Happy Thanksgiving week. As we roll into a few days filled with family, food, football, and hopefully a little breathing room, the city is buzzing with things to do before (and after) the big feast. Whether you’re catching the Bolts on Monday, learning how to perfect your pecan pie on Tuesday, or shaking off midweek stress at a Friends-giving trivia night, there’s plenty happening to keep your holiday spirit high.

In today’s 813 Scoop:

Let’s dive in!

— Pat & Shannon Cooper

Mike Alstott — former Buccaneers fullback — and his Foundation spent Sunday delivering full Thanksgiving meals to firefighters in the region. 

They hit 26 stops and served 31 fire-stations across Pinellas County.

Meals on Wheels

Three trucks formed a “Thanksgiving caravan” through cities like St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Lealman, Madeira Beach and more.  Each delivery included: turkey, sides, cheesecake from Bassano’s, and coffee from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company supported by partners such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Werner Logistics, and a truck donated by Bill Currie.

Spreading Goodwill in the Bay

Alstott explained the purpose: to thank first responders who often work through the holiday and miss family time.  Firefighters say the gesture has become a cherished tradition: one station noted: “This has been 15 years… one of our favorite traditions now.”

What’s Next

The work isn’t done, the Foundation will continue on Monday delivering meals to fire stations in Hillsborough County.

Full Scoop →

Why It’s Worth a Visit

The Columbia is a Tampa Bay institution — and there’s something special about celebrating Thanksgiving inside Florida’s oldest restaurant. The atmosphere feels festive without being fussy, and the hospitality is as comforting as the holiday itself. Plus, with locations across Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Sand Key, and Celebration, it’s an easy, local option for anyone looking to elevate their Thanksgiving meal without all the prep work.

What to Try

Whether you’re dining in or taking it to go, the Thanksgiving specials are the star of the show. Expect a classic holiday spread with all the traditional fixings, plus the option to order from the Columbia’s regular dinner menu all day. If you’re doing curbside takeout, their Thanksgiving Meal Bundle feeds ten people — an ideal hands-off solution for hosting without the stress. Just call your nearest location to arrange pickup.

The Bottom Line

If you want a Thanksgiving that feels effortless but still meaningful, the Columbia has you covered. Make your reservation online at ColumbiaRestaurant.com or call your closest location. And if you’re hosting at home, their curbside bundle brings the holiday magic straight to your table.

Full Scoop →

A wide range of Tampa Bay eateries are rolling out Thanksgiving dining options — from upscale prix fixe meals to family-sized take-out bundles. Full Scoop →

The Tampa City Council has advanced a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on reckless bicycling on popular trails. It would ban stunts and wheelies, lower the motorized vehicle speed limit from 15 mph to 10 mph, limit riding two-abreast, and impose escalating fines. Full Scoop →

Two first-year PA students at USF Health turned a study break into a life-saving moment when they performed CPR on a veteran who collapsed outside the convention center in Tampa. Full Scoop →

The Tampa Bay Downs racetrack in Oldsmar has kicked off its 100th anniversary season, drawing a large opening-day crowd and launching special promotions and events to mark a century of racing tradition Full Scoop →

The annual Miles for Moffitt event in Tampa drew over 11,000 participants and successfully raised more than $1.6 million, with all funds dedicated to supporting cancer research at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Full Scoop →

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If you’re looking to dig through crates or cash in on your collection, Tampa’s vinyl scene has you covered. Locals flock to spots like Microgroove in Seminole Heights for curated picks and knowledgeable staff, while Mojo Books & Records near USF is a go-to for both buying and trading. Kingfish Records in St. Pete is another favorite for rare finds if you don’t mind a quick bridge trip.

Most shops offer cash or store credit for used vinyl, and weekend pop-ups and flea markets around Ybor and Seminole Heights often have vendors ready to buy. Whether you’re hunting down a first press or unloading duplicates, Tampa’s record community makes the search just as fun as the score.

🗓️ 11/23
7 | Buccaneers
34 | Rams

🗓️ 11/22
5 | Lightning
3 | Capitals

🏒 Lightning v Flyers (11/24 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍International Benchmark Arena | Tampa, FL

🏒 Lightning v Red Wings (11/28 @ 12:00 PM EST)
📍Little Cesars Arena | Detroit, MI

The Gators are preparing to take full advantage of the new playoff-style format, focusing on sharper execution and momentum as they look to turn the postseason opportunity into a strong run. Full Scoop →

A group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski is set to buy the Tampa Bay Rays for $1.7 billion, raising questions about the team’s long-term home. Full Scoop →

Florida State announced that Mike Norvell will remain head coach through 2026 while the university conducts a full review of the football program, choosing stability despite recent struggles. Full Scoop →

85 🌡️ 65 | 🌤 | 14% | 💨E 6 mph

85 🌡️ 66 | ☀️ | 11% | 💨S 6 mph

85 🌡️ 66 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨SW 7 mph

Thursday

73 🌡️ 48 | 🌤 | 21% | 💨N 11 mph

Friday

70 🌡️ 52 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨NNE 11 mph

Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!

Pat & Shannon Cooper