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Hello Tampa Bay! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Critically endangered bongo calves, the river going bright green, and Dog Man: The Musical + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
New arrivals highlight expertise: ZooTampa’s baby boom includes critically endangered Eastern bongo calves, Bennet and Bonnie, born in January. A female Hamerkop chick was born too, reflecting the care behind the zoo’s conservation work — read the full story.
Part of national expansion: Walmart plans a 1,618 square foot, eight pump fuel station with a convenience store at its South Tampa location, but no construction timeline or opening date has been shared yet — learn about broader strategy.
What sets this team apart: CyberFOX was named a 2026 Best Place to Work by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, its third straight year, highlighting Tampa’s cybersecurity growth and emphasis on communication and work-life balance — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas night, sorted: Whether you’re craving garlicky gambas, crispy patatas bravas, or a paella that was totally “for the table,” Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar delivers Galician-inspired tapas, easy-sipping sangria, and live music in the heart of downtown. Bring a friend or two and make midweek feel like a mini getaway.
Weekend-ready water toys: When the urge to explore mangroves hits, The Kayak Hub has kayaks, racks, and smart accessories you need, plus e-bikes for no-wake days. Local pros get you outfitted and rolling, so your next Tampa paddle starts strong, not with duct tape.
Old-school movie magic: Under a starry ceiling, Tampa Theatre screens indie gems, classics, and occasional live shows, with the Mighty Wurlitzer warming up before select films. This nonprofit movie palace turns any weeknight into a small escape, equal parts nostalgia and community charm.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🚮 Beach Clean Up @ Davis Islands Seaplane Basin Park | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 AM – Trade yardwork for sunshine and help tidy up Davis Island Beach with the West Central District of FPTA. Bring friends, family, and that coworker who needs fresh air, then feel smug about doing good. RSVP to Erica Disbrow at [email protected].
🏘 Be My Neighbor Day @ WEDU PBS Berkman Family Broadcast Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Grab the kids, WEDU PBS is throwing a free neighborhood block party with Daniel Tiger, trolley rides, inflatables, and meet-the-helpers vibes. Let the little ones dance while you bask in PBS nostalgia, tour the station, and feel smugly civic. Bring a picture book to donate.
🐶 Dog Man: The Musical @ Straz Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats the kids cackling at a half-human, half-canine crime fighter brought to life, especially with George and Harold running the show. From Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants universe, Dog Man: The Musical turns chaos into a charming romp your inner, and actual, 10-year-old will love.
🍖 Barbecue Fun Raiser @ South Tampa YMCA | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – This backyard-style barbecue at the South Tampa Y comes with a side of good karma. Robinson High’s culinary crew handles the smoke, you handle the appetite, and proceeds open doors for swim lessons, camp, and real-deal community programs. Bring the neighbors.
🛍 Kids Market @ American Legion Post 111 | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Whether your kid has a side hustle or you want fresh produce and a solid empanada, hit the Seminole Heights 2nd Sunday market at American Legion Post 111. Live music, local vendors, and the Kids Market, where pint-sized CEOs charm you into supporting tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.
🎉 Family Fun Factory: Opening Day @ Bay Life Church | Sunday (3/8) at 12:30 PM – Opening Day is your excuse to swap the sidelines for sneakers and actually play. Expect laughter, light trash talk, and friendly competition on the fields, memories included. Not a drop-off, bring the whole crew, cheer loud, and stretch first, your knees will thank you.
🍽 Taste of South Tampa @ Tampa Garden Club | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Bayshore breezes call for wandering the Tampa Garden Club lawn with a tasting plate in one hand, and a beer in the other. The 20th annual Taste of South Tampa brings local bites, live tunes, a beer garden, and raffle-worthy prizes, no kitchen cleanup required.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Tampa Bay report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 86°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 21%
A slight chance of rain showers after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 86. East northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 87°F – Low: 69°F – Precip: 46%
A chance of rain showers between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. East southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This newer TB Homes build on Davis Islands offers over 5,700 square feet with five ensuite bedrooms and a rare 3-car garage. Entertainer friendly spaces include a Sub-Zero/Wolf chef’s kitchen, media room, gym, and office. The backyard resort has a saltwater heated pool and spa, silver travertine, mosquito misting, and an outdoor kitchen, plus impact windows and a whole-house generator.
Take a peek inside →
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