The Northern mockingbird’s 98-year reign as the state bird of Florida could come to an end if a bill by state lawmakers is passed. Two birds are now vying for the title: the flamingo and the Florida scrub jay (my pick) .
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the arrival of Hurricane Helene. So we’re checking in on TBAY’s recovery. Pinellas County just hired the consulting group Horne LLP to manage its $813+ million in federal recovery funding. A reminder: The money must be spent on county infrastructure, housing, economic recovery, and public services. (Tampa Bay Times)
Development
Moffitt’s McKinley Campus in Tampa is adding a hotel. The $84 million, 200-room hotel should open in 2028. Leaders say the hotel will address an “longstanding need” for modern accommodations near the campus. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
This one’s for my Canada (and maple glazed donut) lovin’ dad. Tim Hortons is coming to the Gulf Coast. Specifically, Ellenton. The project just secured a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. We’ll keep you posted on the timeline. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
The Rusty Pelican is back — for now. The South Tampa waterfront wedding + events venue recently reopened, but it’s earmarked for redevelopment in the next few years. What’s going up? Expect a 21-story residential building + an 8,000-sqft restaurant. It’s not the end of its story. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Transit
Good news for Pinellas public transit devotees. PSTA just announced the Connected Community Bus Network goes into effect on October 26. What does that mean? The organization is shifting some current routes around to offer faster and more frequent service. (I Love the Burg)
Mansion Monday
Imagine being welcomed home by vine-inspired wrought iron gates. A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom contemporary home is on the market in St. Pete. Take a tour of the 5,144-sqft new build that features a 3-story wall of windows, a new metal roof, a boat house, and waterfront access.
Read
Arthur Sze has been appointed the 25th US poet laureate by the Library of Congress. He will start in the fall, which is also the perfect time of year to read a poetry collection, classic novel, or romantasy tale in Tampa Bay’s great outdoors. (The Guardian)
Eat
Talk about taking the cake. Caracas Bakery in South Florida was crowned the best bakery in Florida by The Takeout. Luckily, you don’t knead to go that far for delicious baked goods — Tampa Bay’s bakery scene is pretty sweet, too.
The Word
Pumpkin spice. You know it, you love it, and according to Google, this seasonal blend is being searched more now than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a classic PSL or something more unique, get your autumnal beverage fix at these TBAY coffee shops.
Film
Calling all Studio Ghibli fans. The historic animation house is currently celebrating 40 years of timeless storytelling with Studio Ghibli Fest, featuring movie theater screenings of its most famous films. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is playing through Wednesday, Sept. 24, and “Spirited Away” is screening next month. Find TBAY’s participating theaters.
Sports
The MLB Playoff Race Heats Up: Who’s In, Who’s Out? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Featured Deal
Athleta’s Friends + Family Sale just dropped — find pieces that take you from early morning workouts to weekend coffee runs with 30% off the whole site (yes, everything).*
Lucky you. You just found TBAYtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Tampa Bay each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month.
Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Friday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. | Benchmark International Arena | $24+ | Bust out the dark blue and black for the Bolts’ preseason faceoff.
Shows
B.o.B. | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 7-11:30 p.m. | Jannus Live | $43+ | If we had a wish right now, it would be to see the “Adventure of Bobby Ray 15th Anniversary Tour.”
Seasonal
Fall Vegetable Garden Planning | Saturday, Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Sunken Gardens | Free with admission | Start the fall gardening season strong with tips for planting heirloom varieties proven to thrive in Florida’s unique growing conditions, then shop seeds.
The Bissell CrossWave Edge Wet/Dry Vacuum that’s $50 off for a limited time. Vacuuming and mopping separately is a thing of the past thanks to this new wet/dry vac that tackles multiple surfaces. Seamlessly remove debris and dirt from your floor while mopping to shiny perfection. Bonus: It has a self-cleaning feature.
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’s play my favorite game: Where am I working from?
Here’s a hint (because I’m benevolent like that): This coffee joint recently reopened its doors. I’ll share the first person to write in in the newsletter.
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