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Home under the dome, indeed
The Trop’s new turf and roof all decked out for opening day 2026. | Photo by TBAYtoday
It’s not often you see a tuxedoed broadcaster welcome fans back for a new season from the baseball diamond.
That’s what longtime voice of the Rays, Andy Freed, was wearing as he boomed, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome home,” from a podium behind the pitcher’s mound on Monday, April 6. Because for the first time in more than a year, Tampa Bay’s home team took the field at the Trop.
“It has been 561 days since baseball was last played here at Tropicana Field,” Freed continued, unphased by a minutes-long technical delay. “When you speak it out loud, you realize just how much life has happened in between.”
One major hurricane that ripped off the dome’s roof, one failed stadium deal, one fresh stadium deal, dozens of city council and county commission meetings, and months of $75+ million in repairs later, the stadium is officially back open.
TPA stays hot. The international airport is chugging along on a major ticketing overhaul. The ~$286 million project includes morphing the ticketing area into the existing valet area, combining airline ticket offices, upgrading floors, lighting, and ticket counters, plus adding new self-check-in kiosks, and baggage belts behind the ticket counters. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
Hillsborough County Commissioners will likely vote on the Rays’ new stadium deal on Wednesday, May 6, followed by a Tampa City Council vote on Thursday, May 7. Team leaders hope to start construction this summer. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Film
A movie crew, 200 locals, and America’s hunk Paul Rudd took over the Don to film “The Statement” earlier this week. Take a peek at the silver screen process, from fittings at Dolphin Village’s old Dollar Tree to rolling tape at the Pink Palace. Spoiler: There’s vintage cars and garb involved. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay + Tampa Bay Times)
Opening
A new bombshell — err farm-to-table spot — enters the villa soon. Casa Origen opens in the old No Vacancy location this summer serving burritos, bowls, and an Argentinian-inspired dinner menu. The owners are focusing on using high-protein and minimally-processed foods + using clean-cooking methods. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Coming Soon
What else is on the docket for the Skyway Marina district? The development just scored its own Foxtail Coffee. The Orlando-based (Hey ORLToday) brand will bring its craft coffee delights to South St. Pete soon. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Ranked
No. 1. Tampa came out on top of Travel & Leisure’s “9 Best Places for Millennials to Live in the US” list. Apparently, people between the ages of 30 and 45 heavily weigh housing affordability, job opportunities, commute times, and access to public spaces when they’re planting roots. (That’s So Tampa)
Answered
About 48% of readers correctly guessed that a fever of seven cownose rays calls the Trop home. And yes, they weathered Milton from the touch tank right off the outfield.
Wellness
Why buy multiple supplements when one can do it all? This top-rated, lab-tested supplement delivers essential fatty acids to support brain function, heart health, joint and skin health, and overall vitality. Get it for under $25.*
The Buy
Every week, lululemon drops new styles. From workout essentials to elevated loungewear, these are some of our recent favorites:
💎 Add a little color to your workout wardrobe with the perfect jewel-toned tank top designed with training in mind.
🎾 Or, go crazy and add a pattern. We love this retro paisley cropped tank and matching high-rise tennis skirt.
👗 Ideal for running errands, evening walks, or on the pickleball court, this pastel pink athletic dress will quickly become a staple in your spring wardrobe.
👕 No more sweating through your clothes during warm-weather outings. This men’s collared shirt boasts lightweight, quick-frying fabric for everyday wear.
👖Unwind after a long day by throwing on these ultra-soft lounge pants that you’ll never want to take off.
If you’re reading this newsletter — thanks, by the way — you’re probably into exclusive TBAY gear. Head to Midtown Tampa this Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. to scoop Thunderbug pajamas and more limited-edition Lightning merch designed by Emerson and Friends. Take a peek before you go, these pieces will not be sold online or in stores.
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