Good morning, Tampa!
This week, we’re helping you lock in your Thanksgiving plans with a quick local guide to celebrating the holiday Tampa-style: sunshine, good food, and plenty to do.
In today’s 813 Scoop:
Your guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Tampa
Our favorite pizza spot in Downtown
Jumpstart the holiday season at the Winter Spectacular this Thursday in Ybor
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
INSIDER SCOOP
Your Guide to Turkey Day in Tampa Bay
Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay hits different—sunshine, waterfront views, and plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend without being stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting family or just looking for local things to do, here’s your quick guide to making the most of the holiday.
Dine Out Without the Cooking
Let someone else handle the turkey this year. Here are some top choices:
The Rusty Pelican (Tampa – 2425 N Rocky Point Dr.) – Offers both brunch (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) and dinner (5–9 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day, including herb-roasted turkey and family-style starters.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd.) – A special two-course Thanksgiving menu featuring herb-roasted turkey or prime rib starting at $59.
Timpano Hyde Park (1610 W Swann Ave.) – A sophisticated Italian-twist Thanksgiving menu (honey & rosemary roasted turkey or porchetta) with seasonal sides.
Take-Out & Pick-Up Feast Options
If you’d prefer to stay home and skip cooking, some restaurants have you covered:
Seasons 52 (204 N Westshore Blvd.) – Traditional Thanksgiving dinner package for 4–6 people for pickup.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (4110 W Boy Scout Blvd.) – Take-home meal for up to 6 people including turkey, sides, dessert; dine-in option also available.
Enjoy the Festive Weather
Once you’ve locked in your meal plan, consider adding a little local flavor:
Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk or bike Bayshore Boulevard with family before or after your meal.
Check out a local turkey trot (5K or fun run) if you’re feeling active. The Tampa YMCA hosts one every year!
Supporting local? Visit holiday markets around Tampa to pick up locally-made gifts and quick bites.
LOCAL PICK
Eddie And Sam's N.Y Pizza 🍕
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Located in downtown Tampa at 203 E. Twiggs St., Eddie & Sam’s has been serving up authentic New York–style slices since 1998. They even import New York water for their dough to replicate that real thin-crust foldable style.
What to Try
The classic Cheese or Pepperoni slice: thin crust, foldable, you’ll know it’s “NY style.”
If you have dietary sensitivities, they serve a 14″ gluten-free crust with specialty toppings, so there’s an inclusive pick for dietary needs.
Bringing a group for lunch? Go for the “XXL” pie or multiple large slices—perfect for sharing with friends.
The Bottom Line
If you’re Downtown and craving a solid slice that channels New York vibes, Eddie & Sam’s is one of the go-to spots. Great value, downtown convenience, and that foldable-slice experience make it a smart pick for casual dining or grabbing pies with friends.
LOCAL SCOOP
Family Honors Late Dad’s Birthday by Spreading Smiles
A Tampa family commemorates their father’s birthday by performing kind acts around the city, turning their grief into a mission of joy and community connection. Full Scoop →
Ruskin Middle Principal Earns Hillsborough County Honor
Deanna Fisher, principal at Shields Middle School in Ruskin, has been named Hillsborough County Public Schools’ 2025–26 Principal of the Year. Full Scoop →
Bucs Lose Star CB Jamel Dean Early vs. Bills
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a major blow when cornerback Jamel Dean exited the game with a hip injury in the first quarter of their matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Full Scoop →
Candypalooza Brings Sweet Sunday to Tampa Families
Radiant Church hosted its “Candypalooza” event across more than a dozen Tampa Bay locations, offering free candy, games, costumes, and community connection for families. Full Scoop →
Major Economic Boost from The ANNIKA LPGA Event in Tampa
The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican women’s golf tournament brought thousands of visitors and millions in economic activity to the Tampa Bay area. Full Scoop →
Turn AI Into Your Income Stream
The AI economy is booming, and smart entrepreneurs are already profiting. Subscribe to Mindstream and get instant access to 200+ proven strategies to monetize AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and more. From content creation to automation services, discover actionable ways to build your AI-powered income. No coding required, just practical strategies that work.
R/TAMPA
There’s no better way to end the year than trying out a new sport - we hear pickleball is quite the Tampa favorite too 😉
Here are a few top local spots to play:
Fowler Fields (USF Area)
Super popular for tennis-ball cricket. Lots of casual groups play evenings and weekends, and they’re usually open to newbies jumping in.
Tampa Cricket League
If you’re open to (classic) leather-ball cricket, TCL has multiple teams and they’re always looking for newer players. They practice around Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel, and Carrollwood.
New Tampa Community Park
Another hotspot for tennis-ball and lighter pick-up games. Good mix of beginners and intermediate players.
If you have any other recommendations, feel free to share them at [email protected].
AROUND TOWN
MONDAY (11/17)
HIIT in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Join Crunch Fitness for a FREE high intensity workout in the park from 6 to 7pm. Full Scoop →Triumph: Tampa’s Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement | Tampa Theatre
Head down to the Tampa Theatre for a FREE screening of this new documentary that uncovers a hidden chapter in the Civil Rights Movement. Full Scoop →Holiday Ornament Painting | Armature Works
Create a one-of-a-kind holiday ornament this Monday night! Tickets include paint supplies, guidance, and a complimentary glass of wine (guests 21+). Full Scoop →
TUESDAY (11/18)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils | Benchmark International Arena
Watch the Bolts face off against the Jersey Devils this Tuesday at 7pm. Full Scoop →Movie on the Lawn: Twilight | Armature Works
Grab your blanket and your vampire-loving friends to enjoy a night of movie magic with this special screening of Twilight. Full Scoop →USMNT vs Uruguay | Raymond James Stadium
Soccer fans won’t want to miss this match between the US Men’s National Team and Uruguay. Full Scoop →
WEDNESDAY (11/19)
Friendsgiving Art Party | Hyde House Public Studio
OXH Gallery is hosting a gallery opening and Friendsgiving get-together, where you can meet the gallery owner and enjoy a private viewing of their current exhibition. Full Scoop →Trivia Night | Grassroots Kava House Ybor City
Test your knowledge and compete for exciting prizes at Trivia Night, every Wednesday at 7pm. Full Scoop →Wednesday Comedy Open Mic | The Gimmick
Whether you’ve always dreamed of trying stand-up comedy or are just looking for a fun night full of laughs, come down to The Gimmick for their open mic night. Full Scoop →
THURSDAY (11/20)
Winter Spectacular | Centro Ybor
Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable night of music, a festive market, and tons of holiday magic. Full Scoop →Yuengling Tampa Brewery Tour and Apple Beer Dinner | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen
Savor a truly unforgettable dining experience at Yuengling Draft Haus with an exclusive brewery tour, 3-course dinner with beer pairing, exclusive swag, and more. Full Scoop →Duncan Trussell | Side Splitters Comedy Club
Stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor Duncan Trussell is coming to Side Splitters Comedy Club, with shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Full Scoop →
FRIDAY (11/21)
Laser Light Shows | MOSI
Designed for all ages, the Laser Light Show at MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium and Digital Dome Theatre combines incredible special effects, music, and lasers. Full Scoop →Heights Local Market | Common Dialect Beerworks
Support local makers, artisans, and food trucks at this month’s Heights Local Market in Seminole Heights. Full Scoop →Michael Blaustein | Tampa Theatre
Up and coming stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein is bringing The Taste Me Tour to Tampa for two shows this Friday. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/16
32 | Buccaneers
44 | Bills
🗓️ 11/16
2 | Lightning
6 | Canucks
🗓️ 11/15
3 | Lightning
1 | Panthers
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Devils (11/18 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
🏒 Lightning v Oilers (11/20 @ 7:30 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
Tampa Bay Hosts U.S. Men’s Soccer vs. Uruguay
The U.S. Men’s National Team returns to Tampa on Tuesday for a friendly vs. Uruguay, with fan events and pre-game festivities planned at Raymond James Stadium. Full Scoop →
Rays’ Caminero Named All-MLB Second Team
22-year-old Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays earned All-MLB Second Team honors after hitting 45 homers and 110 RBIs across 154 games, leading AL third basemen in multiple categories. Full Scoop →
New UT Athletic Director Aims to Boost Attendance & Fundraising
New athletics director E.J. Brophy has outlined plans to boost attendance and fundraising for the University of Tampa’s sports programs while maintaining their Division II status. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Monday
83 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨WNW 6 mph
Tuesday
84 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨E 5 mph
Wednesday
85 🌡️ 63 | ☀️ | 8% | 💨ENE 5 mph
Thursday
85 🌡️ 63 | ☀️ | 8% | 💨E 5 mph
Friday
84 🌡️ 63 | ☀️ | 7% | 💨S 6 mph
RECOMMENDED READS
RATE THIS EDITION
HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper