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If you build it, someone will come
A look at the new Pinellas Park sports facility at night. | Image via @cityofpinellaspark
Skip slogging through your email this morning — or don’t. We’ll get you up to date on the biggest local government headlines.
Tampa police and city mobility leaders just shared incoming safety upgrades for Ybor City, following last fall’s crash into a local bar.
What’s on tap? The plan includes rebricking 7th Avenue to slow drivers, installing short, sturdy posts at high-volume intersections, adding 36 on-street parking spots to narrow the roadway, and lowering the speed limit on 7th Avenue from 30 mph to 25 mph.
Pinellas Park’s massive new Sprowls Horizon Sports Park finally opens this weekend. The facility boasts six Major League spring training-inspired fields. And that’s not all, the complex also features a street hockey rink, a multi-purpose field, concessions, and a tiki bar.
So the new Rays stadium is a go. What’s next? Skanska is running the numbers on what the new Rays stadium will cost. The latest estimate is a cool $2.3 billion, but cost estimators will share a more solid number in about a week. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
A handful of airlines just pulled seasonal flights from TPA, but never fear, Breeze just rolled out a new slate of summer adventures. Where to? Routes to Atlantic City, Columbus, and Ft. Lauderdale kick off on the first week of July 2026. (That’s So Tampa)
Coming Soon
When exactly is Valrico getting a Whole Foods? The grocer recently filed a building alterations permit for the old Fresh Market + Stein Mart spaces at Lithia Crossing. We’ll keep you posted on the timeline. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
There’s 100% chance of birria showers this weekend. Dozens of taquerias and street vendors alike will take over Al Lopez Park this Saturday, Feb. 28, for Tampa Taco Fest. The action runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and yes, there are still tickets available. (That’s So Tampa)
Plan Ahead
Head to Rico’s Surf Shop err Ritual Grounds on Saturday, March 28, to celebrate 20 years of Hannah Montana. Take part in the look-a-like contest, snack on sweet niblits (smash burgers + sweet treats), pick up popstar–inspired bouquets, shop Y2K vendors, and jam out to all Hannah Montana tunes + Disney Channel hits.
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The Buy
Sale alert. If you love Vuori’s soft feel, flattering cuts, and performance fabrics as much as we do, shop the workout clothes + casual wear marked down for less this week:
We recently asked, “What was American Stage’s original name?”
About 34% of folks correctly guessed the TBAY troupe first went by “Palisades Theatre.”
The Wrap
The Wrap
Earlier this week, I watched “Class Action Park,” a documentary chronicling the absolute chaos of “The World’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park.” Not spoiling any of the terrifying rides.
Which made me wonder, were there any janky adventure parks around Tampa Bay? Locals, let us know.
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