12.10.2025

From our friends at

69º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:10 a.m. | Sunset 5:34 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 9:11 p.m. | Low: 1:44 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 4:49 p.m. | Low: 9:56 a.m. + 9:39 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

A country storm’s a brewin’

A Sunset on St. Pete Beach. The sky is orange and yellow, with a dark beach before it in the shadows.

The perfect backdrop for some live music. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Country Thunder returns to TBAY next year with a sun-soaked twist. The massive country music festival takes place right on St. Pete Beach from May 8-10. Yes, right beside the giant inflatable blue beachfront slide at the TradeWinds Resort.

And they just announced the lineup:

Zach Top
Gavin Adcock
Kane Brown
Randy Houser
Max McNown
Shaboozey
Dasha
Gretchen Wilson

The saltwater cowboy party also features:

Cowboy hat and apparel vendors
An additional stage with performances from rising artists
A songwriter showcase
Surprise artist meet-and-greets
Tons of eats

Tickets are on sale now, and there’s discounted room packages too if you want to skip the Ubers and get a staycation out of it.

More 2026 concerts to bookmark

Asked

Who won the 2025 Grammy for Best Country Album?

A. Shaboozey
B. Chris Stapleton
C. Beyoncé
D. Kacey Musgraves

You've got this

Events

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Thursday, Dec. 11

Friday, Dec. 12

Saturday, Dec. 13

Weekend foodie faves pls

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Development

The Rays might have a new stadium within this decade. Really. Rays leadership said the team is evaluating a handful of potential ballpark sites across TBAY. The biggest news: They’re shooting for a 2029 completion date. (Tampa Bay Times)

Civic

Good news Riviera Bay residents: St. Pete plans to spend $7.14 million on replacing The San Martin Bridge. The first step in replacing the 1960s-era bridge is relocating sewer and drinking water pipelines. See how the construction will impact traffic. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Number

55. That’s the new speed limit along the Howard Frankland Bridge. For how long? The Florida Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit while construction along the bridge is still in progress — the project should wrap up next year. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Festival

Yearning for some warm, northern comfort food? A Taste of the North takes over the St. Pete Pier with 15+ local vendors from Friday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 20. But there’s a Florida twist, of course, with a Christmas-themed sand sculpture contest + beachy photos with Santa. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Coming Soon

Kubana Kafe is now slinging Tres Leches Lattes, Maracuja Refreshers, Brown Sugar Guava Lattes, and other Cuban coffee delights in South Tampa. (That’s So Tampa)

Active

A new Fit2Run store just opened in Water Street Tampa. Try on gear and running shoes from brands like On, Brooks, ASICS, and Lululemon in person. Make sure to get video analysis of your running form too for that marathon prep. (That’s So Tampa)

Arts

No, it’s not the name of Bailey’s forthcoming memoir. Ultra Mundane, a new St. Pete art gallery, is now open along Central Avenue. Take a peek at the latest mixed-media exhibition and all the artsy wares, and shop for gifts at their Christmas Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 19. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Can Nikita Kucherov’s absence and Andrei Vasilevsky’s injury derail the Bolts’ playoff hopes? Get the latest Tampa Bay Lightning scoop with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Beauty

Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*

Seasonal

Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.

Travel and Outdoors

Your backyard oasis awaits

Imagine harvesting flowers right from your backyard. | Photo by Lee Page/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Want more from your lawn than just grass? You could turn it into a mini “national park.”

Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.

Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives.

Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which TBAY neighbors are pitching in.

Ready to get started on your own turf? Learn how to register your green space and browse beginner-friendly planting tips.

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

The perfect holiday party outfit for under $150:

👗 Start with this deep red velvet dress that’s sure to reserve you a spot on the nice list.
👠 Pair it with these black mary jane pumps adorned with a subtle bow.
👝 Add a little sparkle with this rhinestone bow clutch.
💎 Speaking of sparkle… complete the look with these cascading crystal drop earrings that are over 65% off.
🦵 Bonus: If it’s extra chilly out, don these fleece-lined tights to stay warm.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Bailey

Adobe Express - file (9).jpg — Surfin’ Santa waits for a good shreddin’ opportunity.

I spotted this iconic Florida holiday moment on one of my recent walks. I need him.

Psst, I still want to see and share your outdoor holiday displays. C’mon, who doesn’t love free validation?

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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