City of St. Petersburg + Tampa Bay Watch are planning to fill the dredge hole + plant 32 acres of native seagrasses atop the site. The project should be done by summer 2027 + improve water clarity and quality. (I Love the Burg)

Development

So, could the Rays move to Gasworx? Graham Tyrrell, Kettler’s managing developer of Florida says its not possible “unless the Rays can build a very tiny stadium.” Tyrrell told reporters six buildings have already been added to the project and a large stadium wouldn’t fit. (Tampa Bay Times)

Community

Struggling to find volunteering opportunities? Pinellas County created a page on GivePulse, connecting residents with dozens of ways to give back. Bonus: There’s ideas for every type of Good Samaritan in our volunteer guide. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Ranked

No. 2. The Tampa Riverwalk was just named the second-best riverwalk in the US in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Judges praised our 2.6 mile path, calling it a “bustling hub of performances, art, leisure, and fitness activities.” Plus, they lauded the Riverwalk’s wealth of activity options. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Plan Ahead

There are only a few spots still available at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum’s Summer Art Camps. Register kids ages 8-14 for two weeks of hands-on creativity.*

Sports

Can the Lightning keep the streak going and even the series in Sunrise? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Announced

You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in our survey we ran on April 10. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Karen W. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.

Number

$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could save on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. Are you overspending? View Money’s best car insurance list to compare providers.*

The Buy

The car tech upgrades you need ahead of summer road trips for better, safer driving:

🗺️ No more phone in your cup holder — keep navigation instructions in your eyeline with a suction cup phone mount equipped with one-button release.
🔊 Skip plugging in your phone to activate CarPlay and use this wireless CarPlay adapter for a faster, more reliable bluetooth connection.
🚙 A front and rear dash cam can make all the difference in a fender bender — this one captures crystal-clear footage even at night.
📲 Everyone gets to charge their devices at once with a four-port car charger that’s here to end road trip squabbles.
🌸 Looking for an air freshener upgrade? This No. 1 best-selling wood air freshener looks chic on your sun visor.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Yesterday, we quizzed you on the most popular ice cream flavor in Florida... and most of you failed us like a DQ Blizzard plopping on the ground. Sorry, too harsh.

Only 11% of folks correctly guessed rum raisin. Though, it makes sense that the most popular guess — with 33% of vote — was orange creme. We’ll give you a pass on that one.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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