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Editor’s Pick


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Here’s a peek at one of the classrooms at The Hive Community Clay.

Photo by TBAYtoday

I know we have some right-brained friends on here. Let me introduce you to more of your people... via Creative Mornings Tampa Bay.

The popular group hosts monthly meetings featuring all kinds of creatives from spots like the Florida Orchestra to the SHINE Mural Festival — plus it’s free.

And you’re in luck: The next session is this Friday, Oct. 24 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Burg’s Vertical Ventures. This meeting’s theme is “SOFT” and features Nela Lamb, the Volunteer Coordinator at The Hive Community Clay, and:
  • Tunes from Hex Appeal, “five eclectic witchy punks rocking Florida’s Gulf Coast”
  • Treats from Mother Kombucha, TeBella Tea, and Look Alive Coffee

Asked

What kind of creative should they feature next?

A. Musician
B. A small business owner
C. Chef
D. Designer
There's no wrong answer
Blue Daisy Media

Events

Monday, Oct. 20

“The Shooters We Know": 9 Tampa Bay Photographers | Monday, Oct. 20-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Morean Arts Center | Free

Bucs & Pups Bead Bar Pop-Up | 6-8 p.m. | Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery | $21

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight | 8 p.m. | Carol Morsani Hall | $59+

Tuesday, Oct. 21

13th Annual Emerging Leaders Nonprofit Fair | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Feeding Tampa Bay | $0-$35

Midnight Margaritas & Sourdough Chocolate Cake | 6-8 p.m. | Armature Works | $123

Grand Cathedral Cigar Dinner Featuring Foundation Cigars | 6-9 p.m. | Grand Cathedral Cigars | $175

Mat Pilates with Rare Body | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free

Meat Market Tandoor & Terroir | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Meat Market Tampa | $300

Wednesday, Oct. 22

“JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown” | 7:30 p.m. | Benchmark International Arena | $56+

Thursday, Oct. 23

A Healthy Lifestyle: Live it! Coach it! | 3-4 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $16

Pop & Press: Press-On Nail Class, Wine, Charcuterie | 6-8 p.m. | 7925 Flower Ave., Tampa | $43

October HYPE Tampa Bay Networking Event: Costumes & Cocktails | 6-8 p.m. | Trophy Fish | $20
So so many fall events
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Transit

Good news for our commuters — and anyone hoping to make it over to O-Town in less than three hours. Gov. Ron DeSantis just announced a $500 million I-4 widening project to help ease congestion on the ever-hectic stretch. Construction should start in fall of 2027. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

The Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus is being floated as a potential site for a new Rays stadium. Right now, the campus houses academic buildings, a gymnasium, an auditorium, and more. How would the decision impact the school + its students? (Tampa Bay Times)

Civic

Speaking of the stadium saga, St. Pete leaders may pay the Urban Land Institute $135,000 to study the Historic Gas Plant District. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard argued that the study would provide a guiding document for redeveloping the integral 86 acres. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Closed

RIP to a real one. The final Datz just shut down in downtown St. Pete. The legendary Tampa Bay brunch spot operated a handful of popular eateries across our slice of the Gulf Coast since 2009. The restaurant’s owners did not cite a reason for the closure. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Outdoors

The Undertow staked its claim on part of St. Pete Beach. Yeah, you’re reading that right. The laid-back bar recently put up “no trespassing” signs on part of the sand behind the bar, calling it a “private beach.” But the city’s code enforcement ordered the bar to take them down or be fined. (Axios Tampa Bay)
This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners are in. And they’re spectacular. Countless species spanning six continents are all featured in the stunning photos, now on display at the Natural History Museum in London. If you want to enter next year’s contest, Tampa Bay’s birding spots are calling. (The Guardian)

Number

2,346 lbs. That’s how much the winning pumpkin weighed at this year’s World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. It’s also the amount of pumpkin pie it would take to get bored of the delectable slices at Wright’s Gourmet House in Tampa. (AP News)

Eat

Could someone tell where you’re from by peeking into your pantry? Key lime pie-flavored candy would give it away — The Takeout just named the caramel-coated corn pops Florida’s most iconic snack. Hungry for more? Dig into the latest Tampa Bay food news.

Mansion Monday

“Selling Tampa,” we’ve got your next hit property. This South Tampa estate is ready for you to build your dream 6-bed, 7-bathroom home. Tour the waterfront adjacent spot.

Asked

Which Lakeland school is among the top 1% of fastest growing private universities nationwide? Here’s a hint: it offers 115 degree programs, and was founded in 1935. See if you guessed right + apply to be part of the growth.*

Sports

Will Rays’ shortstop Taylor Walls outshine Corey Seeger and Bobby Witt Jr. for the coveted Golden Glove? Listen to experts of the Tampa Bay Rays give their insight on Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Wellness

Ready to sleep better tonight? Canary’s melatonin-free sleep gummy is packed with tart cherry + ashwagandha for rested, refreshing sleep — use code SLEEP20 for 20% off.*

Try This

Your next big event could use some attention. Get a crowd in the room by letting us help you spread the word. Our advertiser dashboard can put your event in front of our highly engaged local audience in a matter of two days. Get started now — no long-term contract required.

City Guide

Where is everyone working?

Tampa Skyline
We’re sure this upcoming year will be as newsy as ever. | Photo via @growgavan
The Tampa Bay Business Journal just released their latest roundup of local companies. Spoiler: 1,400 companies now employ you, your friends, and neighbors.

More than 1.6 million people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Tampa Bay metropolitan area’s economy. But have you ever wondered about our heaviest hitters?

Here are some of the companies with the most Tampa Bay area employees:

Miscellaneous

MacDill Air Force Base
16,900 employees | Security and defense | Search jobs
South of South Tampa lies the storied base, which was first activated during World War II in 1941.

Bloomin’ Brands
~5,100 employees | Food + beverage | Search jobs
Established in 1988 in Tampa, Bloomin’ Brands now employs ~87,000 people nationwide.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
~4,500 employees | Hotel and casino | Search jobs
The multifaceted venue doesn’t just offer gambling + hotel rooms, but it is also has an events center with a 1,500-seat venue, and a range of dining choices. It’s hard to miss with the huge neon guitar next to I-4.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.
Even more local employers

The Buy

Korean beauty products are more than just a trend — they’re becoming a staple in skincare routines worldwide. Known for their innovative formulas and emphasis on prevention over correction, K-beauty is all about keeping your skin healthy from the start. Here are our top five picks, all under $35 and available on Amazon:

🧴 Dr.Althea’s 345 Relief Cream moisturizer soothes, nourishes, and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
🫧 This No. 1 bestselling cleansing oil is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.
⭐ A TikTok favorite, Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream boosts hydration + leaves your skin with a radiant, healthy glow.
👁️ This retinal cream delivers an advanced form of retinol deep into the skin to target wrinkles and promote soother, firmer skin.
🧖 The Biodance collagen face masks brighten, improve elasticity, and minimize pores.
Explore more K-beauty products

Games

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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

Last week, I quizzed you all on “What genre of concert is most common in Tampa Bay?,” but uhhhh I linked the poll incorrectly. Show me some love and support (I need it) and give it a go. I promise the link works this time.

And yes, there’s a slew of concerts this week too.
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