Researchers handle corals at the The Florida Aquarium Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Tampa Bay’s hottest nursery isn’t at Tampa General or Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. It’s at The Florida Aquarium Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach, where thousands of budding corals grow inch by inch in sloshing, buzzing, giant fish tank-stuffed laboratories.
Yesterday, 9,000 of its prized babies flew the nest (sans stork) — i.e. were driven in coolers to their new homes at The Reef Institute and Reef Renewal USA. It’s the first major transfer accomplished with multiple partners through Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative, said Keri O’Neil, The Florida Aquarium Coral Conservation Program Director.
Over the past several years, Florida’s celebrated reefs have been decimated by bleaching events — to the point where more than 25 coral species are listed as threatened or endangered. The goal of the program is to restore at least 25% of Florida’s Coral Reef by 2050.
It’s a big week for South Tampans. Tampa City Council votes on the Resilient South Howard Flood Relief project at tonight’s meeting. A reminder: The plan is to improve drainage and reduce flooding along South Howard Avenue and nearby neighborhoods like Parkland Estates and Palma Ceia Pines. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Announced
Goodbye PDQ, hello Saucy. Yum! Brands Inc. just announced plans to shutter some of our local PDQs and convert them into Saucys. What is a Saucy? The brand’s new concept serves chicken fingers + 11 sauces. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
Think Boulon, but by the water. Palmette Brasserie and Bar will open soon at The Westin Tampa Bay. Sink into pan-seared snapper and mojo-marinated steak frites in a tropical-inspired space with Tampa Bay views. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
You know the Krispy Kreme on Gandy? Soon, it’ll be a Chipotle. We might be losing our only glazed doughnut hotspot, but the fast-casual chain will have a drive-thru for mobile orders. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Number
5,000 and 6,000 pounds. That’s how much food one St. Pete nonprofit is keeping from reaching the landfill. 360 Eats whips up the soon-to-expire food into nutritious meals + delivers them to people in food deserts. Here’s how you can volunteer. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Try This
Join your friendly TBAYtoday editor in catching a Rob Reiner movie, will ya? Local cinemas like Tampa Theatre and Greenlight Cinema are screening some of the late director’s greatest hits over the next few weeks. Take a look at the lineup. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Ranked
No. 2. UHaul ranked the Sunshine State the second-highest “growth state” in the country. Based on what? The moving company mined its data to find that 50.6% of customers in 2025 were entering the state while 49.4% were moving out. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
Could the Bolts lock Darren Raddysh down, or will he command top dollars on the open market? Get your need-to-know Tampa Bay Rays breakdown from Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Beauty
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