One of Hyde Park’s iconic bungalows. | Photo by TBAYtoday
The Tampa Bay area’s real estate scene is pretty competitive. In recent years, home prices in our area have increased due to factors like an influx of new residents. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in Hyde Park?
If you want to boost the value of your home, or maybe get some inspo for the future, here are a few project ideas:
Solar panels
Here’s one way to make the most of our TBAY sunshine. First and foremost, solar panels reduce the cost of electricity bills. Over a 25-year span, homeowners with certain systems typically save $35,000 to $45,000 using solar in our region. That’s $1,400 to $1,800 per year.
On top of utility bill savings, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says home value increases 20x the annual amount saved on bills. For instance, if a homeowner saves $1,000 per year on their energy bill because of solar panels, that will increase a home’s value by $20,000.
The old Howard Frankland Bridge isn’t going away quite yet. The Florida Department of Transportation says the demolition of the decades-old structure will stretch into the summer. Plus, expect some bridge closures this week. (Tampa Bay Times)
TBAY is getting another Aldi, and Editor Bailey is already dreaming of browsing its sensational cookie selection. Where at? The German discount grocer is taking over the old Winn-Dixie location in St. Pete’s Bayview Plaza. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Announced
One of the bright spots of returning to work? Justifying lunch out. Consider grabbing a stuffed sammie at Tony D’s Sub Shop on Central Avenue. The new Italian sandwich spot serves “old school hot and cold subs made from scratch.” (I Love the Burg)
On This Day
On Jan. 12, 1966, the first-ever TV episode of “Batman” aired. Since then, Bruce Wayne’s adventures have become commonplace in popular media. Fun fact: Tampa has appeared 10 times in “Batman” comics throughout the years, and several other times in other DC works.
Trending
Reading is on the rise, with online searches for “good books” recently hitting an all-time high. If you’re trying to turn more pages in 2026, read some classic literature, or find out what this fictional hockey romance thing is all about, Tampa Bay’s cozy bookstores are the perfect places to start.
Eat
Pizzerias aren’t ruling the restaurant world like they used to. After hitting a record high in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has steadily declined, with coffee shops and Mexican restaurants now outnumbering them. Slice lovers, consider this your cue to support local pizza purveyors. (Wall Street Journal)
Jobs
No. 29. That’s where Tampa ranked on WalletHub’s new list of best cities for job-seekers in the US. Openings per applicant, starting salaries, and employment growth were all considered in the rankings. If you’re looking for a fresh start in your career, our jobs board has 240,000+ listings.
Mansion Monday
A museum that looks like the Death Star, Africa’s tallest building, and the end of a 144-year project. Those are three architectural marvels on the radar heading into 2026. Here in TBAY, this recently listed Hyde Park home is a marvel of its own. (CNN)
Sports
Is Victor Hedman’s move to the third pair the secret to playoff dominance, or a risky shift for one of the NHL’s elite defenders? Get analysis from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
The Buy
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
Now that the rapid onslaught of holidays is over, the real TBAY holiday season is here: Gasparilla. Lean into the season by picking up a bag of Buddy’s Gasparilla Roast.
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