09.19.2025

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92º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 7:29 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 2:12 p.m. | Low: 7:51 a.m. + 9:05 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 10:48 a.m. + 11:43 p.m. | Low: 5:27 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Get a better look at the Big Guava

A rendering of Tampa’s Wheel Over Water, which is perched on the Hillsborough River and surrounded by cars and the Streetcar.

Imagine peeking out at Downtown Tampa’s waterfront from this perch. | Rendering via Catalyst Communications Group

Move over O-town, we’re getting our own observation wheel — sorry ORLtoday.

Local developer Tony Miller just announced plans to build a 250-ft-tall observation wheel called Tampa’s Wheel Over Water in the Channel District neighborhood.

You’ll climb into an air conditioned (huge win) gondolas and soar up over the downtown area for 20 to 30 minutes. The plans still need Tampa City Council approval, but the ridge will likely open next fall.

Here’s some sights I’ll be attempting to scope out from the moving wheel — not saying I’ll be successful:

The Riverfront Stadium
University of Tampa minarets
Benchmark International Arena
All the downtown construction
The Florida Aquarium
The Channel District and Water Street neighborhoods — and the people
Cruise terminals

Asked

Speaking of attractions, what would you like to see come to the TBAY area?

A. A city pitch and putt course at a major park (like this)
B. A 360° observation deck
C. Some sort of Statue of Liberty-like statue
D. A High Line-esque path

Be the developer

Events

Friday, Sept. 19

Saturday, Sept. 20

Sunday, Sept. 21

Even more standout weekend events

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News Notes

Coming Soon

Remember the plans to deepen Port Tampa Bay’s shipping channels? Earlier this week, Tampa Port Authority + the US Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement to start the design process. Construction on the $1.2-$1.5 billion project should start in 2028. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Development

New boutique condos are rising up over Mirror Lake — soon-ish. Backstreets Capital recently submitted a site plan and construction permit to St. Pete. The project is two-fold: The historic home on the property will be restored, and a seven-story, 18-unit condo building + another home will go up behind it. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Announced

The Rays shakeup has begun. The team announced leadership changes ahead of the upcoming sale. Rays president Matt Silverman will step down from his role with the team and represent current owner Stu Sternberg, while president Brian Auld will stay on with the Rays as a senior advisor. (MLB)

Sports

Speaking of baseball and stadium plans, the Philadelphia Phillies are getting ready to share their redesign plans for BayCare Ballpark. We don’t have deets on what changes are coming to their spring training home yet, but County Administrator Barry Burton said “it’s a very different project, even from a year ago.”(St. Pete Catalyst)

Plan Ahead

Start planning your cosplay + comic haul, Anime St. Pete is booked for Saturday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 28. This year’s event features a new crown jewel: a massive Pokémon Celebration. Get tickets to meet voice actors behind Pokémon characters, shop merch, and listen to panels at the St. Pete Coliseum. (That’s So Tampa)

Quoted

“The First Amendment protects the instrumental part of music, regardless of whether the piece includes lyrics.” That’s what a federal judge wrote in their temporary order that the City of St. Pete Beach can’t restrict Red, White & Booze from hosting bass instruments and drums during the week. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Pro Tip

If you didn’t win our recently closed Party on Us Giveaway, don’t worry. Graingertainment’s top-tier DJ and party services are available to book for your next big event, from weddings to sweet 16s and everything in between.*

Sports

The Rays are going for the series split this afternoon. Catch up on the Tampa Bay Rays performance before the game with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Fun Fact

Posting on TBAYtoday’s local job board is like using GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.

Featured Deal

Hair loss can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Happy Head’s board-certified dermatologists prescribe a personalized treatment based on your hair goals. Try it for 45% off with code 6AM.*

Correction

We were so excited to share today’s “Get on the Bus” SunRunner Tour that we got the price wrong. Tickets are $40 for St. Pete Chamber of Commerce members and $55 for non-members and include your bus tickets, hors d’oevres at Grand Central Brewhouse, and a champagne toast at the TradeWinds Resort. There’s still spots available.

Post of the Day

Copy of TBAY-Lead Story Image Crop (4).png — Score a free Blind Tiger coffee to kick start your weekend.

Play hooky this Friday morning — you know you want to — and head to “Flannel Friday” Blind Tiger’s Ybor City beanery at 9 a.m. in celebration of the upcoming motion picture “One Battle After Another.” Plus, you can try to win movie tickets and other goodies.

Want to be featured?

The Buy

A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*

Try Splash Foam Cleaner

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

Earlier this week, I asked, “What’s your favorite kind of local history to read about?” Prompted by my deep dive into TBAY’s 21st night of September memories, of course.

Most folks, 61%, said they love it all, while 25% of readers said they’re all in on Tampa Bay history. And yes, you can still share your take.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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