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Hey Tampa Bay, hope your week’s off to a good start! How your city decides, Andrea Bocelli’s anniversary tour, a women in aviation gala, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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đź“° In the news
How your city decides: New weekly podcast The Agenda helps Tampa Bay residents understand local agendas before meetings start, with hosts Kella McKaskill, Stephanie Poynor and Connie Burton alongside Alison Hewitt and Daryl Hych — read the full story.
Regional growth fuels water project: Tunneling is underway on a 26-mile pipeline in Hillsborough, crossing the Alafia River. It will deliver up to 65 million gallons daily and be operational by the end of 2028 — read the full story.
Local talent in the spotlight: Westshore Alliance maps a big year for public art in Tampa, with banner displays along Boy Scout Boulevard June through September and the return of Kinetic Ring, with sponsorships open — see how to get involved.
Inspiring the next aviators: Tampa’s annual GALA will celebrate women in aviation at Peter O. Knight Airport on March 13, featuring keynote Julie Clark, with proceeds supporting scholarships and introduction of the 2026 recipients — get all the details.
Gold and silver are (still) on fire: Gold’s strong run continues, and silver is outperforming nearly every major asset class in the last year. With demand rising and supply tight, precious metals offer the right combination of market hedge and growth. Augusta Precious Metals is a great way to invest in gold because you can just roll over part of your retirement account into their gold and silver IRAs. Curious to learn more about it? Grab their free guide here.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
A reimagined science destination: Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry has changed its name and opened fresh STEAM spaces, including a digital content lab, a cooking lab, three computer labs, and a makerspace with 3D printers. The growth plan also includes the upcoming Saunders Planetarium and Digital Dome Theatre. See what’s planned next.
Anticipated expansion arrives: Jimmy’s Tacos just opened its second spot in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. The beloved Ybor City shop is known for birria and shrimp tacos on handmade tortillas. It took home Best Guacamole and Best Yborshire in Creative Loafing’s 2025 Best of the Bay. Read the full story.
Mac that hits different: Craving comfort with a little flair? Haven serves mac & cheese loaded with poblano peppers, fontina, cheddar, and garlicky crumbs, with plenty of sips to match. It’s cozy, a little bold, and totally satisfying… consider it self-care that tastes as good as it sounds.
Beat the Florida heat: Brandon Spray Foam Pros tackles residential and commercial spray foam for new builds and retrofits, helping your place hold the cool without your A/C wheezing. Expect fewer drafts, better moisture control, and a quieter home office. Local crew, clear guidance, real results you can feel.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
This week
🍰 A Night in Mystic Falls Sourdough Cake Workshop @ Armature Works | Tuesday (2/3) at 6:00 PM – Whether you still quote The Vampire Diaries or just want mimosas, this girls’ night nails cozy nostalgia. Mix a mini chocolate sourdough cake, decorate two 4-inch rounds with vanilla buttercream and raspberry, graze charcuterie, then head home with a living starter, recipes, and bragging rights.
đź“ż Galentine’s Bracelet Bar Class @ Cigar City Brewing | Tuesday (2/3) at 6:30 PM – Galentine’s energy calls for a grown-up friendship bracelet do-over at Cigar City Brewing. You and your crew get a complimentary drink, then make two beaded stretch bracelets from a spread of beads. Low stakes, high laughs, and yes, you keep the bling.
🎥 From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) @ Tampa Theatre | Wednesday (2/4) at 7:00 PM – Think you’re over teen dramas? This Ghibli charmer follows two teens restoring a creaky clubhouse, untangling family ties, and stirring nostalgia that sneaks up on you. Screening at Historic Duncan Auditorium, dubbed in English with an all-star voice cast, part of the Big Picture series.
This weekend
♻ Sligh Avenue Cleanup @ The Corner Club | Saturday (2/7) at 8:30 AM – Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is cleaning up Sligh Avenue between 22nd and 275, starting at Corner Club for sign-in, vests, pickers, and bags. We need four teams of four to cover the whole stretch, so bring a friend, skip the treadmill, and enjoy civic sparkle.
🧜 Film: The Little Mermaid (1989) @ New Tampa Performing Arts Center | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been craving a hit of pure 1989 nostalgia, catch a free screening of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Sing along quietly, introduce the kids, or just enjoy Ursula’s flawless villainy, classic songs, and the reminder that contracts, and true love, get weird underwater.
❤ Valentines Sweetheart Market @ Brandon Sunday Market | Sunday (2/8) at 10:00 AM – Skip the overpriced prix fixe and wander the Valentines Sweetheart Market at LaViva Plaza, with tasty treats, unique vendors, and that small-town glow. Bring your sweetheart, your pup, and a tote. Vendors, email Oh So Rustic, and ignore the randos sliding into DMs.
🍞 Sweetheart of the Season Sourdough Scones Class @ Armature Works | Sunday (2/8) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re here for Bridgerton vibes or just excellent carbs, this relaxed scone class has you mixing your own strawberry white chocolate or vanilla dough, then nibbling warm scones with clotted cream. Tea, a take-home sourdough starter, and dress-up optional, sass encouraged.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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đź“» Tampa Bay report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 65°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 65. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 43. Northeast wind around 3 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. West southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 3-bath Spanish Mission-style villa in South Tampa offers 2,799 square feet and full two-story concrete block construction with a 2024 metal roof. Inside are 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, an open plan, and a first-floor bed and bath. A treetop bonus space, a spa-like primary suite, brick-paver courtyard, and heated saltwater pool enhance living. Zoned Mabry, Coleman, Plant.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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