St. Pete Beach sunsets definitely rival Cousins. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Even if you aren’t watching, you must have heard rumblings of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” The Amazon Prime series based on Jenny Han’s trilogy following Belly Conklin as she falls in and out of love with the Fisher brothers. Yes, brothers.
The blockbuster hit whisks viewers to Cousins Beach with its boardwalk, ritzy slate gray beach house, and coastal vistas. We might not have Conrad or Jere, but we do live in a place where the Conklins and Fisher boys would love to vacation:
Cousins Beach Country Club
Jere and his curls would definitely sit atop a white lifeguard tower at The Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club’s olympic-sized swimming pool. The South Tampa club is a ringer for the show’s country club.
Beck’s family beach house
The bulk of the show is filmed at the massive Cape Cod home. Its dock leading right out to the water reminds us of the enviable homes parked right off the Bay in Beach Park.
Peach stand
The infamous peach scene takes viewers to a dreamlike farm stand in the North Carolina countryside. In Tampa Bay, we’d shoot that romantic moment at a strawberry farm in Plant City — though in February or March.
The Wel Mel Ti and Elizabeth Markham: “Two Sagas of the Oregon Trail” | 6-7:30 p.m. | The James Museum | $10 | Uncover two untold stories of the American frontier: the Wel Mel Ti tribe who risked their lives to aid the Donner Party, and Elizabeth Markham’s breakdown on the Oregon Trail.
Taste of RO Omakase Dinner | 6-10 p.m. | ro Hyde Park | $195 | Head to the trendy sushi spot for a chef-curated dinner experience inspired by Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market.
L. David Marquet & Michael Gillespie | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $7 | Grab some champagne or vino from the bubbles bar and listen to a former US Navy Captain + a professor of psychology discuss their new book “Distancing: How Great Leaders Reframe.”
Tyler Henry: “An Evening of Hope and Healing” | 7:30 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $51+ | The “Hollywood Medium” is here in the flesh to perform live readings of audience members, giving them “comfort and proof that consciousness transcends physical death.”
Wednesday, Aug. 27
5 Chamber Mixer | 5-7 p.m. | Bon Appétit Restaurant, Dunedin | Free with membership | Expand your reach without leaving the TBAY area, mingling with biz pros from five local chambers.
Movie on the Lawn: “Indiana Jones” | 8:15-10:15 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Witness the whip-cracking archaeologist Indiana Jones race across the globe to uncover the fabled Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the wrong hands in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Thursday, Aug. 28
Palm Trees and Punchlines | 7-9 p.m. | Stageworks Theatre, Tampa | $25 | The only thing hotter than the weather are these Florida-flavored jokes from Bayshore Comedy.
Friday, Aug. 29
Florida’s Largest Home Show | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Florida State Fairgrounds | $10+ | It’s better than HGTV, because you can check out all of the newest home trends + chat with vendors and pros in person.
Charms & Cheers: A DIY Jewelry Experience | 7:30-9 p.m. | Get Charmed Co., Tampa | $72 | Bring the booze, bites, and besties to craft your own charm necklace or bracelet.
The Rusty Pelican might be making its final flight. Last week, Tampa City Council approved a preliminary rezoning request for the Rocky Point restaurant + wedding venue property. If approved, a developer would build a 21-story tower with 252 units + a 8,000-sqft restaurant on the waterfront spot. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Real Estate
Speaking of waterfront development, Stowell Estates, a 12.64-acre Old Tampa Bay parcel will soon hit the market. The undeveloped Clearwater land is zoned for high-density, multi-family development, so it could be turned into luxury condominiums with retail space. We’ll keep you posted on the sale. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
Do you like Flamenco dancers, painting and wine pairings, or tapas? You’re in luck. A new Spanish restaurant + “cultural hub” is coming soon to Safety Harbor after City Commission approved the owners’ alcohol sales waiver. Where at? The eatery will open in the old Harbour House by Mirana Interiors. (Tampa Bay Times)
Weather
Hurricanes Helene and Milton launched hundreds of derelict boats into Tampa Bay’s waterways. And more could be on the way during this above-average hurricane season. Experts say to get your boat out of the water or secure it tightly to a dock if a storm approaches. (WUSF News)
Ranked
Liveability just called the Sunshine City one of the “Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast.” The outlet lauded the Burg for its 1,000+ annual special events and festivals, inclusivity, outdoor amenities, and its work-life balance. Send these tips to someone you want to move here. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
The Rays picked up a series win over the weekend and now they’re headed out on the road. Catch up on the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Need to fill your open role fast? Post your job listing on our hyper-local Job Board + get connected with top local talent. Did we mention it’s free?
How smart homeowners preserve their property (and their weekends): using Homebuddy for a one-time install of top-rated gutter guards that require zero maintenance. Compare local offers now.*
The Buy
The perfect stadium accessory: this clear crossbody bag for all your gameday essentials. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
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.
In case you were wondering, I’m obviously Team Conrad, i.e. Chris Briney.
On a similar note, I’d love to know what celebrities you’ve spotted around Tampa Bay — and stories of the interactions, of course. Please drop the deets for an upcoming tell all ... I mean story.