Plus, free flamingos.
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Plan Ahead

The Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor. The golf course has green grass, and the word "Innisbrook" cut into a neat hedge on a sloping lawn. There is a lake in the foreground and a golf hole with a bunker visible in the background.
Yes, we even host our own PGA tournament. | Photo via Wiki Commons
It’s kind of a big week for TBAY sports fans.

First off, Benchmark International Arena is hosting the first and second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Oh, and the Valspar Championship returns to the Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort.

So, let’s plan:

2026 Valspar Championship | Monday, March 16-Sunday, March 22 | Times vary | Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club | $20+ | Lock in for a multi-day pass or pop in to spy on a practice round — the latter is free. PGA stars like Jordan Spieth, Max Homan, and Tony Finau are all slotted to tee up.

2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship | Friday, March 20 + Sunday, March 22 | Times vary | Benchmark International Arena | $170+ | While we’re not sure who’s suiting up yet, it’s sure to be packed house.
Not into sports? Here's some food festivals

Visit Central Florida

Events

Monday, March 16

Cuscaden Park Lecture with Wes Singletary | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Tampa Baseball Museum | $10+

Tuesday, March 17

St. Pete-Clearwater Senior Expo | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | Free, RSVP

West Tampa Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | TECO Hall | $45

Central Park Jazz Jam | 6-7:30 p.m. | Tampa’s Black History Museum | Free

A Taste of Woodford Reserve: Spirited Dinner | 7-11 p.m. | Jekyll Hyde Park | $150

Wednesday, March 18

Identity & Inclusion: LGBTQ Themed Tour | 12-1 p.m. | Embracing Our Differences St. Pete Exhibition | Free, RSVP

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox | 1:05 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $67+

An Evening with Art Collector Dennis Scholl | 6-7 p.m. | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete | $15+

Mind Magic with Mentalist Joshua Seth | 7-8:15 p.m. | Imagine Museum | $39

John Legend: “An Evening of Songs & Stories” | 8 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $93+

Thursday, March 19

Elle Cosimano: “Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line” | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange | $6+
See our full events calendar
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News Notes

Coming Soon

Remember the plan to turn the old Snell Arcade into a new members’ club? It’s still happening. In fact, Tricera Capital just kicked off construction. Plans for Medina 405 include a wine cellar set within an old underground tunnel + other delights. And, it’s not the only up-and-coming locale we’re watching. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

Speaking of the Valspar Championship, you’ll spot an upgrade to the experience this year. The Turn, a fan hub for both celebs and fans, will take over the space between the ninth green and 10th tee. The best part? Former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden is hosting the shindig. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Try This

Close that Zillow tab this weekend and check out some incredible Sunshine City homes in the flesh. The Roser Park Tour of Homes is booked for this Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your ticket includes a trolley ride led by the St. Pete History Museum + access to historic homes.

Tech

Would you ride in an air taxi? Florida is one of 26 states participating in a three-year pilot program recently approved by the FAA that will test electric aircraft travel, including electric air taxis. The program will allow select companies to trial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. (TechCrunch, Built In)

Mansion Monday

Anyone else obsessed with homes that still have great character? This Hyde Park home hits all the highlights with a plethora of built-ins, original hardwoods and brickwork, and molded ceilings. And you’ll never believe the asking price. Please, let a fellow old home-lover buy this.

Number

$56,076-$168,228. If your household income falls in that range, you’re considered middle class for Tampa, according to a report from SmartAsset. TBAY’s range was the No. 41 highest overall and No. 3 highest in the state, behind Port St. Lucie and Cape Coral.

Travel

The world’s largest steam engine is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a coast-to-coast tour. Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 will start on the west coast Sunday, March 29, and travel from California to Wyoming — the eastern leg is being finalized. While we wait, we’re planning our trip on the Floridian.

Try This

Ever thought about sharing your brand with both our newsletter readers and Instagram audience at the same time? Our new Article offering does exactly that — placing your story across both platforms to reach a broader, more engaged audience. See how it works.

Asked

Would you ride in an air taxi?

A. Of course
B. I’m interested
C. I’m not sure
D. There’s no way
There's no wrong answer

Post of the Day

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Did you visit Sunken Gardens back in the day?

Screenshot via @sunkengardens

Happy spring break, TBAY. Spend the day off — or play hooky — and learn more about the Sunshine City’s botanic paradise’s history today from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for a Q+A with Kathy Turner Lee.

The granddaughter of Sunken Gardens’ founders will take on your questions as you wander the park’s history center — get ‘em ready. It’s free with admission.
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The Buy

These No. 1 best-selling hotel collection pillows that deliver all-night comfort with cooling technology and double-edge stitching. Bonus: They’re machine washable for easy care.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

If being welcomed home to TBAY by a 21-ft-tall flamingo isn’t enough for ya, TPA is also handing out free mini flamingos at baggage claim on select flights. Take a peek at the mini Phoebes before all the spring breakers scoop them up.

No, this is not turning into a flamingo-centric newsletter, unless you’re into that.
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