Loyal Southwest, Spirit, and Air Canada customers rejoice: Tampa International’s new Red Express Curbsides is now open. So if you’re traveling light you can escape the slog that is the ticketing level of TPA and head straight for your gate.
Don’t miss feasting your eyes on the new art displaysin your hustle to make it past security to the last remaining Goody Goody. All you have to do is look up.
Really, hop on the escalator to the main terminal and fix your eyes to the sky (err ceiling) for Jason Bruges’ “Cloud Ascent.” The 3D display is opaque and changes with the cloud formations + weather patterns to mimic what’s like to ascend through the clouds.
So, what else is going on development-wise in Tampa Bay?
“Heart Strings” | 7-8 p.m. | Tombolo Books | Free | Pack the indie bookstore for the launch of the TBAY author’s latest, an exes-to-lovers second-chance romance between the maid of honor and best man at an Irish castle wedding.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
813 River Clean Up | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Urban Kai | $37 | Paddle down the Hillsborough River while scooping up old Bud Light bottles, Styrofoam cups, and other trash along your scenic route.
813 Day Bash | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Franklin Street | Free | Celebrate the 813 with giveaways, free local eats, photo ops, and mingle with our TBAY mascots — the first 20 people to stop by the Visit Tampa Bay table score a free 813 tee.
“AI Is Here: Lead the Charge or Get Replaced” | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Tampa Bay Chamber | Free | In a sales slump? Listen as a real estate expert + strategist breaks down how to actually use AI to generate leads, create content, and stay ahead of the competition.
Yuengling Tampa Night with J.C. Newman Cigar Co. | 6-10 p.m. | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen | Free entry | Calling all Tampans for an ultra-Tampa celebration with Tampa-themed Trivia, Cuban sandwiches, and Tampa-brewed beer at the iconic Tampa institution.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Petals & Paint: August Poppies | 7-9 p.m. | Armature Works | $45 | Wet your brush and paint your own summery, floral masterpiece — in your favorite color combo, of course. And who better to guide you in painting posies than the folks from Posies Flower Truck?
Friday, Aug. 15
Warhol Birthday & Pop Art Party | 7-11 p.m. | FloridaRAMA | $10 | Platforms, bell bottoms, and even visible chest hair are encouraged at this party featuring Andy, Marilyn, and Elvis impersonators, pop-inspired works by local artists, and a groovy soundtrack.
Dead Set Florida | 8 p.m. | Skipper’s Smokehouse | $10 cover | Take the “Slow Train” or I-275 over to one of the state’s most legendary venues to jam out the Florida band under the stars.
This unforgettable weekend, happening Nov. 14-16, is full of education, exploration, and transformation. Don’t miss out on a chance to experience:
2,500 attendees
70+ speakers
100+ exhibitors
Attendees will dive into cutting-edge topics like metabolic empowerment, biohacking, mental resilience, sleep optimization, fitness, fasting, longevity, performance, and tools for thriving in today’s world.
Tropical Storm Erin could grow into the first Atlantic hurricane of the season later this week. Right now, the storm is headed west + forecasters aren’t sure if it’ll hit the Gulf Coast. Experts say the storm could strengthen into Category 3 hurricane this weekend. (Tampa Bay Times)
Open
Headed to Hyde Park for tomorrow’s 813 Day celebration? Make sure to hit up Shore’s — a new Florida brand pop-up — grand opening: A Taste of Shore. Roam the beachy shop snacking on tuna tartare and sipping blood orange margaritas, design your own cap, and get a tote with purchase.
Community
The Tampa Bay culinary community is rallying around longtime chef Ted Dorsey as he manages his cancer. Dorsey recently closed the Sunshine City Tavern due to his late-stage pancreatic cancer. So II Ritorno is hosting a five-course meal on Tuesday, Aug. 26 benefitting the Dorsey’s children college fund. (I Love the Burg)
Award
Tampa Bay’s making waves — even in the future. Everald Colas of STORYN Studio for Architecture just picked up a major accolade for hisrendering of the new Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. The plans won the award for Cultural Identity at the 2025 World Architectural Festival. (I Love the Burg)
Eat
Mighty Fine + Late Start Brewery’s smash burgers is at the top of Editor Bailey’s local burger bucket list after this standout review. Plus, the spot just collabed with Chill Bros. on a new Mighty Fine Peanut Butter Pier flavor — also recently added to her list.
Ranked
The Cigar City stays on top. The Financial Times just called Tampa the top city in the country for foreign-owned businesses. The outlet looked at factors like cities’ trade war resiliency, reliance on foreign trade, and workforce + talent. Yes, we beat Miami. (WUSF News)
You don’t have to go through the hiring process alone. Through our Job Board, you can now get your job listing in front of thousands of our readers to find your dream hire. See for yourself, it’s free.
Sports
The Bucs beat the Titans 29-7 in their first preseason matchup, but what are the biggest takeaways from this one? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Apothekary’s Rescue Bloat™ is a fast-acting herbal tincture that eases mild discomfort and heaviness associated with bloating. Get 15% off your first $45+ order with code HERBAL15.‡*
The Buy
Dreaming of the perfect summer linen outfit but don’t know where to start? Here’s our top pieces for every budget:
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.
I’ve been all about the summer salads lately. Really, I’ve probably made a feta, watermelon, and cucumber blend every week since ... June?
But I have good reason to switch it up — and so do you, loyal readers. Southern Living recently shared the recipe for undoubtedly our most famous local salad: the Columbia’s 1905 Salad. Plus, you can actually buy the dressing so it tastes legit.
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.