11.25.2025

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85º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:59 a.m. | Sunset 5:34 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:09 p.m. | Low: 12:15 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 4:11 p.m. | Low: 8:47 a.m. + 7:41 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Keep scrolling, landlubbers

Get a glimpse of all the underwater life — and pristine water — Shell Key has to offer. | Photo by @getupandgotampabay

Kayaking, canoeing + paddleboarding are great ways to explore Tampa Bay. These water sports also offer both physical and mental health benefits that extend far beyond a day on the water.

Here’s some places you can get your feet wet:

Clam Bayou Nature Preserve | Push off from this nature preserve’s kayak launch to explore the mangroves + scope out crabs, birds, and maybe a dolphin or two.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | An hour north of Tampa, you can paddle through 2.8 miles of fresh spring water, mostly under the shade of oak and cypress trees. Make sure to watch the park’s famous mermaids perform their underwater dance.
Hillsborough River| Paddle along the River on a guided tour from Urban Kai + stop at one of the fantastic rooftop bars along the Riverwalk for a post paddle sip. Keep your eye out for manatees.

More tips + wildlife watching

Asked

When was the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival held?

A. 1899
B. 1904
C. 1911
D. 1928

Arrrrgh you ready?

Events

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Thursday, Nov. 27

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Number

$10 million. That’s how much was recently given to The Florida Orchestra by an anonymous donor. It’s the largest donation received by TFO since it was founded in 1968. If you want to support the arts, you don’t have to drop quite so much money — seeing a show is more than enough. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Development

The final phase of construction is underway on a smaller Amarture Works-style development in NoHo. The 40,000-sqft Rome Collective will house a range of local businesses, including restaurants, fitness + wellness options, and retail. (Tampa Tomorrow)

Traffic

Even more patience than usual will be in order on I-275 today. It’s expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving air travel day in 15 years, with 52,000+ flights taking to the skies. Stay calm + drive safe out there, folks. (WTSP)

Quoted

“I think we’ve got maybe 20 years before we start seeing things die off,” said local arborist Joe Ferris about the state of Temple Terrace’s tree canopy. He was talking about the city’s plans to boost its tree coverage over the next few decades. (Tampa Bay Times)

Eat

As the eternal starchy advice of Samwise Gamgee goes, “boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew.” But if you’re looking for more from your potatoes this Thanksgiving, the New York Times has some delicious ideas. However you choose to cook them, Tampa Bay’s farmers markets are the way to go.

Coming Soon

Cue the “Jaws” theme song — a huge water-bound creature is heading for our shores. The “World’s Largest Rubber Duck” — an art installation of quackers proportions — will be at Clearwater’s Coachman Park for 17 days, starting Saturday, Jan. 10. (TBN Weekly)

Sports

Are the Bucs’ Super Bowl dreams over for another year? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Featured Deal

Athleta’s full site is 30% off for Black Friday, happening right now through Saturday, November 29. From sunrise workouts to Sunday strolls, these are the pieces you’ll reach for on repeat. Grab 30% off today.*

Post of the Day

A screenshot of an Instagram post from Visit Tampa Bay and 2 other accounts showing the Winter Village sign at Curtis Hixon Park surrounded by illuminated trees and festive decor. Twinkling lights create a cheerful holiday atmosphere. — Post by Winter Village Tampa

The weather may not be frightful, but we can still make it delightful this holiday season. Winter Village is officially back, returning for its 10th year at Curtis Hixon Park.

Among the festivities are an ice rink, holiday treats, plenty of gift shopping inspo, and this year’s newest attraction: River of Lights, a scenic cruise down the Hillsborough River.

Want to be featured?

The Buy

Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale features thousands of deals. Don’t spend hours sorting through them — we already did that for you. Here are three you can’t miss:

👚 Say goodbye to your uncomfy wired bra + pick up this best-selling wireless option that’s on sale for less than $20.
🏠 Replace your old corded vacuum with Shark’s cordless lightweight stick vac that’s marked down by $200.
🎲 Revitalize family game night with Ultimate Catch Phrase — on sale now for less than $18.

More early Black Friday deals this way

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

The Wrap

Hello, old friends. It’s nice to see you again, and an honor to be back in your inboxes for the next little in Bailey’s absence.

When was the last time you scrolled through the adoptable animals at local shelters? Let me introduce you to Gizmo, the longest resident at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. He’s not a dog, or a cat, but something just as cute and extra fluffy.

A picture of editor Patrick smiling in front of a blue background.

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