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74º | 0% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:11 a.m. | Sunset 5:35 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:50 a.m. + 9:53 p.m. | Low: 3:06 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 6:03 p.m. | Low: 11:36 a.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report


Never fear, our gift guide is here

A collage of wrapped presents and gifts including a cozy slipper, sweatshirt, and hand cream.
Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Psst — It’s nearly mid-December. Finish your holiday shopping this weekend with our gift ideas:

Gifts for your significant other


Local pick: Pottery class for two | Price upon booking | Let your loved one enjoy a rewarding afternoon learning how to throw pottery at Sugar Cream Clay’s dreamy studio.

Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.

Gifts for retirees


Local pick: Morean Arts Center Membership | $60 | This yearly membership includes unlimited admission to the Chihuly Collection and daily glass shows + best of all, discounts on the center’s plethora of arts classes.

Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain.

Gifts for students


Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | This chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes.

Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges


Local pick: Smells Like You’re Moving To Tampa Florida Candle | $18.52 | The absolutely perfect pick for making the whole party cackle.

Existential crisis duck lamp | $17.99 | This amusing, rechargeable light is cord-free + a cute desk accessory.

Gifts for golfers


Frustrated golfer socks | $12.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.

Gifts for people who have everything


Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.

Gifts for book lovers


Local pick: The Book Lounge gift card | $10+ | Gift your book lover some cash to spend at the Burg’s new book lounge — they have eats, drinks, and games too.

“To be read” storage basket | $16.99 | Perfect for that friend with an amazing aesthetic bookcase.

Gifts under $20


Shower steamers | $9.99 | This best-selling assortment features scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Slippers, snack organizers, ebikes, and karaoke

Events

Friday, Dec. 12

Christmas in the Wild | Friday, Dec. 12-Tuesday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | ZooTampa at Lowry Park | $41+

Kress Kringle Holiday Party & Pop-Up Market | 6 p.m. | The Fringe Theatre | $12

Saturday, Dec. 13

Ribera del Duero Experience | 6-10 p.m. | La Vid Wines, Tampa | $110+

Silverstein: 25 Years of Noise | 6-11 p.m. | Jannus Live | $70+

Sunday, Dec. 14

Pure Initiative 14th Clean Up | 8-10 a.m. | Davis Island Boat Ramp | Free

Pilates with Purpose: Benefiting Wounded Warriors Project | 10-11 a.m. | The Performance Lab | Donations accepted

Intro to Calligraphy Workshop with Lily Denhoff | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Morean Center for Clay | $40

2025 Tampa Bay Whiskey Voyage | 12-4 p.m. | Grand Cathedral Cigars | $42+

7th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar | 12-6 p.m. | Centennial Park | Free entry

Holiday Royal Tea Party | 12:30-2 p.m. | Gemma Floral + Wine, Tampa | $53+

Allman Betts Family Revival | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $80+
More weekend festivals
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News Notes

Coming Soon

Four new restaurants are opening in a new downtown Tampa tower. Yep, four. The Pendry — which opens alongside the Riverwalk in 2027 — will also house an upscale + social restaurant, a poolside eatery, a Mexican restaurant, and a speakeasy. Who’s behind the concepts? (That’s So Tampa)

Quoted

“It’s a much stronger material than it was 35 years ago.” That’s what St. Pete city staff had to say about the Trop’s new roof. The recently replaced panels can withstand winds of up to 155 miles per hour. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Try This

Putt the Pier is back. Dust off those mini golf tricks and head to the downtown landmark for a round of lit, holiday-themed putt putt on the Pier. The experience runs from Monday, Dec. 15- Wednesday, Jan. 7. (I Love the Burg)

Mailbag

Some folks think the flamingo should be Florida’s new state bird. Right now, the northern mockingbird represents us on the US’s bird council — just a joke. Do you think we should select the flamingo instead? Share your thoughts or suggestions for a different feathered pick. (Tampa Bay Times)

Plan Ahead

Editor Bailey and her sad Greek yogurt bowls are yearning for strawberry season. Thankfully, the Florida Strawberry Festival returns on Thursday, Feb. 26. Tickets are on sale now. (WTSP)

Edu

One of Tampa’s major private schools is preparing for a big transformation. South Tampa’s The Academy of the Holy Names plans to open a new 13,369-sqft wellness center, including a nutrition learning space with a kitchen. Construction kicks off next year. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

Missed last night’s Bucs’ game? Recap the action with local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Shop

Your glasses called — they’re ready for retirement. Shop Zenni’s durable frames + advanced lenses for an upgrade, with most pairs under $80. Bonus: Take an extra 10% off with code TWW.*

Older Adults

Are you taking advantage of these stellar senior discounts? From savings with Walgreens to a discounted Amazon Prime membership, we found 20 hacks all older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth.*

City

Live like a LeFever

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A slew of clay pieces wait to be fired in a kiln. | Photo by TBAYtoday
A coworker once told me “you have this effortless way of being that cool friend who would plan the perfect trip while you visit.” Best compliment ever.

Luckily, you’re all my friends. So I wanted to share 15 of my favorite spots, i.e. where I would take you in Tampa Bay:

Picnic Island Park | Picnic Island is arguably Tampa’s most-underrated park in my opinion. Few things beat parking my butt on a sand-encrusted picnic table as a pinky sunset lowers over the Gandy Bridge and Sage struts along the dog beach. (Sage did not write this)

SuperNatural Food & Wine | Best breakfast sandwiches in TBAY hands down. I know you care about Michelin’s word more, but doesn’t mine count too? Get the chocolate tahini sourdough donuts on Saturdays too.

TECO Manatee Viewing Center | This Central Florida-raised girl needs to be within 50 miles of a manatee at all times. But seriously, there’s something magical about silently watching manatees bubble to the surface with hoards of strangers.
12 more of Bailey's faves

The Buy

A stylish button down cardigan complete with sophisticated gold hardware and a super-soft knit texture. Bonus: Pair it with these trendy barrel jeans.
More worth The Buy
TBAYtoday Games

The Wrap

If “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is on your watchlist this December, you’re in good company. The 1989 film is the most popular holiday film in Florida, per a new PixlParade report. Pro tip: Fuel your movie night with takeout from a new local restaurant.
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