09.17.2025

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87º | 70% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:16 a.m. | Sunset 7:32 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 12 p.m. | Low: 7:57 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 8:47 a.m. + 11:23 p.m. | Low: 4:13 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

You’ll remember now

The path of the hurricane that touched down in Southwest Florida. | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Earth, Wind & Fire once asked: “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” and it’s been stuck in our heads ever since.

Today, we dug through the archives to find some Tampa Bay moments in time from some 21st nights (and days) of September.

1948: The Florida hurricane of 1948 made landfall in the Sunshine State. It was the “most intense tropical cyclone to make landfall in the state since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane.” Plus, a hundred years before on Sept. 25, The Great Gale of ‘48 pummeled our slice of the Gulf Coast with up to 130 mph winds.

A helicopter flies over Raymond James Stadium before Super Bowl LV. Tampa's skyline is visible in the background. — RayJay is somehow nearing 30 years old.

1998: Okay, we’re cheating a bit with this one. On Sept. 20, The Buccaneers played their first game vs. the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium.

Tom_Petty_and_the_Heartbreakers,_2017-08-22.jpg — Tom Petty Petty and the Heartbreakers played one of their final shows in California before he died.

2014: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers took the stage at the Amalie Arena. Famed English musician Steve Winwood opened for the late, great Florida rocker. And now you have the perfect setlist for your 21st celebration.

Asked

What’s your favorite kind of local history to read about?

A. Hurricanes and extreme weather
B. Tampa Bay traditions
C. Interesting past and present residents
D. I love it all

Tell us what to write about

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Thursday, Sept. 18

“Goddess of the Hunt” Opening Weekend | Thursday, Sept. 18-Sunday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | LAB Theater Project | $31+

Friday, Sept. 19

Saturday, Sept. 20

Friday, Sept. 26

Bienvenido a BSP - Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27 | Times vary | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | This event is expanding to two days of family activities and live entertainment with headliner Cortadito, plus new $10 preferred parking inside the park.*

Not your style? Here's more

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Development

Construction on X Tampa is stalled out. The money manager behind the partially built downtown tower requested emergency funding to finish the project. Plans for the 29-story coliving building will be redesigned before construction resumes. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Closing

The Sunshine City’s Louise Graham Regeneration Center is closing its doors due to loss in funding. The facility offered workforce training and jobs for developmentally disabled adults for more than 70 years. The good news? Some stakeholders are opening a new Graham Center in St. Petersburg’s Tyrone area. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Coming Soon

The one thing that can ruin grabbing lunch out? Getting out of the car. Luckily, Tarpon Springs residents are getting a Chipotle with a drive-thru lane across from the AdventHealth North Pinellas ER. No need to hop out of your silver bullet to grab that barbacoa bowl. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Show

The one and only Morgan Freeman is coming to TBAY this fall. Freeman is hosting the “Symphonic Blues Experience” at the Mahaffey Theater on Thursday, Sept. 25. Expect an intro from the legendary actor and Delta blues aplenty. Get tickets. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Outdoors

20. That’s how many days one TBAY woman has spent urging drivers to slow down at Honeymoon Island State Park so they don’t crush endangered gopher tortoises. The 71-year-old is outfitted in a bright orange vest and holds a “Drive slow... Look below” sign at the park’s entrance. Spoiler: It’s effective. (Tampa Bay Times)

History

We oft refer to Tampa as “The Big Guava,” but why? Dig into our red guava layered history — including Ybor City’s Guavaween — with Florida’s guava guru. (Tampa Bay Times)

Announced

Move over, Thin Mints, we’re saving our money for boxes of Exploremores — Girl Scouts of the USA’s newest cookie. The rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie will debut in 2026. Sign up to be the first to know when they hit the market in Tampa Bay.

Sports

What’s going on with the Rays’ offense? Get that need-to-know Tampa Bay Rays intel with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Try This

Insurify makes it easy to find your perfect car insurance policy. Compare real-time quotes from 100+ insurers, choose your policy, and get same-day coverage in a few clicks.*

Announced

Congrats to Michelle M. on winning our Party on Us Giveaway in partnership with Graingertainment.*

Finance

Ever imagine investing in an industry disruptor like Uber or Venmo in the early days? Well, this private company earned backing from some of their earliest investors. And until tomorrow at midnight, you can invest too.†‡*

Finance

Gold is as hot as ever, with its price per ounce crossing $3,400 in August. A gold IRA can be a smart way to own gold and add stability to your retirement portfolio — but with added tax benefits, plus $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. See one of Money’s top picks.†*

The Buy

ASTR the Label’s scarf tie sleeveless sweater, newly added to Nordstrom. Look effortlessly put together as you go from morning meetings to after-work drinks in a top that perfectly transitions from summer to fall.

Shop Nordstrom’s fall finds

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

In case you missed it, we shared some crucial updates on the Burg’s billion dollar budget and other multi-million dollar projects.

Then we quizzed you on the big ticket items in the budget — gotta show what you know. Not a lot of folks are getting it right, so here’s your chance to beat the odds.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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