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Post of the Day

ezgif.com-optimize (35).gif — One of the Trop’s original rays is returned to its stadium touch tank home.

Tampa Bay’s favorite rays — the cownose ones in the Trop’s touch tank — are finally home.

The fever (had to) actually weathered Hurricane Milton at the Trop. So yes, they bore wittness to 100+ mph winds ripping off the roof.

After the storm, the rays were moved to the Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa to “recuperate in the offseason(s),” but they couldn’t miss Opening Day and cheering the other Rays on.

Want to be featured?

Asked

How many cownose rays are in the touch tank?

A. 5
B. 7
C. 9
D. 11

Hint: It's a 10,000 gallon tank.

Events

Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4

Sunday, April 5

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Development

Opening Day is days away, and that’s somehow not the top Rays story? Hillsborough County leaders are still mulling over public funding for the team’s proposed stadium. Earlier this week, commissioners asked for a legal opinion on using the county’s half-cent sales tax + booked a workshop to discuss the deal. (Tampa Bay Times)

Sports

While we’re talkin’ ball, the Phillies just shared a look at BayCare Ballpark’s proposed refresh + expansion — and it’s a beaut. The $205 million new ‘do would feature a new Frenchy’s, a new video board and lights, a bigger concourse, and more. The team + Pinellas County are still ironing out funding details for the project. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Open

Switch up your morning java run and check out La Ca Coffeehouse. The Sunshine City’s newest coffee and ceremonial matcha spot recently opened conveniently near St. Pete Bagel Co. We’re salivating over the matcha brûlée, but take a look for yourself. (I Love the Burg)

Announced

Echelon Bank just inked some office space on Bayshore. The new local bank plans to officially launch on Wednesday, May 27. Yes, they’re looking for investors. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Plan Ahead

No need to road trip to Memphis, we’ve got the blues at home. Tampa Bay Blues Week will bring a stacked lineup of performers to our slice of the Gulf Coast, starting with the Boston-based trio GA-20. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Coming Soon

Who couldn’t use a little comedic relief right now? Luckily, St. Pete Comedy Club opens this summer in the Grand Central District. It’s the first brick-and-mortar venture from the jokers behind St. Pete Stand-Up. In addition to the main showroom, the space will house a bar and lounge. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Try This

Cheeky’s is hosting another seafood boil on Monday, April 13. This time, with the help of Tampa’s Lucky Tigre + celebrating of Filipino Food Month. The Kamayan-style seafood boil will be loaded with coconut garlic shrimp, Longaniza sausage, fried jasmine rice, pickled papaya, red potatoes, and cornbread hush puppies.

Eat

Reese’s Peanut Butter Bunnies is the most popular Easter candy in Florida, according to DoorDash. The study also found that Floridians prefer blue Peeps, and we’re in good company — 16 other states agree.

Pro Tip

If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*

City Guide

Screen Shot 2023-05-25 at 3.19.07 PM.png

The Cuban and black bean combo is $9.99. | Photo via Lonni’s Sandwiches

With the rising price of gas and groceries, we’re all looking for areas to scrimp a little.

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, TBAY. Check out this list of 14 places where lunch for one costs $15 or less so you’re not scrambling when you forget the lunchbox.

Sandwiches

West Tampa Sandwich Shop and Restaurant, Tampa
Stop in to the “Home of the original honey cuban sandwich” for a symphony of flavors on the cheap. The Cuban sandwich, pork sandwich, and veggie sammie all come in at under $10.

Bayside Sandwich Shop, Tampa
Treat yourself to the ultimate lunchtime delight by ordering the Chicken Caesar Wrap Meal Deal — i.e. a stuffed sando and side for $9.75.

Lonni’s, St. Petersburg
This Central Avenue staple sells all kinds of sandwiches sure to improve a Monday, and the BLT and ham and cheese both come in at under $11 — which is sure to improve your day.

Not into sandwiches?

The Buy

April = new spring shoe drop. Shop a great spring shoe for every price range:

👟 Under $25: A No. 1 best-seller, these arch support flip-flops feature a yoga foam footbed and just look like vacation.
👟 Under $50: This cushioned footbed sandal is ultra-comfortable, thanks to soft leather, a small platform, and an adjustable web strap (it’s also 50% off).
👟 Under $100: Go for fresh white tennis shoes with Vionic’s court sneaker that’s top-rated by 200+ five-star reviews.
👟 Under $150: Get ready to hear compliments when you wear Clarks’ newly dropped floral wedge, available in black, white, or red.
👟 Under $250: This newly released wedge espadrille from patricia green is worth the splurge, thanks to its chic nautical design and sporty grip sole.

Give me all the shoes

The Wrap

Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival kicks off on Tuesday, April 7 and runs through Saturday, April 11. There’s still a little time to get tickets for events like the Chef Showdown, Grand Tasting, and Tampa + St. Pete Dinner Series.

And it’s gonna be a good time. Check out some of the buzzy spots tapping in.

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