Ybor City is, quite fittingly, home to America’s last operational cigar factory, and as the company celebrates its 129th anniversary, locals are invited to join in on a gigantic party. J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is hosting its 4th annual Founder’s Day celebration on Saturday, May 18 from 11 am – 3 pm, hosted in their historic Ybor factory at 2701 North 16th Street. A highlight of the free and sprawling party is a Cuban sandwich eating challenge, which will feature celebrity competitive eaters Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry (known as The Hungry Couple) taking on local celebrity Drew Garabo from 102.5 The ..read more

The MICHELIN Guide held a beautiful ceremony at the EDITION in Water Street Tampa, home to the MICHELIN-starred Lilac. The following local spots took home Bib Gourmand Awards: Streetlight Tacos, 4004 Henderson Blvd Psomi, 701 N Howard Ave Gorkhali Kitchen, 10044 Cross Creek Blvd Rooster & The Till, 6500 N Florida Ave Chefs and restaurateurs from Tampa, Miami, and Orlando receive Bib Gourmand Awards at the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony at The EDITION Additionally, EBBE and Kosen in Tampa received a coveted MICHELIN star, joining three other local institutions. All three of those restaurants, Ko ..read more

Travel season just doesn’t seem to end in Tampa. Tampa International Airport, an award-winning international travel hub, continues to add incredible destinations to its already stacked roster. Following one of its busiest spring break seasons ever, two airlines are expanding their services to beautiful cities. Edelweiss plans to double its service to Zurich in May 2024. JetBlue will double its service to San Juan, Puerto Rico beginning June 13. Edelweiss has seen major demand for its nonstop service to Zurich. This means the well regarded airline will soon offer 4 flights weekly from TPA. Curr ..read more

The Tampa Bay Lightning kick off their series with rival The Florida Panthers on Sunday, April 21 at 12:30pm. This is an away game, but you can still show serious love for the Bolts right here in Tampa. Official Lightning Watch Parties will be held at Sparkman Wharf (615 Channelside Dr) on Sunday for the first game of round 1, and MidTown Tampa (3659 Midtown Dr) for game 2. Fans can enjoy live entertainment, appearances from ThunderBug and other Lightning personalities, giveaways, concession specials and more. Follow Tampa Bay Lightning social media channels and subscribe to Lightning Ins ..read more

The Tampa Riverwalk was once again nominated as one of America’s Best Riverwalks in the USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Travel Awards. This year, it placed 4th in voting. The top 5 Riverwalks after weeks of voting are: Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati, OH Woldenberg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, LA Waterfront Park, Louisville, KY Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA “Securing the title of America’s Best Riverwalk would spotlight Tampa’s vibrant community and our iconic Riverwalk’s contribution to the city and region on a national scale,” write representatives ..read more

Just some good news in Tampa this week: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced the birth of a critically endangered female Bornean Orangutan. The birth signifies a milestone in Orangutan conservation efforts among accredited zoological facilities, like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, who participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) to ensure the welfare and future prosperity of this newborn and her species. Delivered via cesarean section on Saturday, April 13, to Luna, the resident Bornean Orangutan at the park, the newborn tipped the scales at th ..read more

ZooTampa unveiled two new experiences this spring. The interactive Stingray Shores and the family-friendly Aussie Trek are now open at the celebrated Tampa park. The new interactive habitat offers ZooTampa visitors the opportunity for guests to touch and feed graceful stingrays. Guests will also have the unique chance to get into the water and be immersed in the aquatic world of stingrays during an unforgettable Signature Encounter experience that connects guests with these amazing species like never before. Stingray Shores | Photo via ZooTampa Guests must be 48 inches or taller to participate ..read more

A huge new shopping experience has arrived at The Grove in Wesley Chapel: Florida Penguin Production’s Harvest Market. This promises to be an extraordinary experience that will tantalize your senses and delight shoppers of all ages. It takes place the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. There will be dozens of local vendors sprawled out at The Grove. Visitors can peruse farm fresh produce, cottage baked goods, plus honey, jams, and homemade candies. Additionally, vendors selling home decor, clothing, jewelry, candles, and tons of gifts will be in attendanc ..read more

The University of South Florida has had an exciting few seasons thanks several of their major sports teams. Most recently, the USF Bulls men’s basketball team captured the attention of hoop lovers nationwide with their strong season, sold out home games, and brief stint in the NIT. In October 2024, a new era of USF’s football program will begin as the school will break ground on an on-campus stadium. They’ve selected the team of Manhattan Construction Co., H.J. Russell & Co. and DuCon, LLC as construction manager for the school’s new football stadium at its Tampa campus.  A transforma ..read more

The Tampa Theatre is one of the most significant businesses in the heart of downtown Tampa. In 2026, this astonishing movie palace will celebrate its Centennial on Franklin Street. Ahead the big birthday, a brand new microcinema will open on the property. Called T2, this small scale venue will vitally expand the Tampa Theatre’s offerings, and should open this summer, though an official opening date is still TBA. The new screening room will seat between 40-50, and will occupy the storefront under Tampa Theatre’s historic marquee that formerly housed The Nature Shop at 711 North Franklin Street ..read more