06.04.2025

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83º | 60% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:33 a.m. | Sunset 8:23 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 11:35 a.m. + 11:39 p.m. | Low: 5:56 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 7:37 a.m. + 7:59 p.m. | Low: 2:17 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Adventure awaits ...just a few hours away

A fort surrounded by cerulean water, a wall, and mangroves

Here’s a peek at Dry Tortugas’ Fort Jefferson. | Photo by Ruggy Bea rLA Photography via Wikimedia Commons

Hankering for a summer national park road trip, without springing for flights to the West Coast or hopping in a camper van? We’re here to help.

Move over Zion and Yosemite... we’re heading to Florida’s very own slices of stunning natural beauty. The Sunshine State boasts three of its own national parks — all within driving distance of Tampa Bay.

Snorkelers take in coral underwater — Make sure to pack your mask to snorkel Biscayne National Park.

Biscayne National Park

Located just an hour away from Miami, this park is Florida at its finest. Picture this: mangrove-fringed shorelines, peaceful open waters, sunken shipwrecks, colorful coral reefs, and lighthouses.

Drive time: ~4.5 hours from Tampa
Highlights: Tons of open water for snorkeling, fishing, boating, diving, and paddling.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas might be the 9th least visited national park in the US — bringing in about 84,285 visitors per year, according to Outside Magazine — but we’re going to chalk it up to difficulty in getting there.

Drive time: ~7.5 hours from Tampa to Key West
Highlights: Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, this 100 square-mile park features bright blue open water, seven small islands, Fort Jefferson, and coral reefs.

What about the Everglades?

Asked

What’s your favorite of Florida’s national parks?

A. Everglades National Park
B. Dry Tortugas National Park
C. Biscayne National Park
D. I’m more of a state park person
E. I haven’t been yet

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, June 4

Story Time with King Ripple | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House | Free | Gather round while the Tampa Tarpons’ very own King Ripple reads you a tale.

Thursday, June 5

Neon Summer: Immersive Art & Minigolf | Thursday, June 5-Monday, Sept. 1 | 12-8 p.m. | FloridaRAMA | $30+ | Compete for the best score on the glow-in-the-dark, nine-hole course tucked inside the art exhibit — then roam the rest of the magical venue.

Fresh Squeezed 9 Artist Talk | 5:30-7 p.m. | Glass Studio and Hot Shop at Morean Arts Center | Free | Listen to creatives Mary-Helen Horne + Stella Arbelaez Tascon dive into their creative processes.

Drag Queen Bowling | 10-11:55 p.m. | Dunedin Lanes | $15 | Come dressed in your most colorful bowling attire to strike out the competition and sip cocktails while drag queens cheer or egg you.

Friday, June 6

Dierks Bentley: “Broken Branches Tour” | 7 p.m. | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre | $64+ | “Feel that Fire” at this outdoor show from the massively popular country crooner.

St. Pete Opera: “Bizet’s Carmen” | Friday, June 6-Sunday, June 15 | Times vary | Palladium Theater | $15+ | Watch as Carmen flits from a soldier to a dashing bullfighter in this legendary opera — sung in French with English subtitles projected above the stage.

Saturday, June 7

Barry’s Tampa x Yuengling Tampa | 9:30-10:30 p.m. | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen | Free with registration | Start your weekend off with a high-intensity strength + cardio workout led by seasoned instructors, followed by a cool-down and well-earned brews.

See our full events calendar

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News Notes

Coming Soon

Booze will flow in the basement of the Snell Arcade once again. The Medina, a new private social club, is opening in the 99-year-old building in 2026. The new venture from Robin Jennings promises “unparalleled service and a refined experience” with space for meetings, cocktail hours, and events. (St. Pete Rising)

Closing

Pinellas Jobs Corps is shutting its doors. The United States Department of Labor announced late last week that it would “pause operations” at Jobs Corps nationwide. The Pinellas center currently has 260 students — of which most live on campus. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Announced

Tampa’s Pups Pub is closing after 5+ years of business. The full liquor off-leash dog bar announced the closure yesterday, citing years of legal struggles with the Florida Department of Health. The SoHo spot is having a final send-off this Saturday, June 7 — head down for some tail-wagging fun.

Development

What’s going up along Gandy? Vertical construction just kicked off on the Waterways Apartments and Marina — on the St. Pete side of the bridge. Once finished, the mixed-use complex will boast 470 apartments, 8,000-sqft waterfront restaurant, and 150 boat slips. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Show

Stageworks Theatre is putting on an intimate cabaret showcasing the work of Billie Holiday this weekend. Sit down at a table for two or four and take a trip back to South Philly bar in 1959 for “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.” (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Try This

Summer — and the heat — are here to stay. Make the most of the slightly less steamy nights with a visit to the Mad Beach Midnight Market at ROC Park. The market is booked for this Saturday, June 7 from 5-12 p.m. + will feature a free silent disco, movie in the park, food court and brews. (I Love the Burg)

Pets

Sundays For Dogs began when a veterinarian couldn’t find food she trusted for her own dog — so she made one. Try real, clean dog food for 50% off.*

Seasonal

Summer’s more fun when you can actually hear it. Whether it’s ocean waves or outdoor movies, get back in the moment with this crowd-favorite hearing aid that packs dual processing tech for the ultimate clarity. Bonus: The 45-day trial means no risk if you’re not into it.*

The Buy

A really good electric bikini trimmer. Its stainless steel ceramic blades provide a smooth shave free of nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Bonus: It’s waterproof + boasts up to five hours of battery life.

More worth The Buy

Games

The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.

Let the games begin

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “Are you prepped for hurricane season?”

A gray and blue Aquafence surrounds Tampa General Hospital as the water rises on the street from Hurricane Helene. — The Aquafence kept Tampa General dry as Hurricane Helene flooded South Tampa.

41.9% said they’re not quite ready
35.5% responded that they’re all set
22.6% said they’re still reeling from last year’s storms

The Wrap

One of my favorite spots to grab a quick bite, Cali, just unveiled a menu refresh. I usually go for the Hot and Crunchy Bowl (IYKYK) with seared tuna — but I can’t wait to try the Wild Shroom Pizza.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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