Check out the art next time you’re on a Riverwalk stroll. | Photo by City of Tampa, art by Pep Rally Inc.
We recently wrote about South Korea’s outdoor library concept, and where we’d like to see one somewhere in Tampa Bay. Our suggestion? North Shore Park for its peaceful waterfront views + popularity.
After that, your own ideas flooded in. Here are a few of them:
“Lowry Park,” suggested Teresa R.
One reader, who decided they shall not be named reccomended “New Tampa.”
“I guess North Shore Park but also somewhere not downtown as well,” added Heidi B.
Debra C. said Curtis Hixon Park, and Kym K. similarly suggested the broader Riverwalk area.
“Strum park in St. Pete,” is screaming for a park, wrote Annie P.
One lovely, but nameless reader wrote in to say we need a library in every park. So true.
Museum Minis with Tombolo Books | 10-11 a.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete | Free with admission | Bring baby or grandbaby around art, starting out with storytime at the renowned art museum. This week’s read is “The Iliad” by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver.
Building Blocks to Success: Lunch & Learn Expo | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | ARK Innovation Center | Free with registration | Check out local Black-owned businesses + gain insight from an expert panel talking about everything from building strategic partnerships to finding capital opportunities.
Where in The Vino | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Armature Works | $125 | The menu boasts grass-fed beef tenderloin, pan-seared scallops, vanilla gelato, rosé from Provence, chardonnay from Napa, and port from Portugal. So yeah, we’ll be there.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Downtown Tampa’s Monthly Street Food Fest | 6-10 p.m. | Grand Central, Tampa | Price of purchase | Pick up some of your fave dishes from TBAY food trucks, then enjoy your smorgasbord over cocktails and live music.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. St. Louis Cardinals | 7:35 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $34+ | Watch the Rays try to regain their footing with a faceoff against the boys from St. Louis.
Friday, Aug. 22
Katy Perry | 7 p.m. | Benchmark International Arena | $76+ | The pop songstress dazzles the massive arena on her “The Lifetimes Tour.”
Steve Treviño | Friday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 23 | Times vary | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $32 | Some call him “America’s Favorite Husband,” but you can be the judge after watching some of his popular standup material.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Bootcamp with F45 | 9-9:45 a.m. | Armature Works, Tampa | Free | No need for a heated class. Make the most of Florida in August with an high-intensity outdoor workout looking out on the gleaming river.
The RESET: An Immersive Sound Healing Experience with Davin Youngs | Saturday, Aug. 23 + Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $47+ | Make your mindful moment a mindful day with a restoring yoga class led by YogaSix, followed by mindful exercises + a concert of healing music and sounds.
The state just kicked off work on widening I-275 from north of 38th Avenue N to north of Fourth Street N. The $340 million project will connect to the Gateway Expressway + the Howard Frankland Bridge. Expect new express lanes + a 12-ft-wide shared-use path. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
Feather Sound Country Club is hosting the PGA Tour’s The World Champions Cup golf competition this December. Take a peek at the Skechers World Champions Cup, booked for Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 7. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Open
Don’t worry Sugar Baby fans, the owners just debuted a new coffee joint while the popular Seminole spot is temporarily closed. Coffee Concrete is now slinging drinks right across from the Edge District’s FloridaRAMA. What’s on the menu? Coffee, pastries, matcha, specials, and flowers on Sundays. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Quoted
“Is it too late to enter my dog, Sage?” That’s what Editor Bailey asked upon learning Green Bench is hosting the annual Webbsminster Dog Show next Thursday, Aug. 28. Sage — and other area pups — can still enter the Best Dressed contest. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Coming Soon
Speaking of golf, we’ve got a new spot for the Tigers in training. Bogey’s Tavern is opening in Largo later this year. The eatery will be inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, serving lollipop lamb chops, fish and chips, vinegar-pepper pork chops, and other hearty dishes. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Real Estate
We’re seeing the effects of last year’s back-to-back storms in the TBAY real estate market. The Resilience Action Fund just found that property values went down in Shore Acres, while values went up Disston Heights. But how much?(Tampa Bay Times)
Listen
Tampa Bay Rays face a crucial test against the New York Yankees. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Weather
Fire, storms, and theft — oh my. Hazard insurance picks up where basic coverage stops, filling in the gaps before it’s too late. Higginbotham can help protect your home before disaster hits.*
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The Buy
A great deal for your home on Home Shopping Network. Fun fact: First time customers can save $15 off $35+ with code WELCOME2025.
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’d like to pull back the curtain on my personal life a bit today. I’ve coached kids on their writing skills and voices through theWrite Field Program over the past several years.
It’sa Poynter Institute writing + public speaking program for minority middle school and high school students, and one of my favorite parts of my life. We meet on the second Saturday of each month to learn from poets and professors and journalists and professional athletes + write about it — and load up on Chick-fil-A breakfast.
We’re actively recruiting for the 2025-2026 session, which starts next month. Apply for the program online or share it with a friend.
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