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88º | 20% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:19 a.m. | Sunset 7:48 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 3:36 p.m. | Low: 9:35 a.m. + 10:32 p.m.

Clearwater Beach | High: 12:12 p.m. | Low: 6:24 a.m. + 6:57 p.m.

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Editor’s Pick

An aerial shot of St. Petersburg after Hurricane Helene. Water lines the streets and the water level is high. Smoke rises from a house on the left and grey skies linger overhead with the ocean visible in the distance. — A fraction of Helene’s wrath.

Somehow we’re closing in on the two-year anniversaries of Helene and Milton, but Tampa Bay is still slowly chugging through repairs and rebuilding.

The latest: Hillsborough County Commissioners just approved $70 million of drainage projects. The plan is to repair damage to channels, wastewater lift stations, and other county facilities + beef up stormwater systems to prevent and minimize future flooding for 500,000 residents.

So what’s on the list? Check out what’s approved so far.

Events

Thursday, April 2

Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Eat

🍽️ Savor the best of Tampa at this highly-anticipated event

Presented by Water Street Tampa

a gif featuring images from a previous Taste of Water Street event

For one night only, this event brings together the best of Tampa’s culinary scene for an evening of music, sips, and mouth-watering plates. | Photos courtesy of Foto Bohemia

Mark your calendars. Taste of Water Street returns Thursday, April 16 with its signature open-air culinary showcase. This year’s lineup includes:

Bites and beverages from 25+ celebrated Water Street Tampa chefs and restaurants (including newcomers like Dang Dude, Publix, and Azure at EDITION)
Live entertainment set against vibrant Water Street
An exclusive preview of Smith’s Provisions + The Back Bar, two new concepts from CRU Hospitality Group, who brought you Wine on Water and Small Giant on Water Street (also partaking in this year’s event lineup).
A new beneficiary, with a portion of proceeds supporting the local Ronald McDonald House

If we had a TBAY events bucket list, this would be on it. Tickets are going quickly — grab yours below.

Buy tickets

News Notes

Outdoors

Earlier this week, federal officials voted to exempt oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, rolling back rules that protect endangered species. The drilling could impact Rice’s whales — one of the world’s rarest whale species — which happen to call the Gulf home. How many are still in existence? (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

Port Tampa Bay is considering building a new port — which could add around 200 cruise ship calls annually to their docket. Read more about the legislative roadblocks that could get in the way. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Number

$2.3 million. That’s how much the estimated replacement of the Dunedin fishing pier will cost after it was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season. Local efforts were just boosted by federal disaster relief funds, which will cover over one-third of that amount. Officials hope to reopen the pier by the end of the year. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Plan Ahead

Uhhh cliff diving off the St. Pete Pier? Yes, it’s a thing. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is coming to the iconic spot on Friday, June 5 + Saturday, June 6. Here’s what the competition entails. (I Love the Burg)

Listen

“This is kind of a love letter to Tampa dining.” That’s how a former Tampa chef describes his project to immortalize recipes from since-closed local eateries. Listen to this interview with the mind behind the Recipe Preservation Project. (WUSF News)

Try This

Didn’t get cast in Paul Rudd’s new St. Pete flick? Don’t cast off your big screen dreams quite yet. RSVP to join the audience for the live tapings of “Oh Yeah?!” next week. The local talk show hosted by David Downing is filming six one-hour episodes Tuesday, April 7 + Wednesday, April 8. (St. Pete Catalyst)

On This Day

Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805. During his life, he wrote some of the most famous fairy tales of all time, including “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and “Thumbelina.” You can indulge in some whimsical fantasy of your own by grabbing your latest read, and heading into the great outdoors. (Britannica)

Event Spotlight

FTW-Easter — Hop on over to these local egg hunts. | Video by Giphy

Answered

Yesterday, we asked, “What type of development do you want to see more of?”

Most — about 75% — readers said they want more public amenities.

You can still weigh in

The Buy

Sprucing up the house? Shop fresh rugs and runners that will brighten your home for spring:

🏡 These gorgeous area rugs aren’t just pretty to look at — they’re non-slip, thin enough to fit under doors, and low-pile so dust and dander won’t get trapped.
🚪 Treat the front porch to a 4.7-star rated striped or buffalo check doormat that’s easy to wipe down, vacuum, or throw in the wash.
🌼 Fill the whole room with a vintage floral rug that’s machine washable and complete with non-slip backing.
👟 Add a new look and extra safety to stairs with rubber backed stair treads — just place and go with no adhesive needed.
🛁 Your bath mat has seen a lot of feet — shop a fresh one that’s ultra-absorbent and non-slip for under $20.

More rugs, mats, and runners

The Wrap

I am deeply not prepared for the return of summer temps, and the terrible experience that is getting your 10,000 steps in on a feels like 105° day. Don’t shame me, I’m a native Floridian.

So I’m considering getting a gym membership to keep my activity up until the fall. Conveniently, 727 Fit is opening soon in the Burg with classes, a sauna, a cold plunge, a recovery room, and more inside a coastal-themed space.

Send us a scoop, question, or feedback

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