05.13.2025

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86º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:41 a.m. | Sunset 8:11 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 2:58 p.m. | Low: 8:27 a.m. + 11:04 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:52 a.m. | Low: 5:56 a.m. + 7:23 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

We crunched the numbers for you

We’re sure this upcoming year will be as newsy as ever. | Photo via @growgavan

More than 1.6 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Tampa Bay metropolitan area’s economy. But have you ever wondered about our heaviest hitters?

Consider this Tampa Bay Business 101 — your guide to our region’s key industries and major employers. Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are some of the companies with the most Tampa Bay area employees:

Healthcare

BayCare Health System
32,000 employees | Healthcare | Search jobs
The healthcare system is based in Clearwater, and has 16 hospitals under its name.

HCA West Florida Division
21,000 employees | Healthcare | Search jobs
HCA helps connect Tampa Bay residents with healthcare providers, doctors, surgeons, and other appropriate medical care.

Other

Bloomin’ Brands
~5,100 employees | Food + beverage | Search jobs
The thousands of local employees are split across various establishments, including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
~4,500 employees | Hotel and casino | Search jobs
The multifaceted venue doesn’t just offer gambling + hotel rooms, but it is also an 1,500-seat venue.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

The businesses that power TBAY

Asked

What channels do you primarily use when searching for job opportunities?

A. Online job boards
B. Company career websites
C. Networking events
D. Social media platforms

Tell us your secrets

Events

Tuesday, May 13

State of the Word: 4th Annual St. Pete Press Literary Event and Awards | 6 p.m. | Palladium Theater | Free | Pack the waterfront venue for an evening of music, mingling, and manuscripts, where special guests will present their literary year in review.

St. Pete Social | 6:30-8 p.m. | Green Bench Brewing Co. | Free entry | Sip on some Bench Life and hobnob with other TBAY professionals at the (mostly) outdoor brewery.

Create Your Own Bonsai Tree Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Armature Works | $90 | Let the folks from Thunderstruck Bonsai teach you how to shape, prune, and style your own miniature tree moment.

Wednesday, May 14

Midtown Momentum: Recession-Proof Your Life | 6-7 p.m. | Casper | Free | Homeowners and prospective buyers can score tips on building equity even in a downturn + deciding when to buy or sell — the first 10 attendees get eats from Kale Me Crazy.

Thursday, May 15

Elizabeth Brunot | 7-8:30 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $30 | The stand-up comedian famous for her characters and fake accents takes the Cigar City stage on her “You Had to be There Tour.”

Friday, May 16

Saturday, May 17

St. Pete Italian Fest | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Vinoy Park | $15+ | Chow down on Italian eats from local vendors while taking in live music and performances, vintage vehicles, and wine tastings on the waterfront.

Latina Leaders Panel: Women Who Rise | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club | Free | Listen to local + national leaders from institutions like the United States District Court and Moffitt Cancer Center share their experiences, then ask your questions.

Hundreds more jazzy ideas

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

Longo’s coming home. The Tampa Bay Rays just announced beloved third baseman Evan Longoria will sign a one-day contract before the Saturday, June 7 game, so he can play his last game before retirement on Tampa Bay turf. The team is also planning a gameday celebration. (Tampa Bay Times)

Real Estate

We have visions of less clogged Trader Joe’s parking lots dancing in our heads. The popular grocer is reportedly looking for a second location in Tampa proper. Right now, there’s just one Cigar City TJ’s on West Swann Avenue. We’ll keep you posted. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

Calling all emo cowgirls. Country superstar Megan Moroney is headlining Tampa Pig Jig this fall. The Saturday, Oct. 18 Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park show also features Matt Nathanson, Jamestown Revival, George Pippen, and tons of barbecue. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 16. (That’s So Tampa)

Coming Soon

Back by popular demand, the Oyster Bar is reopening in the Burg. The eatery’s new home in the Grand Central District is almost three times the size of the old restaurant. Shucker lovers can expect a raw bar, massive dining room + a cocktail bar. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Development

The Sands of Treasure Island will soon be torn down. The 1940s-era beachfront hotel suffered major damage during last year’s hurricanes, and will be transformed into a boutique hotel. Right now, the developer, Impact Properties, is working out a plan with the city. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Try This

Get ready to rally. The Roost & Rally crawls down Ybor City’s brick streets this Saturday, May 17. Don your finest chicken getup for the tromp to spots like Reservoir Bar, Ybor City Society Wine Bar, Gaspar’s Grotto, and Coyote Ugly. The bar crawl raises money for Ybor Misfits, a microsanctuary that cares for local fowl. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Biz

5801 Print House is moving into St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District this summer. And the vintage Florida-inspired souvenir brand is hosting an artsy carnival to celebrate. The Sunday, June 8 celebration will feature five custom-designed carnival games, on-site screen printing, and plenty of prizes. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Which stars on the Syracuse Crunch could make the move to Tampa Bay in 2025? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Number

$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*

The Buy

As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:

☀️ Caslon’s stylish cotton gauze button-up tee that’s available in 9+ colors.
☀️ A crossover bodice maxi dress that delivers the perfect mix of comfort and style.
☀️ This chic faux wrap skort made from lightweight denim.
☀️ A breathable pima cotton polo that’s easy to dress up or down.
☀️ These woven slide sandals with a cushioned footbed and cork-wrapped midsole.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

I had dinner at the Tampa Club over the weekend to celebrate my baby cousin’s University of Tampa graduation. And man, even though it was spitting rain, those panoramic views from the 42nd floor of the Bank of America tower were still incredible.

If you’re also always on the hunt for scenic spots to watch the sunset, we’ve got plenty of ideas in our guide.

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “how many loaves of Cuban bread does La Segunda bake per day?”

Cuban sandich — The Columbia Restaurant’s Cuban sandwich is legendary, made with La Segunda bread, smoked ham, yellow mustard, and more.

29.6% of our readers correctly guessed 18,000
29.6% of people were close, estimating 25,000
22.2% of readers were way under, saying 12,000
18.5% of folks overshot just a bit, saying 19,500

One of the best ways to enjoy fresh bread

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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