Local St. Pete-Clearwater & Tampa Bay, FL news

Tag: entertainment

  • Between the television spots, streaming ads, social media pitches, and glossy mailers, it can feel like the Nov. 3 midterm election is the only thing happening in the Tampa Bay area. It isn’t. Voters have noticed. A survey found about a third of American adults were already fed up with political advertising in July, months…

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  • The national morning show “Live with Kelly and Mark” is packing up for the Gulf Coast next month, and local fans can request a seat in the audience. Co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will tape the show on the sand at the Sandpearl Resort on Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17. Visit St.…

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  • Walt Disney World raised prices across annual passes, select tickets and Lightning Lane services this week, and the top-tier annual pass now costs $1,749. The increases took effect Oct. 6. The Incredi-Pass, the only pass available to all guests, rose $120 from $1,629. That is a 7.4% jump, and by one tracker’s count, the largest…

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  • Manatee County commissioners are weighing a proposal for an $80 million indoor sports and entertainment complex that would bring four hockey rinks to Lakewood Ranch, setting up a debate between families eager for expanded youth sports access and neighbors worried about traffic and noise. The project, known as Project Grace, would occupy roughly 22 acres…

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  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s new “Lion & Hyena Ridge” habitat opens to the public on Saturday, July 25, marking the latest expansion of the park’s Edge of Africa section. The 35,000-square-foot habitat, more than double the size of the space it replaces, is home to five African lions named Pascal, Lou, Huge, Henri and Hurman,…

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  • Filming is underway for a holiday romance movie at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Pinellas County. Production on “Christmas in Clearwater,” from Country Mile Entertainment, entered its second week as of late May 2026. The film combines a romantic storyline with the aquarium’s mission of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and release, with a particular focus on…

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  • Downtown Tampa braces for a packed weekend as Riverfest, one of the city’s largest annual events, gets underway today along the Hillsborough River. The free festival, hosted by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk and presented by Publix Super Markets, runs Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, with events stretching along the riverfront between Curtis…

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  • A major new entertainment venue is coming to downtown Clearwater, with Texas-based EVO Entertainment announcing plans for an 83,000-square-foot family entertainment center at the corner of Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue. The development represents an approximately $50 million private investment and will serve as EVO Entertainment’s flagship location. At the heart of the project is…

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  • Music fans in the Tampa Bay area have a packed week ahead, with major concerts scheduled across multiple venues from April 22 through April 28. The weekend’s biggest draw is BTS. The Grammy-nominated South Korean group will perform Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The shows mark the…

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  • The Tampa Bay Rays will hold their annual Fan Fest on Saturday, February 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. outside Tropicana Field. The event will take place on 16th Street South due to ongoing repairs inside the ballpark. Admission is free, though attendees must claim tickets through the Rays website. Free parking will be…

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  • The Florida State Fair returns to Tampa Thursday for a 12-day run through Feb. 16 with the theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration” honoring the nation’s 250th birthday. The fair opens with discounted admission promotions throughout its run, including Heroes Day on opening day offering free admission to law enforcement, first responders, active or retired military, medical…

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  • Popular community events like Halloween on Central could be in jeopardy if St. Petersburg’s Main Street districts don’t receive increased funding, district leaders warned city council members Monday. Nicole Waters, president of the Edge District, requested the city increase funding from $55,000 to $75,000 per district, citing rising costs that make it difficult to maintain…

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  • The Walt Disney Company’s Parks and Experiences division achieved record-breaking operating income of $10 billion for fiscal year 2025, marking an increase of $723 million over the previous year. The division’s fourth-quarter performance was particularly strong, with revenue reaching $8.77 billion, a 6% increase from the same period last year, and operating income rising 13%…

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  • The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is shifting into a higher gear next year with the addition of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. NASCAR announced Wednesday that the trucks will compete on February 28, marking the first time the series has ever raced on a street course. “This is an exciting addition to…

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  • The debate over live music in St. Pete Beach has been loud in more ways than one. City leaders had considered tightening the city’s noise ordinance — including ending some amplified performances as early as 7 p.m. — but on Tuesday night, they decided to press pause. For now, the music continues. Officials stated that…

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  • Florida has been named the second-most fun state in the U.S. for 2025, according to a new WalletHub report. The Sunshine State scored high thanks to its abundance of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades, and music festivals. WalletHub ranked all 50 states using 26 factors tied to affordability and entertainment, from movie ticket prices to nightlife…

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  • Tampa city officials advise residents to prepare for heavier-than-usual traffic and large crowds over the Independence Day weekend. Downtown hotspots such as the Riverwalk, Armature Works, and Sparkman Wharf are expected to see major congestion, especially during key holiday events. The city’s annual Boom by the Bay celebration takes place at Armature Works from 4…

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  • Communities across the Tampa Bay area are preparing for a vibrant Independence Day with fireworks, festivals, and family-friendly events. From St. Petersburg to Clearwater, here’s a roundup of 4th of July celebrations happening in 2025. In St. Petersburg, the annual “4th of July Fireworks Celebration” at Spa Beach Park kicks off at 5 p.m. with…

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  • As the Fourth of July approaches, communities throughout the Tampa Bay area are gearing up for a wide array of festivities. From fireworks and boat parades to concerts, food festivals, and family fun zones, there’s no shortage of ways to mark America’s 249th birthday. Here’s your county-by-county guide to Independence Day events happening across the…

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  • A new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis makes trespassing at large-scale ticketed events in Florida a third-degree felony. Under the legislation (HB 1447), anyone who enters or stays at a ticketed event with more than 5,000 attendees without proper authorization can now face felony charges. The message is clear: if you don’t have a…

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  • Get ready, St. Pete—your new favorite spot for sun, sport, and sand is about to open. SkyBeach Resort (6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South) has announced the debut of SouthSide Sports, a high-end athletic club nestled right on its scenic beachfront property. Designed for singles, couples, and families, the club offers flexible membership options. The first…

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  • Big changes are underway at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the iconic 66-year-old theme park rolls out a $37 million investment aimed at revitalizing the guest experience. A major highlight of the upgrade is the debut of Wild Oasis, an immersive rainforest-themed area designed with kids in mind. Opening this spring, it will replace the…

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  • The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is back for its 11th year, launching Friday, April 11, and running through Sunday, April 27, with more attractions and more sand than ever before. This beloved Clearwater Beach tradition promises a packed schedule of free beach concerts, salsa dancing, fireworks, a Ferris wheel, and more—all set against the…

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  • This weekend, Treasure Island Beach will welcome visitors for a special event called “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights,” organized in collaboration with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. The event sends a clear message: the beach is open again. It also provides an opportunity for local businesses to highlight their offerings and engage…

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  • Rules Outline Open-Container Policy, Operating Hours, and Noise Restrictions For years, Largo’s city officials, residents, and business owners have dreamed of a vibrant downtown district to draw visitors for shopping, dining, and entertainment. That vision took a significant step forward on February 18 when the City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance to establish the West…

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  • St. Petersburg’s 12th annual Localtopia festival on February 22 arrives at a crucial moment for local businesses recovering from recent hurricanes. The event will feature over 300 independent St. Pete businesses and organizations at Williams Park. “This needs to be epic for many to stay in business,” says Olga Bof, Founder of Keep Saint Petersburg…

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  • Local officials anticipate record-breaking attendance, viewership, and economic impact from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The surge in visitors and financial boost comes at a crucial time as the community continues recovering from the devastating 2024 hurricane season. The four-day festival kicks off on Feb. 27, with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater CEO Brian Lowack…

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  • As businesses along the beaches of Treasure Island begin to reopen following the devastating hurricanes, the community is organizing events to draw people back to the area. The “Back to the Beach: Sand & Kites & Coastal Delights” festival has been announced, set for March 8th and 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each…

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  • The Beach Theater in St. Pete Beach is marking its 85th anniversary, despite having been closed for over a decade. Renovations are progressing, with the theater still a few months from reopening. Over the weekend, visitors were treated to a preview of the ongoing work. Owner Hannah Hockman shared her passion for the project, highlighting…

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  • As Gasparilla events kick off later this week, Tampa’s law enforcement will be patrolling on foot, on the water, and by air. Tampa police highlight that the aviation unit, which provides a bird’s-eye view of areas year-round, will be active during Gasparilla as well. Tampa Police Chief Pilot Chris Shepherd stated that aircraft will monitor…

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  • Plans have been unveiled to transform 800 acres in Pasco County into what is being called “America’s largest sports entertainment destination.” The proposed development would include stadiums, arenas, and soccer fields, surrounded by a mixed-use landscape with hotels, restaurants, and residential areas. For some, the project represents an exciting opportunity. “I think it’s really nice…

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  • It’s holiday boat parade season in Tampa Bay! With our stunning waterfront, there’s no better place for boaters to light up the night, bringing joy to all who watch. These events are purely for viewing, so be sure to arrive early for the best spots.  Tampa Annual Lighted Holiday Boat Parade This is the big…

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  • RELATED: Where to Spot Santa IRL in St. Pete This Holiday Season Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X(Image credit: Friends of Tampa Riverwalk) stpeteclearwatersunLocal St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida News, Events, and Destinations piesuncom.wordpress.com

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  • Tampa’s vibrant events, diverse dining scene, and plentiful recreational options have earned it a spot among the top 20 most fun cities in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub analysis. The study evaluated major U.S. metropolitan areas across numerous factors, including the number of attractions, restaurants per capita, and available recreational activities. Tampa secured…

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  • The holiday season is bursting with festive events across Tampa Bay and Orlando, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages. From theme parks to zoos and aquariums, local attractions are transforming into winter wonderlands filled with dazzling decorations, special performances, and seasonal cheer. RELATED: The Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Tampa Bay…

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  • Snowcat Ridge, the Tampa Bay area’s only alpine snow park, officially returns today, November 22, bringing a winter wonderland to Dade City. Snow Tubing Adventures The park’s main attraction, Snowy Slopes, is a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill. Guests can choose between single, tandem, or group tubing for up to 10 people. The slopes come…

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  • Thanksgiving break has arrived, providing the perfect opportunity to take a pause and create cherished family memories. The St. Pete area is brimming with activities for all ages, whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or just a delightful escape from home. Gather the kids and enjoy these local Thanksgiving break highlights! 1. Unchant: A…

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  • Tampa Bay is abuzz with excitement over Peak Surf Park, a large-scale surfing and entertainment destination set to open in Pasco County. The innovative project, spearheaded by developer Tony Miller, will be part of the 6,000-acre Two Rivers master-planned community. With a blend of surf culture, lifestyle amenities, and entertainment options, the park is expected…

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  • Explore an exciting array of entertainment and events happening across Pinellas County this week! Featured Events Rumba en Clearwater Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival Celebrate Oldsmar Thursday, Nov. 21 Friday, Nov. 22 Saturday, Nov. 23 Sunday, Nov. 24 Check out these events and make the most of your week in Pinellas! Follow us…

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  • Kick off the holiday season with a touch of classic charm as Ybor City’s annual Christmas tree lighting makes its festive return this week. In addition to the grand Christmas tree, attendees can look forward to a delightful visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with hot chocolate and cookies to keep everyone cozy. Tampa…

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  • In November 2025, Margaritaville At Sea’s Islander will set sail with 250 dogs, their owners, and fellow humans for a unique and exciting adventure. If you feel guilty about leaving your furry friend behind when you go on vacation, this cruise might be the perfect solution. The first-ever dog-friendly cruise is departing right from Tampa…

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  • Franklin Street is set for a revival. Tampa’s City Council has unanimously approved the Franklin Street Vision project, paving the way for a $6 million investment to rejuvenate the historic corridor linking three dynamic Downtown neighborhoods. This project aims to blend the street’s rich history with modern enhancements, reigniting the lively, community-focused atmosphere that once…

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  • A unique blend of farm experience and adventure park has arrived in Tampa Bay just in time for the holiday season. Ananda Farm, located at 579 Ken Hubbard Road in Terra Ceia, recently celebrated its grand opening, transforming from a community farm into an immersive family entertainment destination. Attractions and Activities  The sprawling grounds feature…

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  • The 58th annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade is set to light up the waters this December. The parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. on December 14 at ROC Park in Madeira Beach. This year, due to hurricane-related damage, the parade route will be shortened for the safety of all participants, as…

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