01.07.2026

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77º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:22 a.m. | Sunset 5:50 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 6:45 p.m. | Low: 12:04 p.m

Clearwater Beach | High: X p.m. | Low: 8:22 a.m. + 8:13 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Event Spotlight

unnamed+(1).gif — A preview of what’s in store this weekend.

The “real” Gasparilla is still a few weeks away, but the better party is this weekend — for those of us who live for our dogs. Water Street Tampa’s Pirate Pup Parade & Costume Contest is this Sunday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Head to the downtown district to spy dogs donning eye patches and pirate garb clomping down the street — and yes, you can still register your four-legged Jose Gaspar wannabe.

What else is in store on the high seas?

Pet caricatures
Pet adoptions
A pet-themed market
Seadog Sounds
Face painting (for kids, not pets)

Best of all, 100% of dog registration fees benefit the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.

Asked

What percent of Florida households own a pet?

A. 37%
B. 49%
C. 56%
D. 61%

You know you wanna play

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Thursday, Jan. 8

Friday, Jan. 9

Saturday, Jan. 10

Want more concerts?

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Civic

Both Tampa and St. Pete could see massive budget impacts from potential state property tax reform in this upcoming legislative session. So, the Burg’s leaders commissioned a budget stress test to see how losing $83 million would affect the city. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Announced

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida just closed for renovations. The Gas Plant District institution’s $1 million transformation includes new flooring, refreshed bathrooms, a beefed up cooling and heating system, and new lighting. Don’t worry, the Woodson reopens in April. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Eat

Now for the fun stuff. The Tampa Bay Times rounded up six local chefs to watch in 2026. Who’s on the list? You’ll spy some of the faces behind the cuisine at Ash, 86 Wine Bar, and other hot spots. Get a peek at what you’ll be eating this year — if you’re lucky. (Tampa Bay Times)

Open

Jeff’s Bagel Run officially opens today in South Tampa. Where at? You can grab boiled, not toasted bagels at 3810 W. Neptune St. in South Tampa. Pro tip: Today’s bagel of the day is the Cheesy Chili Crisp. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Coming Soon

Our barbecue scene could be better — that’s my opinion — but at least TBAY is getting its first Moe’s Orginal BBQ this year. The Alabama-born brand opens on Monday, Jan. 12, in Seminole. Pulled pork platters, smoked wings, cornbread, and the staples are all on the menu. (I Love the Burg)

Sports

Tampa Bay Rays fans are bracing for a challenging 2026. At least you have Locked On’s daily podcasts to break down the team’s playoff hopes and looming roster changes.

Wellness

Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*

Biz

Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.

Health

Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*

City

Survey says…

Thank you all for supporting TBAYtoday. | Graphic via 6AM City

1,116. That’s how many responses we received from readers during our Giving Campaign.

We analyzed all of those responses to learn more about what you enjoy — and want to see more of — in our newsletters. Here’s what you said:

~20-25% of messages expressed that local info + events are our key value. These readers probably love the Events and News Note sections of our newsletter, along with our monthly Plan Ahead.
~15–20% highlighted TBAYtoday’s fun, positive tone.
~10% said that we’re part of their morning routine, and we couldn’t be happier to accompany your morning cup of coffee.
~10% praised our brevity + easy-to-read format, so we’ll be sure to keep this short.
Several people also called out our support of small businesses + our “no-politics” approach. Psst: More formalized small business coverage is coming soon, so be on the lookout.

Still want to contribute to our Giving Campaign? Click the link below.

Better late than never

The Buy

Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Baked spaghetti with a side of fried catfish? I’ll take things my family would never try for 100, Alex.

Just kidding (but not really). I haven’t stopped thinking about this review of M&R Cafe, or dreaming about the promise of sweet potato muffins. What should I try, and report back on?

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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