01.14.2026

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68º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:22 a.m. | Sunset 5:55 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 6:52 a.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 11:30 a.m. + 8:01 p.m. | Low: 1:44 p.m.

Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

TBAY-themed Girl Scout Cookies? Say more

A flaky pastry filled with bright red guava filling and a layer of cream cheese

A guava cheese turnover a day keeps the cravings away. | Photo by @lasegundabakery

Wake up and smell the flour (and sugar). Girl Scout Cookie season is upon us — and our local council, the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, will soon sling sweet treats around town.

One question: After the Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs are all gone, what will we eat? In that disastrous scenario, we’d love to see these Gulf Coast-inspired cookie ideas come to life:

A Pastelito Patty would be an homage to our Cuban roots. The thin, crispy cookie, would dazzle with guava and cheese flavoring — just like La Segunda’s famed pastries.
Our next idea is an easy one: Add a strawberry-version of the Peanut Butter Sandwich to the menu. The tart Plant City strawberry-infused cookie would be a great addition to any Girl Scout’s cart.
Our final invention is the Sour Orange Shortbread, an adaptation of the Old Florida Dessert. Combine sour orange juice, condensed milk, and classic shortbread for Tampa Bay in a bite.

Asked

A. Tagalong
B. Adventureful
C. Samoa
D. Thin Mint

We know you know your cookies

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Thursday, Jan. 15

Friday, Jan. 16

Kevin James: “Eat the Frog Tour” | 7 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $69+

Saturday, Jan. 17

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Edu

SEU continues to expand tech + trade programs

Presented by Southeastern University

SEU offers a compelling pathway to your future that aligns education with spiritual + community values. | Photos provided by Southeastern University

It’s time to rethink the choice between traditional college and tech or trade school: At SEU, you can do both.

SEU Tech and SEU Trades meet industry needs and offer a holistic college experience, combining online courses with practical training + real industry connections.

SEU Trades

As an SEU Trades student, you’ll be prepared to step into a new career upon program completion, no prior experience required.

Associate + bachelor’s degree programs include:

Electrical Technician Services
HVAC Technician Services
Plumbing Technician Services
Project Management
Construction Technology (AS and BS options)

SEU Tech

SEU Tech offers opportunities to earn a certificate in Software Development, Cybersecurity, or Data Science.

Certificate programs are available as add-ons to current SEU students, but anyone can take SEU Tech courses to earn a certificate as a non-degree-seeking student.

While SEU Tech courses are fully online, students still get hands-on training and one-on-one time with professors + mentors.

Psst: SEU Tech is launching a 90-credit CBE Computer Science degree this fall. Stay tuned for more info.

Explore programs

News Notes

Development

We have an update on the world’s longest stadium saga. The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees plans to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, that would allow the Rays to turn the North Dale Mabry campus into a new mixed-use district. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

What’s the latest with Derby Lane? Well, the plans aren’t solid yet, as the site’s owners are still accepting proposals for the land. But the owner says one likely scenario includes developing part of the property “in a way that’s complementary” to the current gaming setup. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Coming Soon

In even more real estate news, South Hillsborough is getting another Publix. Where at? The beloved grocer plans to open a new 50,325-sqft store at Wolf Creek Commons. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Show

BTS is playing back-to-back shows at RayJay this spring. Even better, Tampa’s the first US stop on the massively popular K-pop group’s world tour. The shows are booked for Saturday, April 25 + Sunday, April 26. Register for presale by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 18. (WTSP)

Listen

Another Tampa-born musician is on the rise. Conrad Destin just made his NPR Tiny Desk debut + is also nominated for a Grammy. Check out “Love On Digital” and “Whimsy” before he takes over the charts. (Tampa Bay Times)

Open

Downtown Tampa’s Oriental Express is no more. Luckily, the owners opened up a new eatery just a quarter mile away. Check out Sunset Lotus next to Eddie & Sam’s for wok dishes, ramen, and a range of Chinese cuisine. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Sports

Take a look at recent coaching moves made by the Bucs + how open Tampa Bay’s competitive window really is with the local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.*

Featured Deal

Make 2026 the year your business gets noticed. Share your message with our local audience in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our business promo portal. Use code NEW15 at checkout to secure the deal.

Home

Dreaming of a new bathroom in 2026? Make it a reality with a one-day walk-in shower installation. HomeBuddy conveniently connects you with trusted local contractors, complete with customer reviews to help ensure a smooth, hassle-free project. Enter your ZIP code for a free estimate.*

The Buy

Bragworthy deals from local restaurants, spas, salons, gyms, and more. If one of your resolutions in 2026 is to spend less + save more, Groupon is your No. 1 resource. Uncover up to 70% in savings on experiences right in your own backyard.

Search local deals for free

The Wrap

I, for one, am deeply excited about the cooler weather. I plan to spend all of my non-working hours at our parks.

Maybe I’ll read, or I might just bask in the glory of my favorite kind of Florida day: brisk with bright blue sky.