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.
City Guide
Pump ze body at dees spots
Ready, set, sweat at BODYROK. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Exercising doesn’t look the same for everyone — what’s fun and muscle-building for one person may be a slog for someone else.
Fortunately, the Tampa Bay area is home to many opportunities for exercise, whether you enjoy lifting weights, a little cardio action, boxing, a full-body workout, or getting a sweat on alongside animal friends. Use this guide as a resource for all-things fitness in TBAY.
For those looking to try something new
The Bar Method, Tampa
For 20+ years, this studio has used high-repetition, low-impact resistance training to increase strength, focus, and flexibility. Rounded sessions combine Pilates + yoga into ballet-infused workouts.
South Tampa Jiu-Jistu & MMA, Tampa
Learn the ropes across various mixed martial arts disciplines alongside knowledgeable, friendly coaches for those age 3 and up.
For those who revel in creature comforts
Cats and Caffeine, Tampa
South Tampa’s purr-fect pink cat palace offers 45-minute kitten yoga classes (with 15 minutes for playtime at the end). There’s coffee, adoptable cats + kittens, and a class here will leave you feline fine.
Benchmark is getting a boost later this season. The Lightning plan to upgrade the Ashley VIP lounge with extra seating, a sushi station, a private dining room, live-action kitchens, and new screens for watchin’ the action while you grab your grub. The renovations should be finished by the start of next season. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Edu
Pinellas County School Board just voted to shutter Gulfport’s Disston Academy + Pinellas Park’s Cross Bayou Elementary at the end of this school year. Students will be transferred to other nearby schools, and the properties will be leased or sold. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Tech
Could an AI data center come to Tampa Bay? This could be the year our slice of the Southeast gets one, especially as hotspot states become more built out. But, Florida does have substantial obstacles for tech companies — like hurricanes. Here’s the full breakdown. (Tampa Bay Times)
Eat
Talk about news you can use — forCatholics at least. The Tampa Bay Times rounded up local 15 spots to grab fried fish on Fridays, from parish halls to fish camps. But who really needs an excuse to go out for a hunk of freshly fried fish? Not the LeFevers.(Tampa Bay Times)
Shop
“Fashion is art.” That’s the dress code for the 2026 Met Gala, which is set for Monday, May 4. Want to join in on the fun? Try this: Turn your favorite painting into couture with the help of La France, one of Tampa’s best vintage shops. (Vogue)
History
Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of Spinosaurus in the Sahara desert. They believe the dinosaur lived roughly 95 million years ago and weighed up to seven tons. There’s no need to travel across the world to uncover our planet’s history — we have plenty on display at TBAY’s museums. (Reuters)
Trending
Punch, a lonely baby monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has captured hearts worldwide with his sweet nature and beloved orangutan plushie. Closer to home, you can show some love to the baby Eastern Bongo at Zoo Tampa. (Forbes)
Beauty
See fewer grays on your hair and beard with a simple spray designed specifically for men: Particle Anti-Gray Serum. It’s effective without dye, coloring, or harsh chemicals. Save 20% off and get free shipping with discount code CITY20.*
The Buy
It’s almost March — yay. But also, what should you wear? Here’s one complete outfit that can carry you through the sometimes chilly, sometimes temperate days of late winter, all under $150 while sales last:
About 49% of folks correctly guessed drivers will swish 100 times around the Dalí, Albert Whitted Airport, and hundreds of spectators at this weekend’s race.
One of my dear friends — who actually was born and raised in Venezuela — raved about the Foodie Labs spot’s Rompe’ Colchón (Venezuelan-style ceviche) during his last visit. So this is the perfect excuse to stuff down some arepas to the tune of the Christine Honein Trio.