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Hey Tampa Bay, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Carbon-neutral motorcycles, a private rail push, and a new Rays stadium pitch + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Tampa Bay protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Sustainable shift in motor sales: Seminole’s SpinWurkz Motorcycle recently partnered with The Evergreen Exchange, offsetting lifetime emissions for every bike in stock, more than 300 metric tons, and offering Evergreen-certified rides to Tampa Bay shoppers — learn how the program works.

Private rail project advances: Brightline is seeking $400 million to kick off plans for an Orlando-to-Tampa route, a step that could bring faster train trips and new travel options for Tampa Bay residents — read the full story.

Stadium proposal gains attention: The Rays held their first community session last week and will host more this week to discuss a proposed ballpark at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus in Tampa — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy free bounce houses and putt-putt
• Grow your sewing skills in three hours
• Shop and sip at Yuengling Night Market

🫶 We got your back

Lunch that hits back: Wright’s Gourmet House fuels Tampa with towering sandwiches and celebration-worthy cakes, turning any Tuesday into a win. When the day drags and the group chat can’t agree, this is the easy “I deserve this” answer everyone can agree on.

Riverfront reset, anyone?: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park delivers an easy midweek lift, with wide lawns for a quick decompress, a shaded playground, summer-ready splash pads, and a dog run for your four-legged roommate, all set along the Riverwalk where skyline views quietly do the heavy lifting.

Toy treasure trove: Whether you’re hunting for an action figure to bribe the kiddos, a family board game, or a nostalgia hit “for them,” The Comics Club stacks toys, minis, geeky surprises, and of course comics. A quick neighborhood detour with maximum dopamine.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

🎷 Chops Jam Session @ New World Tampa | Tuesday (3/10) at 8:00 PM – Every second Tuesday, New World’s beer garden turns into a proper jazz hang, with the Rod Alnord Quartet holding court at a no-cover jam. Bring your horn or just your appetite, snag the specials, and nod like you totally understand 7/8, all ages, all vibes.

🚶 Walk With a Doc @ Gwen Miller Recreation Center at Woodland Terrace Park 6410 N. 32nd Street, Tampa, FL 33610 | Saturday (3/14) at 8:30 AM – Take an East Tampa stroll with TampaWell where you rack up steps, chat with real doctors, and pick up useful health tips. Monthly on second Saturdays, this round spotlights Breast Cancer Awareness with TGH’s oncology team. Wellness beats copays.

🐶 Saturday Morning Pooch Playtime and Walk @ Henry and Ola Dog Park | Saturday (3/14) at 9:30 AM – Saturday dog pack in Seminole Heights, long-running meetup at Henry and Ola Dog Park, then an easy walk to Epps Park by the river. About an hour if we keep the gossip tidy, good for the pups, your step count, and skipping loud brunch.

🛶 PFD Paddle @ Gandy Boat Ramps | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Take a free guided paddle around Money Island, the bird sanctuary, and French Fry Island, with the Coast Guard Auxiliary tossing in a brisk safety refresher, plus swag. BYO kayak and join free, or rent for $25, reservations required, and yes, the PFD stays on.

☘ St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ N Boulevard, Near Julien B. Lane Park | Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to wear that shamrock tie again, Tampa’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is rolling through downtown with a longer route and a new staging spot. Expect bagpipes, beads, and plenty of green, plus prime people-watching and pub-adjacent pacing.

🎹 Reverend Billy C. Wirtz @ New World Tampa | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Free boogie-woogie at the biergarten with Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, the piano-slinging satirist your music teacher warned you about. Expect sharp wit, deep cuts, and tales from a former wrestling manager, plus blessings over beer from a very unofficial pulpit.

🏖 Spring Break Bounce Bash @ Armature Works | Tuesday (3/17) at 11:00 AM – Take a break from grown-up errands and let St. Patrick’s Day work its magic on the West Lawn. Free bounce houses and putt-putt for the kids, fresh air for you, and just enough green to count as being festive. Grandparent cardio, kiddo nap guaranteed.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Tampa Bay report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 90°F – Low: 68°F – Precip: 8%

Sunny, with a high near 90. East southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. North northeast wind around 6 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 89°F – Low: 68°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Florida but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

This custom Bel Mar Shores waterfront retreat claims 127 feet of canal frontage with direct bay access. Sunlit interiors feature grand living and dining, a gourmet gas kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, and a first-floor spa-like primary suite. Five bedrooms plus bonus and exercise rooms. Outside, a covered terrace, heated pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, private dock, and 13,000 lb lift.

Take a peek inside →