St. Pete Named One Of The Happiest Towns In The U.S.
Outside Inc. released its list of “Happiest Towns in America,” which considered aspects such as outdoor access, affordability, a safe environment, diversity and freedom for residents to be themselves. The initial list of 300 cities was narrowed down to 15 and St. Petersburg was named one of the finalists – the only town in Florida to make the cut. Other happy towns include Hood River, Oregon; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Reno, Nevada.
New York Times Lists Tampa Restaurant As One Of The Best In The Nation
The New York Times released its annual restaurant list, featuring the top 50 must-try places across the country. Tampa’s own Salt Shack on the Bay was one of three Florida restaurants recognized and the only one in Tampa Bay to receive the honor. “The Salt Shack feels like it’s been catching the ocean breeze on the edge of Rattlesnake Point for decades,” the New York Times noted. Dishes mentioned include jackfruit tacos, jerk burgers and Gulf seafood.
Something Sweet Opens In Hyde Park
The Salty, which has locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando, opened its first Tampa location in Hyde Park Village. These crave-worthy donuts have been featured on NBC, Business Insider, CNN and Forbes. The always-evolving and often seasonal menu consists of unique donut concoctions like ube Pina colada; pumpkin spice and brown butter; and guava and cheese.
Tampa Bay Rays New Stadium Deal Approved
The Tampa Bay Rays and the city of St. Petersburg announced plans for a new roofed stadium near the team’s current Tropicana Field location. The mockup for the approximately 30,000-seat facility features a fixed dome, three seating levels, artificial turf and a pavilion design. The Rays have played in St. Petersburg since their inaugural season in 1998 and the new stadium solidifies their commitment to staying in the area.
New Foodie Destinations In Tampa Bay
Vela, an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant, is set to open in the former Cru Cellars Westshore Marina location. The menu will include pastas, pizzas, small plates and entrees as well as a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail and wine list. Amendment XXI and Flavas Chi-Town Wings are now open and Tori Bar, a Japanese-style pub, will soon occupy the former Fly Bar location.
Six Endangered Species Hatch At Zootampa
For the first time, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has welcomed the hatching of six baby Komodo dragons. Komodo dragons, the largest lizards on Earth, are on the endangered species list due to climate change and human-related habitat loss. The Zoo’s newest hatchlings have helped make a significant increase in their population. The new dragons from mother Aanjay (age 13) and father Titus (age 12) started hatching on August 21 after a nine-month incubation. During this time, ZooTampa’s herpetology and veterinary teams monitored the eggs, which were about the size of a goose egg. The Zoo’s newest celebrities, a clutch of three females and three males, will make their grand debut to the public later this fall.
New Wine Tasting Experience Opens In St. Pete
The Study, a pour-your-own wine and beer lounge, is now open in St. Petersburg. The venue features over 30 wines on tap, preserved in climate-controlled cases, and local craft beers, allowing guests to sample as much or as little as they’d like in this DIY tasting experience.
Holiday Happenings In Water Street Tampa
For the second year, Water Street Tampa will host community-focused holiday events starting in mid-November. Festivities will include district-wide holiday décor, a holiday market with seasonal gifts from over 50 vendors, menorah lighting, tree lighting and pop-up holiday-themed workshops throughout December.
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