We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Tampa Bay. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Coming off that post-Raptor Fest high, and want to get into birding? Start your journey with the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, which kicks off on Friday, Feb. 13, and runs through Monday, Feb. 16.
How does it work? Spend 15 minutes (ideally in the morning) on at least one of the days posted up on your back porch or at your window noting every bird you see or hear.
Then, submit your findings using Merlin, so scientists can better understand our local ecosystem. Tune in this Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. to this virtual seminar for expert advice on participating in the count.
Bring your best “Bug-Inspired Brilliance” to this week’s biggest event: The Butterfly Ball. Support Butterfly Tampa’s efforts to conserve Florida’s native butterfly species at their annual gala this Thursday, Feb. 12, at Tampa International Airport. Get tickets, then start on your invertebrate look. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Today Is
National Pizza Day. Here are the best places to grab a slice around Tampa Bay while you contemplate the ultimate question — does pineapple belong on pizza?
Mansion Monday
Northern Italy is currently hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, but did you know, the region is seeing a real estate boom? It turns out gorgeous landscapes, world-class food, and rich cultural history are appealing to homebuyers. Shocker. There’s no need to travel — Tampa Bay has European elegance of its own. (Wall Street Journal)
Community
This Valentine’s Day, put your heart into local journalism by supporting TBAYtoday. Your contributions will go directly toward creating more of the local stories you love, expanding our coverage, and ensuring we can remain a free resource for all. Give a little love to local news.
Watch
After outfitting a dozen grizzly bears with cameras, researchers are gaining insight into their lives in Alaska’s remote wilderness. Comparing the footage between the life of an Alaskan grizzly and our pets’ cushy experience at a local dog-friendly business, temperature-controlled and all, would be eye-opening for Fido. (AP News)
Trending
Move over, Labubu, there’s a new trending toy in town. A crying horse with an upside-down snout — the result of a factory mix-up — is the latest plushie obsession in China and beyond. If the craze continues, expect to spot a few at Tampa Bay’s kid-friendly spots. (The New York Times)
Ranked
Tampans are not the best at pinching their pennies, according to a new WalletHub ranking. Columbia ranks No. 94 out of 182 in the list of cities with the best budgeters. It’s easy to buck that trend with one of these lunch deals.
Weather
40 minutes. That’s how much extra daylight Tampa will gain by the end of February. As the days get longer, we suggest soaking up the afternoon sun on a local restaurant’s patio with a beverage in hand. (AccuWeather)
Home
Stop settling for gutter guards that barely work and still leave you climbing a ladder every month to clear debris. LeafGuard’s award-winning, one-piece system is designed to make clogs impossible. For a limited time, our readers can get 75% off installation plus an extra $200 off. Get a free assessment.*
Number
240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Explore an introduction to psychedelic therapy and how it can help depression or anxiety. Pre-order your book today, February 9, and get bonus access to a live online summit with Michael Pollan, Gabor Maté, Melissa Etheridge, and more.*
The Buy
Searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise loved ones with these gifts that can arrive by the end of the week.
❣️ Remind them how you feel with a little sign to say I love you that’s the perfect size for desks and night stands.
🧦 You can never go wrong with soft, fuzzy socks that make every step feel like you’re walking on clouds.
📚 The perfect gift for any book lover, a three-month Audible membership is under $50 + provides access to thousands of audiobooks.
🍽️ Spark spontaneity with this set of scratch off date ideas that’s been featured in US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more.
✋ This top-rated hand massager can ease sore hands with five intensity levels + two heat settings.
}})
}})
