08.01.2025

From our friends at

94º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 8:19 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:18 a.m. | Low: 4:06 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 6:23 p.m. | Low: 12:16 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Stay cool, TBAY

Rent a boat and cruise down Hillsborough River. | Photo by the City of Tampa

Sometimes the only antidote to the blazing heat is the enduring medicine that is a stacked playlist. And maybe some boat drinks on the water.

We asked our readers for their favorite songs to crank up in the summertime. Then we turned your picks into the summery playlist of your dreams — with a little Tampa Bay flair, of course.

“Sit on a Beach” by Circus Cowboys (a Tampa Bay band)
“This is Why I’m Hot” by MIMS
“Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts

I had to add a couple of my personal plays for your listening pleasure. All with Florida — or Tampa Bay — ties.

“Summer’s End” by John Prine
“What It Is” by Doechii
“Mainline Florida” by Eric Clapton

If you prefer to enjoy your music live (same), there’s a wealth of concerts coming to Amalie, MidFlorida, the BayCare Sound, and so many more spots soon. Take a peek.

Missed our callout? We’d love to add your picks to our playlist — just share them here.

Events

Friday, Aug. 1

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet | Friday, Aug. 1-Friday, Aug. 22 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts | $33+ | Experience some of Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet’s most famous works on a massive scale + set to the tune of an original score.

Sunset Paddle Happy Hour with Urban Kai | Friday, Aug. 1-Friday, Aug. 29 | 6-7 p.m. | Urban Kai, Tampa | $25 | Soak in the best views of downtown Tampa from atop the Hillsborough River. Is there a better way to spend a Friday night?

Damon Fowler Trio | 8 p.m. | Palladium Theater | $40+ | Dress to the nines and head to the waterfront venue to listen to the masterful musician’s signature blend of roots rock, blues, and sacred steel.

AquaGlow | Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 9 | 8-11 p.m. | Adventure Island | $35 | There’s nothing more Florida than a theme park turned into a dazzling neon paradise, complete with vibrant lights, pulsing music, and immersive surprises.

Saturday, Aug. 2

Caribbean Chillers: Jimmy Buffett Tribute | 9-11 p.m. | Wild Rover Brewing Company | $27 | Bring those fins out, it’s time to musically escape to an island paradise with hits like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Come Monday.”

First Saturday Art Show | 8 p.m.-3 a.m. | Bar@548, St. Petersburg | Free | Immerse yourself in Sunshine City’s art scene at this inclusive, rotating showcase featuring 40+ vendors, enjoy drink specials, and jam out to a DJ set.

Sunday, Aug. 3

Sit. Stay. Down Dogs! Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | Dog Bar St. Pete | $25 | Enter your flow state surrounded by the calming presence of adoptable puppies from the Humane Society of Pinellas — and maybe take one home.

Pack that weekend cal

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News Notes

Announced

We took a few days off from Trop news, and now we’re back. The cost of replacing the shredded roof + repairing the stadium is going up. The new total is $59.7 million, up from the initial estimate of $55.7 million. St. Petersburg City Council still needs to approve these costs. (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

Tampa Bay might be getting a new Autograph Collection hotel. A developer wants to build a six-story, 87-unit boutique hotel right across from Madeira Beach’s John’s Pass Village. If approved, the tower would be a condo-hotel hybrid, pulling elements of both. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Opening

It’s time to book that resy. Kingo, a new Wafu-Italian restaurant from the Koya team, opens on Wednesday, Aug. 13., but reservations open today. What’s on the menu? Ready your bellies for crudo, pasta, sake, wine, and cured meats. (That’s So Tampa)

Eat

Do we have any Caniacs? Raising Cane’s celebrates its grand opening in St. Pete on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 8 a.m. — because nothing is better than chicken fingers in the AM. Plus, 20 customers who order from 8 to 9 a.m. will win free Cane’s for a year. No joke.

Health

The University of South Florida + Tampa General Hospital are using artificial intelligence to flag pain in newborns. The system reads babies’ facial expressions, physical movements + respiratory rates, then alerts neonatal intensive care unit nurses when they’re in pain. The goal is to address pain before opioids are needed. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Active

Looking for other 55+ climbing buds, or want to try something new? Head to Vertical Ventures on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 6-8 p.m. to check out the climbing gym’s new V55 club for older adults.(I Love the Burg)

Sports

Yes, there’s Rays trade deadline drama. Catch up with the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Job

Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.

Edu

For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*

The Buy

There are just a few days left to shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Don’t miss these five deals before they disappear on Monday, Aug. 4.

🧥 Get 50% off this packable Cole Haan rain jacket.
👚 This cowl neck sleeveless blouse is reduced to less than $50.
🍳 Save $100 on a cast iron chef’s pan with natural heat retention.
🧴 Score this Osea Clease & Glow Body Set for $62 (regularly $104).
👟 These versatile suede Birkenstock sneakers are 30% off.

More deals this way

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

The Wrap

I know no one wants to listen to other people’s dreams, but indulge me? I had a dream the other night that Supernatural Food & Wine opened a St. Pete location. I was devastated upon waking that I couldn’t grab one of their sourdough donuts before work.

I’m wondering what local gems you would like to see open up more locations. Share them with me for a future story.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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