The artist learns a new way of creating on a trip to Ghana. | Photo via Ya La’ford Studio
She just closed a massive show exploring the American West at the James Museum. She’s working on several projects across Florida, like an Orlando sports center and St. Pete sculpture — not to mention her work across the US. And she’s got heaps more ideas simmering along in her mind: a permanent museum, a short film...
She’s Tampa Bay’s own renowned artist Ya La’ford. The multimedia visionary aims to “work between the visual and the complexities of the human community with layered meanings.”
We chatted with La’ford about her sources of TBAY inspo + what’s next. Here’s what she had to say:
What local projects are you working on right now?
“Right now, I’m diving into some amazing projects! I’m working on the Courageous 12 initiative in St. Petersburg, which honors those who’ve driven change in our community.”
What does the design process for that look like?
“For the Courageous 12 project, capturing the essence of memory and justice is crucial. The design will reflect the powerful stories of those who fought for change, creating a space that honors their legacy while promoting reflection and dialogue.
MADabolic on the lawn | 6-7 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Kickstart your week with a strength and conditioning workout — BYO-towel and water bottle. Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Rays | 7:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $12+ | Catch the tail end of the the Astros series. Remix: Under the Spell of the Palm Tree | 9 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art | $37 | Unleash your creativity with an make-and-take art workshop inspired by the museum’s latest collection.
Tuesday, May 20
2025 State of Tampa’s Downtown Forum | 8 a.m. | Tampa Marriott Water Street | $95+ | Tuck in for some breakfast and intel from leading experts on topics impacting Tampa’s Downtown. WCC #inspiHER St Petersburg | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Mahaffey Theater | $100 | Celebrate local women + the community’s strength with the St. Petersburg Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s signature spring event featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a live auction.
Thursday, May 22
Baskets & Bordeaux: Coiled Basket Weaving For Anthropologie Lovers | 5:30-9 p.m. | Katie and Hubbell, St. Petersburg | $54 | We’ve got Anthro vibes at home — once you take this coiled basket weaving course over a little white and red Bordeaux. Howie Mandel | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $48 | Here’s the deal, it’s time to see the comedian, television personality, actor, producer, and host of the podcast “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” entrance the Clearwater crowd.
The Sunshine City’s downtown keeps building up. St. Pete City Council just approved plans to replace the UPC Insurance headquarters property with two 31-story towers. The $225 million development will boast 824 apartments and 35,800 sqft of retail. Next up, the plan needs Development Review Commission + Federal Aviation Authority approvals. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Speaking of St. Pete development, City Council also approved a new 16-story boutique hotel. The new tower will replace the 11-story 300 Central building torn up by Hurricane Milton. If it passes final approvals, the new build will feature 74 hotel rooms + 4,000 sqft of commercial space. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Closing
And with Longoria’s departure from Major League Baseball, comes the exit of Ducky’s from West Kennedy. The bar co-owned by Rays legend Evan Longoria is closing its South Tampa location. But fans can still get their faves at the spot’s TPA location. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Real Estate
The Church of Scientology’s new downtown Clearwater plaza is a no-go. The church took back its request to buy a plot of of South Garden Avenue between Franklin and Court streets before City Council could vote on the measure, seeing that it didn’t have the support needed. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Try This
Party atop the Thousand & One tower in Water Street Tampa to celebrate National Bike Month. The folks from Walk Bike Tampa are hosting a soiree on Thursday, May 22 with craft drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and views. Plus, your ticket fee supports the local bike community. (That’s So Tampa)
Ranked
No. 12. That’s where CoworkingCafe ranked the Burg on its list of “best cities for healthy living.” The city earned high marks for its low noise pollution, high quality of life, and number of parks and fitness centers. Tampa followed kinda closely at No. 18. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Mansion Monday
Look straight out at Tampa’s skyline from your new pad. A Davis Islands home perched on a 100-ft-wide open bay lot just hit the market. The home features 5-beds and 4-baths over ~4,000 sqft. Take a tour.
Sports
With standout performances from Josh Lowe and Junior Caminero, the Rays are making waves in Major League Baseball. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Fun Fact
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Read
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A pack of light blocking stickers to dull light pollution in your home. The pack comes with multiple sizes that can be used to cover light emitted by digital alarm clocks, charger ports, and other electronics.
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