12.11.2025

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Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 7:04 a.m. + 9:30 p.m. | Low: 2:26 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 5:26 p.m. | Low: 10:45 a.m. + 11:24 p.m.

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City Guide

Get outside

A biker takes advantage of the sunny day at North Shore Park. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, the Tampa Bay area has dozens of parks to choose from.

Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Tampa + St. Pete’s best:

Nature parks

Al Lopez Park, Tampa
Featuring 130+ acres of nature trails and freshwater ponds, this piece of paradise within the city is the perfect respite from fast-paced life. Al Lopez also boasts a community center, dog park, fishing dock, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and outdoor exercise equipment.

Family parks

Lassing Park, St. Petersburg
The crown jewel of the Old Southeast neighborhood, Lassing is home to incredible waterfront views. If that’s not enough, there are 14.2 acres of lawn for picnicking, and a stretch of beach to enjoy.

For the dogs

Picnic Island Dog Beach, Tampa
Picnic Island is one of the few places your pup can run on the beach. The fenced-off area lines the water so Fido can take a dip.

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.

15+ more standout parks

Events

Thursday, Dec. 11

Friday, Dec. 12

Saturday, Dec. 13

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Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Opening

A new Sunshine City-themed country club opens on Friday, Dec. 19 in the Warehouse Arts District. The ~50,000-sqft St. Pete Athletic boasts pickleball and padel courts, a pro shop, a new eatery called Rose’s Dining & Drinks, and a clubhouse. Do you have to be a member? (I Love the Burg)

Development

A developer just bought a massive chunk of the Countryside Mall. The parcel includes the Whole Foods, and a 140,000-sqft Target is going up soon. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Eat

Earlier this week, our readers suggested the Flan Factory is the best spot to get Cubans in TBAY. Well, those folks are in luck. The Tampa eatery just opened a second location at Armature Works.

Watch

The temps are decidedly unfrosty, but you can partake in a free wintery movie screening at Green Bench Brewing. Bring a blanket or camp chair to watch “Elf” on Dec. 17. And yes, you can grab food too from Offset Sandwich Exchange. Bailey wants to try their chicken Caesar wrap. (I Love the Burg)

Seasonal

Speaking of festive happenings, here’s your reminder there are plenty of lighted boat parades across TBAY this week. Spoiler: Bailey will be in one this weekend. And if the high seas aren’t your style, there’s lots more going on this weekend.

Try This

Cranky craft beer? Yeah, we’ll be there. Seminole Heights’ Angry Chair Brewing is ringing in its 11th birthday this Saturday, Dec. 13. Stop in for a special barrel-aged bottle, brews, and to toast the regulars. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Sports

The Rays face a pivotal offseason as Erik Neander navigates the MLB Winter Meetings with payroll constraints and pressing roster needs. Check in with local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Read

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*

Home

Say goodbye to ladders and wet leaves when you elevate your home’s safety + value with a lasting gutter guard solution. Over 410,000 happy homeowners have already made the switch. Discover how it works and access direct local pricing.*

Finance

If you’re paying interest on credit card debt, take this as your sign to stop. Instead, get this leading card for 18 months of 0% interest on a balance transfer. You’ll even earn cash back perks on additional purchases. Stop stressing about debt — apply now.*

Post of the Day

Screenshot 2025-12-09 at 12.57.57 PM.png — Editor Bailey’s favorite Sunshine City decorations.

The candy cane-ified palm trees leading the way to the St. Pete Pier are now a Sunshine City holiday staple. We’d love to hear your other fave spots to shoot holiday and family pics.

Want to be featured?

The Buy

A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.

More worth The Buy

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “Who won the 2025 Grammy for Best Country Album?”

Beyoncé_-_Tottenham_Hotspur_Stadium_-_1st_June_2023_(23_of_118)_(52946043099).jpeg — The legendary artist has played TBAY many a time.

The Bey Hive (41% of you) pulled through, correctly guessing Beyoncé took home the 2025 Grammy for Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter.”

The Wrap

Honestly, gifting is one of this Cancer’s favorite parts of the holidays. I love scribbling down ideas throughout the year, thrifting and finding special vintage items, and hopefully, making my loved ones tear up from feeling so seen.

But I’m happy to share the love. I selected a slew of hyperlocal and inventive picks you’re free to steal from.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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