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Event Spotlight

a gif featuring images from a previous Taste of Water Street event — Tampa’s culinary scene is coming out for an evening of music, sips, and mouth-watering plates.

Throw that chicken in the freezer that you’ve been meaning to cook all week. Taste of Water Street is tomorrow, April 16, folks.

“The Masterclass for your mouth” takes over the neighborhood from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with 25+ local eateries showing off new dishes, like:

Sesame noodle salad with lemongrass chili chicken from Dang Dude
Choux paired with a honey latte from Shortwave Coffee
Local snapper aguachile from Ash

Here, take a look at the full rundown for yourself. Tickets are $108.

Asked

Which TBAY restaurant would you include in a food festival?

My fave restaurant in TBAY is...

Events

Wednesday, April 15

Thursday, April 16

Friday, April 17

Old Southeast Craftsman Bungalow Porch Party | 6-8 p.m. | 256 20th Ave. SE, St. Petersburg | $25+

Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers | 7 p.m. | Ruth Eckerd Hall | $70+

“Men in Blazers: Live from Tampa Bay” | 7-9:30 p.m. | 1920 | $25

Saturday, April 18

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Travel

Greening Up the Mountains: Your spring weekend starts here

Presented by Discover Jackson, NC

Downtown Sylva comes alive with music, artisans, and live music. | Photo provided by Discover Jackson

Spring comes alive in Jackson County at the Greening Up the Mountains Festival on April 25, 2026 in Downtown Sylva, NC (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Expect:

Live music and entertainment all day
5K race through town
150+ artisan vendors
Local food vendors and regional specialties
Family-friendly programming and mountain charm
A full day celebrating Appalachian culture

Turn your visit into a weekend with hikes at Pinnacle Park and dining at Ilda or Innovation Brewing — then settle into a bucket-list-worthy rental.

Start planning your trip

News Notes

Civic

Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is running for the Cigar City’s top job... again. The two-term mayor officially filed his paperwork this week, but he’s not the only one hoping to take over after Mayor Jane Castor’s term ends next year. Nine other residents are in the race. (Tampa Bay Times)

Announced

Country Thunder is moving from the TradeWinds to the BayCare Sound. The three-day country music festival will relocate to the waterfront Clearwater venue due to concerns over threatening both turtles and shorebirds. The event is still booked for Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10. (WTSP)

Development

St. Pete is looking for a developer to transform a three-acre property in the northern section of the Deuces. What’s the ask? They’re requesting proposals by Friday, May 22, for a development with mixed-use housing that honors the “community’s heritage and promotes equitable partnerships.” (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

The new AECOM study on a new Rays stadium’s potential impact, which was commissioned by the Tampa Sports Authority, was missing key details. Officials still need figures like the number of hotel rooms, apartments, and the size of parking garages to figure out the project’s true impact. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Festival

Your resident Billy Collins girl is here to remind you that the City of Writers Poetry Festival is going on all month long. The lineup features a Weedon Island poetry walk, a poetry jam, the chance to compose poetry to the sounds of a cello, and other literary delights. (I Love the Burg)

Community

Ybor City just celebrated its 140th birthday. So, the neighborhood celebrated in true Ybor fashion: by rolling an 140-ft cigar. The owner and founder of La Faraona Cigar Lounge patched together dozens of pre-rolled segments into one giant smoke, which stretched Nerds Rope-style across 12 six-foot tables. (Tampa Bay Times)

Try This

The ice cream truck has been upstaged by checks notes Tiki’s Taco Boat. A floating tacqueria is serving tortillas stuffed with spicy shredded beef, chicken, or carnitas, chips and guac, sangria, and even frozen cocktails at the John’s Pass sandbar every weekend. Need to see it to believe it? (I Love the Burg)

Ranked

No. 9. That’s where Tampa ranked on Coworking Cafe’s “The Best U.S. Cities for Balancing Office Work & Pet Life.” The Burg followed kinda closely at No. 15. The study looked at factors like pet-friendly coworking density, commute times, dog parks, and pet-friendly dining and pet services. (That’s So Tampa)

Plan Ahead

Pitmasters in Paradise, an island-inspired BBQ festival, is coming to Central Florida. Head to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale Friday, April 24-Saturday, April 25, to taste BBQ from top pitmasters as they vie for bragging rights in the third and final competition of the 2026 Triple Crown of BBQ.*

Finance

“Worth its weight in gold.” That’s how experts are describing this versatile card that offers cash back on every single purchase and up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use, all for no annual fee. See the details.*

Shop

It’s the very last day of Nordstrom’s end of season sale — shop up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like this stunning (and comfortable) jersey maxi dress perfect for date night, vacation, and warm weather outings.*

Post of the Day

Screenshot 2026-04-14 at 9.36.52 AM.png — A peek at the new burgery.

Finally, someone made burgers Instagramable — sorry Shake Shack. Tampa’s new smashburger spot, BYTE, has been blowing up on social media with its trendy pink and chocolate branding and fried pickles and onion straws.

They’re only open on the weekends — so make sure you check their hours.

25+ more new bites

The Buy

The best two-piece sets for spring:

👚 This No. 1 best-selling women’s short set is comfortable, lightweight, and effortlessly put together.
👖 Get an instant outfit with this striped shirt + wide leg pants set rated 4.5 stars — it’s soft, slouchy, and flattering.
👚 Keep it casual in this sporty two-piece short set that features soft and cooling fabric.
👖 For professional occasions, eliminate outfit guesswork with this two-piece v-neck set featuring a tailored, feminine fit.
👚 Look instantly chic on vacation or sunny days in this sleeveless knit two-piece available in your favorite color or stripes.

Shop two-piece sets

The Wrap

Hello, this is Bailey LeFever, your local dessert correspondent, back with Tampa’s latest flour-dusted news. Preorder homemade cinnies from Flour Hustler for pickup on Friday, April 17, at Spaddy’s.

They’re not your standard Pillsbury guys either. This week, Flour is offering flavors like Pistachio Pesto, Black Sesame Tiramisu, Guava Coconut, and Sumo Citrus Latte.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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