Tampa Bay Resorts and Hotels Among Best in Florida
Every year, Condé Nast Traveler hosts its Readers’ Choice Awards, and this year’s 2025 edition drew over 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States ranking their favorite travel experiences, including hotels, cruise lines, airlines, spas and more. The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa claimed the No. 1 spot on the list of Best Resorts in Florida, followed by the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa at No. 2. Tampa Bay was also represented in the Best Hotels in Florida top 10 list, with The Tampa Edition ranked No. 4 and The Don CeSar at No. 9.
Bringing Dalí to Pinellas County Schools
The Key to Dalí Art Mobile, a 40-foot traveling gallery and classroom, was developed through a partnership between The Dalí Museum and Pinellas County Schools. Over the next four years, the Art Mobile will visit all 77 Pinellas County elementary schools, bringing world-class art directly to students. More than 38,000 students in pre-K through fifth grade will have the opportunity to participate.
Local Chef Representing Florida on “Hell’s Kitchen”
Jada Vidal, chef de cuisine of the Italian-Japanese restaurant Kinjo, is on the 24th season of Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” The new season will feature a “battle of the states,” and Vidal, who previously worked at Kinjo’s sister concept, Noble Rice, will represent the Sunshine State. Vidal has previously appeared on Food Network shows like “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Chopped” and “Beachside Brawl.”
Tampa’s Acclaimed Riverwalk is Expanding
Named the second-best riverwalk in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025 and included in TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places,” the Tampa Riverwalk is getting an expansion. The West River BUILD Project, a $56.8 million expansion, will stretch along the west side of the Hillsborough River and will feature pedestrian bridge underpasses, scenic overlooks, 1,500 feet of restored living shoreline and connect more than a dozen neighborhoods to downtown.
Observation Wheel Coming to Tampa’s Downtown Waterfront
Tampa’s new observation wheel, Tampa Wheel Over Water (WOW!), will soar 250 feet above the Channel District, just north of the Florida Aquarium. Approved for construction on a third of an acre, the wheel will offer 20- to 30-minute rides in climate-controlled gondolas. At the base, visitors can enjoy food and beverage concessions, as well as luggage storage for cruise passengers. The attraction represents a $20 million private investment.
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