01. Luxury Condo Marina Pointe Finishes Vertical Construction
One of Tampa’s most luxurious condominium high rises, Marina Pointe, has been topped off and will be ready for buyers to move in during the second half of 2022. The water-inspired 17-story complex is located in the Westshore Marina District near the Gandy Bridge in South Tampa. It offers a 24-hour doorman and concierge, a fitness center, an amenity deck overlooking the marina, a resident club with an entertainment room and a virtual golf simulator, and more.
02. Darius Rucker Headlines Tampa Pig Jig
The Tampa Pig Jig recently unveiled its musical lineup for the 10th annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 23, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, with country singer Darius Rucker in the headlining spot. The philanthropic community event will also include games, a silent auction, barbecue competition and drinks, all benefiting NephCure Kidney International. Tampa’s Pig Jig has raised over $5 million for kidney disease research.
03. Carrollwood Welcomes Hawaiian-style Poké
Island Fin Poke, a fast-casual build-your-own poké bowl restaurant, will be coming soon to Carrollwood. Owners husband-and-wife Lincoln and Kara Pereira aim to provide Tampa with local and responsibly sourced ingredients, like tuna, fresh veggies and masago. The restaurant will feature more than eight proteins, 25 different toppings, homemade sauces and specialty mix-ins.
04. St. Petersburg Distillery Wins Florida Distillery of the Year
St. Petersburg Distillery won multiple prestigious awards this year at the 12th Annual New York International Spirits Competition. Alongside winning Florida Distillery of the Year, the spirits brand received a Double Gold Medal for its Old St. Pete Tropical Gin; a Gold Medal for its Old St. Pete Artisanal Vodka; Silver Medals for its Tipplers Orange Liqueur and Old St. Pete Sunshine Whiskey; and Bronze Medals for its Oak and Palm Coconut Rum, Old St. Pete Righteous Rum and Banyan Reserve Vodka.
05. Oh Yeah Creamery Opens in Hyde Park
Oh Yeah Creamery opened on the corner of South Boulevard and West Platt Street and features over 100 different mix-ins for your ice cream creation, from cereal to apple pie filling. The ice cream shop even has a secret menu found on its Instagram that includes unique toppings such as a balsamic vinegar glaze. Oh Yeah partnered with Tampa’s Revolution Ice Cream Co. on a soft-serve version of the latter’s fan-favorite flavors, which is now the ice cream dished out at the new shop. The cookie pop-up Matt’s Fat Cookies, famous for its half-pound cookies in all kinds of gluttonous flavors, is also permanently housed within Oh Yeah Creamery.
06. Ybor City Welcomes Clearwater-based Brewery
By the end of 2021, Big Storm Brewing Co. plans to open its fifth location in the old Hamburger Mary’s space in Centro Ybor. The brewery hopes to have an 11,000-square-foot taproom and restaurant for Tampa residents and guests to enjoy their award-winning Best Florida Beer, granted by the Florida Beer Championships. Big Storm Brewing aims to provide Tampa with Florida-inspired flavors such as its Tropic Pressure Florida Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Key Lime Shandy, brewed with Key lime purée.
07. New Specialty Coffee Shop Opens in Hyde Park
Lady & the Mug, a specialty coffee and tea shop, joined Hyde Park in May at 510 W. Grand Central Ave. across from the University of Tampa. The photo-worthy spot serves coffee, tea and pastries, plus gluten-free and vegan sweets and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Check Lady & the Mug’s Instagram for the monthly signature drink; previous offerings have included a coconut cold brew, strawberry lemonade with edible glitter and a lavender honey latte.
