Erin Andrews interviews the Browns’ Freddie Kitchen on the sidelines. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood may be a solid 2,500 miles away, but our little cities still manage to stay on the radar for all kinds of celebrities. From musicians to movie stars, check out some of the famous folks who have called our slice of the Gulf Coast home.
Erin Andrews | One of America’s most famous sports reporters got her start as a sideline reporter for the Tampa Bay Lightning on the Sunshine Network.
Doechii | “The Swamp Princess” frequently references her Tampa roots with lines like “In the 813, this my legacy.” And we love her for it. The Grammy-Award-winning rapper plays the Yuengling Center in October.
David Fagen | David Fagen was born to former slaves in 1878 in The Scrub. He would go on to become a Buffalo Soldier, and desert the US Army in the Philippines in 1899.
Sarah Paulson | The renowned actress, producer, and director grew up in South Tampa until she was five. Paulson is known for her work in hits like “American Horror Story” and “12 Years a Slave,” and as Cousin Michelle, of course, in “The Bear.”
Tampa City Council plans to increase multi-modal impact fees —basically, taxing new developments to help fund public infrastructure. The rates will likely go up by more than 50% — but the rates also haven’t increased since they were put in place in 1989. Final adoption hearings must be finished by the end of the year. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Transit
The Florida Department of Transportation is considering expanding the Courtney Campbell Causeway. But environmental leaders want them to consider a design that would increase tidal circulation, calling it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve tidal circulation and support overall restoration activities in this bay segment.” Plans should be ready by Spring 2027. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Announced
Now docking in Dunedin. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority just voted to add a Clearwater Ferry stop at the Dunedin Marina. When? The new changes to the route go live on Thursday, Oct. 9. (I Love the Burg)
Coming Soon
H Mart just opened in O-Town, but what about us? The massive Asian super market brand is said to be planning a Tampa location at 3908 W. Hillsborough Ave. We’ll keep you posted. (That’s So Tampa)
Read
This local author blends African history, science fiction, and fantasy into captivating tales. Who is William Ricker? Check out the Tampa-born author’s debut graphic novel “The ReShift Pulsers Saga.” Or join the Global Lit Fest with Stephanie Outten on Saturday, Oct. 18 to hear more about his process. (That’s So Tampa)
Closed
Two local Starbucks just closed. Where at? Both a St. Pete store at 4946 Fourth St. N.+ a Tampa store at 5006 E. Fowler Ave. shut their doors last week. It’s not just us, the brand is planning to close hundreds of stores across the US. What an excellent reminder to sip local. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Quoted
“And this, to me, gave it the best opportunity to keep this team in Tampa Bay.” That’s what Rays owner Stu Sternberg had to say about his decision to sell the team. Sternberg decided it was time after the deal for the new Gas Plant District stadium fell though. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays wrapped up their 2025 season with a 13-4 loss vs the Toronto Blue Jays. Upack the Tampa Bay Rays’ performance with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Watch
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Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2027. (Read: Nearly two years of interest-free payments.)Learn more + apply.*
The Buy
Photo frames for those wedding/vacation/grandkid photos you’ve been meaning to hang. Americanflat is having a sale on its stock of photo frames, exclusive for Prime members:
🖼️ Get a set of 10 frames for under $20 and build an instant gallery wall.
💌 Frame the person closest to your heart with 25% off a heart mat insert frame.
🎓 Finally hang your diplomas in your Zoom background with a diploma frame set for under $12.
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.
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