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Get away for spring break — or from snow birds
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is under 100 miles from TBAY. | Photo by @annemie.travel
As you well know, Spring Break is nigh. Both Hillsborough + Pinellas county schools are on break from March 16–20.
Cedar Key
Take yourself back to old school Florida at this tiny island of ~900 permanent residents. Seafood, arts festivals, fishing, and wildlife spotting are some of the best things to do here.
It’s easy to see why Edison and Ford liked it here.
Edison and Ford’s Winter Estates,Fort Myers
Situated right on the Caloosahatchee River (we can’t pronounce it either), the winter homes of two visionaries + their blooming gardens feature 400+ plant species.
Earlier this week, the Florida House greenlit a bill protecting the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. If signed, the law would prohibit the spot right off the Skyway from development like the proposed cruise port. Next up, the bill heads to the Governor’s desk. (Florida Politics)
Outdoors
Our area is in a stage three extreme water supply shortage due to lack of rainfall. Tampa Bay Water says the drought is one of the most severe in the last 50 years. The entity is urging residents to cut down on water — beyond the current restrictions — as summer approaches. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Development
The University of Tampa is gearing up to build an 11-story student housing tower with 238 units right by Oxford Exchange. Tampa City Council votes on rezoning the land tomorrow, March 12. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
A giant pelican is moving in — but it’s not what you think. A new 21-story apartment tower called The Pelican is rising in the Sunshine City. Slotted for the intersection of 5th Avenue North + 4th Street North, the 370-unit building will also house ground-floor retail.
Drink
If you’re like Bailey and attempting to cut back on caffeine, try Noisy Crane. Tampa’s new specialty tea house opens tomorrow, March 12. The drinkery is located inside the Paper Seahorse and open Thursday-Sunday. What’s brewing? Expect loose-leaf brews in a relaxing, phone-free environment. (That’s So Tampa)
Number
USF spent $531 million on research throughout fiscal year 2025. The increase in spending is not a coincidence; the “research environment is incredibly competitive and undergoing a dramatic reset,” said USF’s president. The bulk of the money comes from federal grants and goes toward researching everything from dementia to AI. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Try This
Making the final touches on your summer garden? Here’s a load of good news. Tampa is doling out locally-sourced compost that helps soil retain water longer. City of Tampa utilities customers can register to score up to 30 gallons of compost on Friday, March 20 + Saturday, March 21 — bring your own containers.
Health
If food noise and constant hunger are exhausting, MEDVi offers clinician-guided GLP-1 care built for real life. It starts with an evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider, followed by ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments. See if you qualify + start an intro month at $179.‡*
Finance
According to Motley Fool Money, the average person with $5,000 in credit card debt pays $1,200+ in interest every year. The solution? An expert-approved balance transfer card with 0% interest for up to 21 months. Learn more + apply.*
Event Spotlight
The annual TogetHERWomen’s History Month Celebration takes over the South Tampa hotspot.
Photo via Hyde Park Village
International Women’s Day is gone, but there’s still plenty of opportunities to connect with TBAY ladies.
Celebrate women’s history month at TogetHER at Hyde Park Village’s Hyde House Public Studio tomorrow, March 12 from 5:30-8 p.m.
First up, there’s a panel discussion moderated by “Great Day Live” host Janelle Martinez, featuring local creatives like Ayana Lage and leaders like Patty O’Leary, CEO, The Children’s Cancer Center.
We recently asked, “Which movie WASN’T made in Tampa?”
About 38% of readers correctly surmised that “Strategic Sea Command” should have been “Strategic Air Command.” Sorry, that was a tough one.
The Buy
We’ve got something just for you: the perfect handbag for every occasion. Add these five bags to your closet + complete any look, any time.
👜 Everyday: On sale for over 50% off, American Leather Company’s hobo bag has multiple pockets + a top zip closure to secure all your essentials
💄 Date night: This versatile leather wristlet and clutch brings style + elegance to any outfit.
🎶 Concert: A chic, stadium-approved clear bag is a wardrobe must-have. We love this one’s durable and trendy design.
🌴 Spring break: Enter vacay mode with this boho rattan bag that easily converts to a crossbody with the included detachable strap.
🧳 Workday: This leather leather Kate Spade tote can fit your laptop, wallet, and more — get it while it’s 68% off.
Apparently, there are capybaras holed up at the Kahwa on Gandy. No, I don’t have an explanation for you, but yes, you can pet them. I still need to stop by to see them for myself.
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‡Prescription-only GLP-1 treatment requires evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider. Treatment is provided only if medically appropriate; not all patients qualify. Results vary. Compounded medications, if prescribed, are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished products. See program terms for details.
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