11.07.2025

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84º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:45 a.m. | Sunset 5:41 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 10:21 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 1:46 p.m. + 11:42 p.m. | Low: 6:43 a.m. 5:48 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Meet the boys

Lion & Hyena Ridge at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 1080x1080.jpg

Are you ready to meet the pride of Tampa Bay? | Image via Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Introducing the pride of Busch Gardens — literally.

Park leaders just announced a new Lion & Hyena Ridge, an immersive African habitat featuring a pride of lions and hyenas will open in spring 2026. They’re expanding the savanna terrain by nearly double, which comes out to a sum of almost 35,000 sqft.

What’s in store?

You’ll be able to take in the five young male lions and a pair of hyenas from wide glass windows and shaded pathways — expect 270° views.

The habitat will feature water elements, rocky kopje formations, and other features to emulate the African savanna right here along the Gulf Coast.

Get to know the talent

The brothers are named Lou, Pascal, Henri, Hugo, and Herman, according to That’s So Tampa. The hyenas are called Dazi and Cazi.

When is it opening?

You’ll have to wait until next spring. But annual pass holders will get early access to the new digs, according to That’s So Tampa.

Events

Friday, Nov. 7

Saturday, Nov. 8

Sunday, Nov. 9

More concerts, comedy, and hooplah

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Arts

Must-see Festival of Fine Arts performances

Presented by Florida Southern College

The saxophone section of an orchestra plays their instruments in all-black outfits on a stage.

All concerts are held at the Robert A. Davis Performing Arts Center on Florida Southern’s campus. | Photo provided by Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College’s Festival of Fine Arts continues this November, bringing world-class artistry to our backyard.

The festival showcases students, faculty, and guest artists with concerts, theater performances, and masterclasses.

Upcoming highlights include:

Kenyatta Beasley, renowned jazz trumpeter | Wednesday, Nov. 19-Thursday, Nov. 20
Legally Blonde the Musical | Opening Friday, Nov. 21
Winter Wonderland: The Christmas Gala | Saturday, Dec. 13

Tickets + more performances

News Notes

Travel

The Federal Aviation Administration could cut dozens of flights at Tampa International. They plan to cut up to 10% of flights at the nation’s busiest airports to help keep air travel safe during the government shutdown. Bookmark these last-minute dinner spots + need-to-know info just in case you do get stuck. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

The Sunshine City coffee spot, The Blend just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The brand fell behind financially due to delayed openings for three new locations. We’ll keep you posted on whether your java flights are going away. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Kids

Hide and seek is so tired. The kids want to Ride & Seek — i.e. St. Pete’s new children’s trolley. The new tour from Sunshine City With Kids + Star Trolley takes kiddies ages 2–10 on a scavenger hunt and sightseeing trip across the Burg that caps off with a scoop of local gelato. (I Love the Burg)

Show

Tampa’s New Wave dance clubs are back. Well, one is — and for one night only. Head to Ybor City’s The Castle on Monday, Nov. 10 from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. for an “Old Wave” party. Expect 80s new wave, pop, and alternative beats. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Try This

NCAA Division I men’s basketball returns to the Sunshine City next week. Hoopers from schools like Central Michigan University + Coppin State University will face off at Eckerd at The Showdown in St. Pete. Check out the action from Thursday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov. 15. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Plan Ahead

We know we have some “Giggly Squad” + Summer House” devotees. The ever-hilarious Hannah Berner is bringing her “None of My Business Tour” to The Mahaffey Theater. Get tickets to the Friday, Nov. 28 show at 7 p.m. Hopefully she brings Paige too. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Finally a Rays update that isn’t about the stadium, huh? The boys will take on the Netherlands national team on Wednesday, March 4, as a special Spring Training treat. Take a peek at the full Spring Training schedule. (I Love the Burg)

Listen

Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin were still not practicing on Wednesday, putting their status for Sunday in serious doubt. Get the pre-game Tampa Bay Buccaneers scoop with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Holiday

Let Terrace Grille Lakeland take care of your Thanksgiving plans at the annual Thanksgiving Grand Buffet. Seatings are available 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Check out the menu + make a reservation.*

Plan Ahead

Next weekend is Hack Your Health 2025, one of the largest health and wellness conferences in the world. Join 2,000+ attendees for three days of expert panels, product demonstrations, giveaways, and the latest in biohacking research. Tix + info this way.*

Job

Looking for a remote opportunity to lead and inspire a winning team? We’re hiring a Sales Director to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.

Bookmark these commemorations

An aerial shot of Tampa. Sun is shining on sporadic skyscrapers and the bay and waterways are visible in the background.

Spend some time outside in Tampa this week honoring our veterans. | Photo via Canva

Fire the cannons for our local vets and service members — not the Bucs.

This Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We rounded up a variety of ways to honor our military personnel across Tampa Bay this weekend:

Hillsborough

Bar Pool Tournament: A Fundraiser to Support Our Veterans | 6-9 p.m. | The Blind Goat Food & Drink Co. | $55+
Tampa Bay Symphony: Fife and Drum: A Veteran’s Salute | 8-11 p.m. | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | $0-$25

Pinellas

Clearwater Patriot Fest: Service After Sacrifice | 11 a.m. | Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza | Free
Veteran’s Day Bash | 12-5 p.m. | Bayboro Brewing Co. | Free
Tampa Bay Symphony Fall 2025: Fife & Drum: A Veteran’s Salute | 2:30 p.m. | Palladium Theater | $20

The Buy

A MagSafe charging station with fast-charging technology. We love its foldable, travel-friendly design, allowing us to charge up to three devices at once from anywhere.

More worth The Buy

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

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “What’s the oldest piece of public art in Tampa?”

Have you spotted The Henry Bradley Plant Memorial Fountain?

About 48% of readers correctly guessed The Henry Bradley Plant Memorial Fountain. Now here’s a little backstory:

The massive piece was crafted in 1899 and lives outside Plant Park. The “Transportation” sculpture’s ship and train are an ode to Henry B. Plant’s system of railroads and steamship lines.

If you look closely, the eagle is scooping up the logo of The Southern Express Company, i.e. Plant’s first company.

Don't miss these public art pieces

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Bailey

Pool Kids’ Christine Goodwyn crowd surfs at a show in Tampa.

Earlier this week, I went to see Pool Kids. It was my first show at New World Tampa and I absolutely loved the old cigar factory memorabilia, selection of local brews on tap (I got an elderflower spritz from Keel Farms), and overall vibe.

Plus, the lead singer, Christine Goodwyne, is a Plant High School alum. They actually played “Leona,” a new song that name drops Tampa, for the first time in TBAY too.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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