12.19.2025

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79º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 9:06 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:29 p.m. + 10:19 p.m. | Low: 4:20 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

A message from our team

Warmest wishes, TBAY. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

🎄 Yule be the judge

The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City

Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.

This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.

Real tree or fake tree?

Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense?

Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?

Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town?

Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?

When is it time to say goodbye to the garland?

Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?

Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold.

Do you still send and receive holiday cards?

Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household?

Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter.

Cast your votes

Events

Friday, Dec. 19

Saturday, Dec. 20

Sunday, Dec. 21

Make a Chef’s Knife | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | $80+

Make the rest of the year count

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Health

Comfort meets clarity

Presented by Oricle Hearing

Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing

Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.

Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.

Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.

Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.

Learn more

News Notes

Imagine grabbing dinner at Boulon, then walking over to a concert.

Development

Somehow, our live music scene is about to get even better. Strategic Property Partners released plans for a 3,500-seat music + performance venue right in Water Street Tampa. The district also includes a 250-room hotel + 100,000 sqft of retail and dining space. Construction should begin in 2027.

Transit

Good news for I-4 road warriors. Hillsborough just approved $500 million to ramp up an I-4 widening project. Construction kicks off in 2027 on adding one expressway in each direction from I-75 to Central Polk Parkway. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

On the hunt for a spot to bring the in-laws? The West End Market just opened in Dunedin, and there are plenty of culinary options to satisfy your family’s adventurous and picky eaters. Pick up dishes from Al Dente Pasta & Pizza, Divinos Tacos, Saddlebred Cafe, and more. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Opening

Jeff’s Bagel Run is opening a location in Oldsmar soon. Which means we’ll finally have some rosemary bagels around here. Owners plan to debut the new location in the second quarter of 2026, but we’re getting another TBAY branch even sooner. (That’s So Tampa)

Mailbag

Yesterday, we shared Gasparilla Music Festival’s new venue — and asked for your input on who should headline in 2026. Vicky Y. wrote in to suggest Cuban-American musician Orlando Mendez i.e. “The Cuban Cowboy.” We’re crossing our fingers that we get to hear “The Cuban Sandwich Song” live next year.

Sports

Can Brayden Point’s recent hot streak and Nikita Kucherov’s firepower re-energize the Bolts? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Try This

If you give a mouse a cookie a kid a book, they’ll be a reader for life. Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites is now at Florida Children’s Museum through Jan. 11. Visit to see how the exhibit fosters early literacy skills + a love for reading.*

Pets

Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*

Shop

Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*

The Buy

The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:

👖 These soft and affordable leggings that double as active and lounge wear.
🧥 A lightweight cardigan — perfect for layering and available in several easy-to-style colors.
🛏️ These Beckham Hotel Collection pillows that boast 150,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon.
📱 A set of 4.7-star rated silicone cable straps for decluttering tangled cords and chargers.
💄 Clinique’s award-winning Almost Lipstick in Black Honey that’s designed to flatter everyone.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Not to skip past the end of the year, but I’m kind of really excited for 2026. Anyone else?

Speaking of, earlier this week, 57% of you correctly guessed that there’s six weeks until Gasparilla. What other major festivals, developments, or openings are you excited for? Tell us.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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