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Hi Tampa Bay, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Free-flying raptors, Zach Bryan in concert, and a river o’ green VIP cruise + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
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.
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📰 In the news
Aerial wildlife showcase ahead: Free-flying raptors will soar above Apollo Beach on April 11 when Florida Birding and Nature Festival will host free demonstrations at Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, with activities for kids — get all the event details.
Entertainment district changes ahead: Tampa is rolling out safety upgrades in Ybor City months after a crash that killed four people, including lower speed limits, bus bays and added on-street parking as repaving begins — learn what changes are coming.
Deal underscores office rebound: Harborview Plaza in Westshore sold for $39.5 million to Miami-based Banyan Street Capital with partner Lafayette Street Capital, reflecting improving demand for higher-end office space in Tampa — see property and deal details.
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.
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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💎 Local business spotlight
Community stage night out: Carrollwood Players Theatre serves up volunteer-powered shows and new works that make Tampa feel smaller, in the best way. Expect cozy, neighbors-on-stage energy, a little good drama, and an easy place to exhale between scenes with someone you like.
Classic dog craving: Tampa’s longtime standby Mel’s Hot Dogs nails the snap, the poppy-seed bun, and those tangy toppers when you need an easy win between errands or after USF traffic. Comforting, quick, reliably fun… the kind of midweek “I deserve this” bite that never disappoints.
Book-browsing bliss: When your TBR needs fresh company, The Bookstore at Oxford Exchange serves a thoughtful mix of new releases, beloved classics, children’s picks, and signed first editions, plus lively book clubs and author events that keep conversation buzzing. Let serendipity choose your next read.
\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
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 →
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 →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Tampa Bay for grown ups
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.
🏛 2026 Buildings Alive @ J.C. Newman Cigar Company | Thursday (3/12) at 5:00 PM – Buildings Alive lets you legally snoop through six of Ybor’s historic gems, with light bites at each stop. Hop the rubber-wheel Jolley Trolley, wave at chickens, feel virtuous, since tickets support the Historical Society, the mobile museum, and the Tampa Baseball Museum. Tickets go fast.
🎗 Cornerstone Kids Annual Fundraising Gala @ Centro Asturiano de Tampa | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Dust off good shoes, because Cornerstone Kids is hosting its annual fundraising gala, a rare night where small talk buys real impact. Expect good company, a paddle raise that sneaks up on you, and the glow of doing good. Snag tickets, or sponsor a table.
🚤 Urban Architecture Riverboat Tour @ Tampa Convention Center Marina | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – Hop on the Pirate Taxi with urban designer Josh Frank and architect Ross Tisdale for a waterfront tour of downtown Tampa’s past, present, and future. Cruise the Hillsborough for smart, breezy chat about urban evolution, waterfront revitalization, and stories behind landmarks, no PowerPoint, just perspective.
🍹 Puff and Sip 9th Annual Brunch and Bar Crawl @ American Social Tampa | Saturday (3/14) at 10:30 AM – Rally the crew for the 9th Annual Puff and Sip, starting with a $60 brunch at American Social that includes breakfast, unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys, plus 15% off the bar. Grab a t-shirt, pace yourself, and let the crawl handle your weekend cardio.
🚢 River O’ Green VIP Cruise @ Pirate Water Taxi | Saturday (3/14) at 10:45 AM – Skip the riverwalk crowd, and hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for a VIP spin while the Hillsborough goes shamrock green. See the dyeing up close, score an all-day hop-on, hop-off wristband, and toast with beer or wine, beads included. Local perk, tourist views.
🧵 Sew & Grow @ Hope for Her (Brandon) | Thursday (3/19) at 1:00 PM – An afternoon at Hope For Her means a three-hour, hands-on sewing intensive where you learn, not just wrestle with a bobbin. With Cindy Perkins and a small group of eight, you get guidance to grow beyond the basics. Spots are limited, so email [email protected].
🍺 Bonsai & Brews @ Yuengling Tampa | Thursday (3/19) at 7:00 PM – If your idea of gardening involves ice and a koozie, try Bonsai & Brews at Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen. Sip their classics while local artists teach you to shape a tiny tree, materials included, adult patience provided, limited tickets.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Tampa Bay report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 82°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 58%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 23%
A slight chance of rain showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. East northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
This house is wild
Newer TB Homes construction on Davis Islands offers 5,700+ square feet with five ensuite bedrooms, a first-floor guest suite, and a rare 3-car setup (2-car plus separate 1-car). The private resort yard adds a heated saltwater pool and spa, travertine, mosquito misting, and an outdoor kitchen. Wide-plank oak, Sub-Zero/Wolf, media lounge with kitchenette, gym, elevator-ready shaft, and generator complete it.
Take a peek inside →
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