01.30.2026

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71º | 10% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:17 a.m. | Sunset 6:08 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 7:54 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:45 a.m. + 9:15 p.m. | Low: 3:06 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

Editor’s Pick

The other Gasparilla is rapidly approaching: Gasparilla Music Festival is set for April 10-12. And huge news for indie music fans: Mt. Joy, Two Friends, and Gov’t Mule are headlining.

It’s shaping up to be a big year for Tampa Bay’s biggest live music party — and the first at its new Meridian Fields home.

The public sale is today at 11 a.m.

Asked

Who headlined the first GMF in 2012?

A. Ra Ra Riot
B. The Flaming Lips
C. Father John Misty
D. Modest Mouse

Dig deep

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News Notes

Development

The new Rays stadium is projected to cost $2.3 billion. The Tampa Sports Authority shared the pricetag with the Tampa Bay Times earlier this week. A reminder: That’s about $1 billion more expensive than the Gas Plant District stadium deal. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Weather

Snow — sorry, gulf effect flurries — is still on the forecast for tomorrow night. The temperature is expected to drop into the mid-30s, so the flakes likely won’t stick around. Take a peek at these cold weather tips before the weekend. (WUSF News)

Mailbag

“The year I wore flip flops to Gasparilla, my feet were caked in dirt, rum and who knows what else! Never again, dirty lesson learned.” That’s what M. White remembers about their worst Gasparilla ever. There’s no way anyone’s donning flip flops tomorrow with these temps.

Number

55. That’s how many bars + eateries the Tampa Bay Times identified within walking distance of tomorrow’s Bayshore trek. Which is good intel, since a slew of South Tampa spots tend to close for the Gasparilla festivities. (Tampa Bay Times)

Outdoors

Editor Bailey just identified her next TBAY bucket list add: The Great Florida Cattle Drive. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Folks camp out at DeLuca Preserve in Okeechobee County, then set out on horse on a week-long journey across the preserve. Read this account of the reenactment. (Tampa Bay Times)

Watch

Do not try this at home. Storied rock climber Alex Honnold recently climbed the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan without ropes or a harness, and Netflix livestreamed the event. If he ever came to TBAY, we wonder which of our most iconic landmarks he would scale.

Asked

Do you operate a small local business, or want to shout one out? Make sure to fill this form out, so we can cover you in future newsletter content. Help us help you support local businesses.

Festival

Florida’s Citrus Festival is on Saturday, Jan. 31, in downtown Winter Haven’s three parks. Discover Polk County’s citrus heritage with a juicing contest, pie-eating contest, citrus-themed vendor market, and live coastal acoustic music. Here’s what else not to miss at this one-day citrus celebration happening right in our backyard.*

Sports

The outdoor game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins is shaping up to be one of the most unique and exciting designs fans have seen for an NHL game. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning 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.*

Finance

You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. From overpaying when online shopping to sticking with a car insurance plan instead of shopping for a lower rate, here are 11 of the dumbest things smart people waste money on.*

Post of the Day

Screenshot 2026-01-29 at 11.41.01 AM.png — The Central Avenue beanery is a St. Pete staple.

Central Avenue businesses continue to pop up and close with stunning fervor, but Bandit and its cat have stuck around for quite a while.

Celebrate the coffee spot’s 10th birthday this weekend with Bandit Crunchwraps, an anniversary market, and a neighborhood raffle. Yes, it will be slammed, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet some new neighbors.

Want to be featured?

The Buy

The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. Discover our favorite gifts for loved ones, perfect for any kind of Valentine:

🧳 Gift them this premium leather toiletry bag that’s top rated for style and function.
👣 You can never go wrong with a heated foot massager that was designed with insights from real massage therapists.
🌹 Instead of a bouquet that only lasts a week, opt for these forever roses that will stay beautiful for years to come.
🧥 Keep them warm with this 4.6-star rated sherpa-lined flannel that’s both dapper + durable.
⛳ The golf lover in your life will appreciate this accessory case for storing their gloves, balls, tees, and markers.

More gift ideas this way

The Wrap

Selfishly, I’m thrilled Mt. Joy is the GMF headliner. I’m currently deep in a Peach Pit, Mo Lowda & the Humble, and Beeson phase, if they’re also up your street.

My top song recs are: “Bathroom Light,” “Orange Blood,” “More More More,” and “She Wants to Go Dancing.” But you can always write in for more (solicited) recs.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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