A 1955 model of the planned Downtown Distributor, including Malfunction Junction (at the top).
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Buh bye — for now — Malfunction Junction. The Florida Department of Transportation is shutting down most of the downtown interchange from just after midnight on Saturday, Oct. 4 through 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
The $227.5 million transformation of the busy interchange includes a new two-lane bridge from southbound I-275 to I- 4 East — to, you know, turn it into less of a malfunction junction.Take a peek at the plans.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Pumpkin Patch | 11 a.m. | Hyde Park Village | Price of purchase
A new 12-story condo tower is going up in the gated community next to Eckerd College. It’s a prime spot too: The last big open plot along Pinellas Bayway in St. Pete’s Marina Bay community. The project still needs city approval, but construction is expected to start in 2026. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
Big changes are coming to Busch Gardens. Park leaders plan to open an expanded animal habitat next year, calling it “the park’s most significant expansion in over a decade.” We’ll keep you in the loop. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Show
Put this free concert on your calendar. Grammy-Award-winning songstress Maren Morris is playing Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18. Make sure to book your ticket online, so you don’t miss hits like “Circles Around This Town” and “80s Mercedes.” (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Plan Ahead
Speaking of Benchmark shows, Doja Cat is also playing the downtown Tampa venue this fall. The American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer brings her “Tour Ma Vie World Tour” to the venue on Monday, Nov. 13, 2026. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct.10. (That’s So Tampa)
Try This
Delivered by snail? Snail mail seems to be on the rise on TikTok, where folks are creating clubs to send artwork, journal prompts, stickers, and more to pen pals across the globe. If you’re wanting some flare in your inbox — check out TBAY’s own Tampa Bay Letter Writers.
Outdoors
Travel + Leisure named Ichetucknee Springs State Park the best in Florida, thanks to its 6-mile scenic river lined by lush trees. Want a taste of that natural beauty closer to home? Our local parks have plenty of space to hike, picnic, and explore.
Eat
Taylor Swift is making a lot of bread. The showgirl revealed she likes to mix Funfetti into her sourdough, so Pillsbury joined the party and released a limited-edition Funfetti sourdough mix. Or, you can create your own sourdough fun by grabbing a loaf at a local bakery. (TODAY)
Festival
The first annual Central Florida Food Fest is coming to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18. Grab tickets (must be 21+) to indulge your culinary senses with exclusive dishes from regional restaurants, sip curated drink pairings, dance to live music, and shop the marketplace.*
Sports
The Bucs spotted the Eagles 14 points thanks to another horrendously slow start, but they just couldn’t quite come all the way back. Break it down with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Edu
Calling all nurses: want to advance your career, without interrupting it? Southeastern University’s RN to BSN program allows you to earn your degree online, at your own pace. Apply now to see what doors a BSN could open for you.*
The Buy
A great lightweight women’s sweater. Choose your favorite color (we’re eyeing navy and burgundy) and pair this basic top with jeans for an easy outfit this fall. Bonus: Some colors are 24% off.
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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