Good morning, Tampa!
Today we’re sending out the Scoop a little later - please excuse our grogginess. This weekend, we’re blending holiday magic, major local change, and an important community conversation. Let’s dive into what you need to know:
Tampa to hold Ybor City safety town hall after deadly crash
The Nutcracker officially kicks off at the Straz tomorrow
Stop by the Tampa Theatre on Sunday for a classic Christmas sing-along
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
BIG SCOOP
Tampa Turns to Backup Water Supply as Drought Deepens
Facing unusually dry conditions and rising demand, Tampa has begun drawing from alternative water sources much earlier than usual — a rare move meant to keep taps running as the drought tightens its grip.
What’s Happening
City officials confirmed Tampa is now purchasing millions of gallons of water per day from regional sources to supplement its primary supply. This early shift is highly unusual and reflects how severe this year’s dry conditions have become across the Tampa Bay area.
Why it Matters
Water demand remains high as neighborhoods expand and irrigation continues during the dry season. Officials warn that without conservation efforts, reservoir levels could continue dropping, potentially leading to stricter water use restrictions and slightly higher utility bills.
What Residents Should Know
Phase I water shortage restrictions are now in effect across the region, urging residents to cut back on outdoor watering and everyday water use. City leaders stress that small changes at home now can help prevent harsher restrictions later.
LOCAL PICK
La Segunda Bakery & Cafe
Why It’s Worth a Visit
La Segunda has been a Tampa institution since 1915 — a family-run bakery originally from Ybor City that still hand-rolls Cuban bread the old-fashioned way. With multiple locations around Tampa Bay, it offers a cozy, hometown vibe plus a deep culinary legacy worth experiencing.
What to Try
The classic Cuban sandwich: layered with mojo-roast pork, ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles — on La Segunda’s signature crusty-outside, soft-inside Cuban bread.
Cuban coffee: Pairs nicely with a freshly baked pastry or guava turnover — a perfect Tampa-style breakfast. 
If you want a true taste of Tampa — with genuine history, warm café vibes, and some of the freshest Cuban bread and sandwiches, you’ll find La Segunda a must-stop. It’s not just a meal, it’s a local tradition.
LOCAL SCOOP
Habitat Tampa Bay Responds to Housing Needs in Hillsborough
Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay (and its Hillsborough-area affiliate) issued a response to growing housing demand, highlighting renewed efforts to address affordable housing challenges across the region. Full Scoop →
DeSantis Announces $112M for Florida Water Projects
Ron DeSantis said in a Tampa news conference that the state is awarding $112 million in grants to improve water quality and expand water supply including funding for alternative sources, freshwater-spring protection, and fighting algae blooms. Full Scoop →
South Tampa Staple Miguelitos Taqueria & Tequila Abruptly Closes
After 10 years in business, Miguelitos Taqueria & Tequila, best known for tacos, margaritas, and Tampa’s only “-5° tequila on tap,” shut its doors at its Kennedy Boulevard location in late November. Full Scoop →
PSTA Restores Tampa Bay Ferry with Hubbard’s Marina as Operator
PSTA unanimously approved bringing back the Tampa Bay Ferry service, granting Hubbard’s Marina a five-year contract to run the route between Tampa and St. Petersburg — with plans to resume service by spring or summer 2026. Full Scoop →
Tampa to Hold Ybor City Safety Town Hall After Deadly Crash
City leaders have scheduled a community safety town hall on Dec. 16 in Ybor City to gather public input and discuss proposed safety upgrades — including vehicle-barrier bollards, better lighting, crosswalks, and traffic-control measures. Full Scoop →
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R/TAMPA
Congrats on the new camera! If you love Sunken Gardens and natural-light wildlife shots, check out Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland for gators and birds in a totally wild setting, or Bok Tower Gardens for stunning landscapes without the theme-park feel. Honeymoon Island State Park is also perfect for shorebirds, dunes, and sunset light. For crystal-clear water and manatees, Weeki Wachee Springs is hard to beat. All are well within a Tampa–Orlando drive and make an awesome DSLR debut spot.
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAY (12/5)
Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival | Regal Citrus Park
The 12th Annual TBUFF is coming to Citrus Park all weekend long, featuring around 200 indie, underground films and documentaries. Full Scoop →Vino & Vibes: Winterfest | Vino Ghvino 21
Enjoy a wine tasting, chill music, and a cozy winter vibe at Vino & Vibes. Full Scoop →The Market Elaine | The Grove
Wesley Chapel’s popular night market is back with 150+ local vendors, live music, food trucks, pet adoptions, and more. Full Scoop →Off Book: The Improvised Musical | Straz Center
An improvised musical… what could possibly go wrong? Join Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino for an unforgettable night full of laughter and music. Full Scoop →Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Tampa Theatre
See the third film in the Knives Out trilogy before it debuts on Netflix later this month. Full Scoop →
SATURDAY (12/6)
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever | Straz Center
Prolific stand-up comedian, actor, and writer John Mulaney is bringing his newest tour, Mister Whatever, to town this weekend. Full Scoop →3rd Annual Farm Aid Tampa Bay Music Fest | Sweetwater Organic Community Farm
Florida favorites Vagabound Tweed and Kristopher James headline this music festival, along with 9 bands, local brews and eats, crafts, and fun for the whole family. Full Scoop →Annual Old Hyde Park Home Tour | Hyde Park
Explore the gorgeous historic homes of Hyde Park, plus some music and snacks to enjoy along the way. Full Scoop →Day of Play | Jackson Springs Park
If you’re looking for something to do with your young kids, head to the Day of Play, featuring fun hands-on activities, community resources, and free giveaways. Full Scoop →The Nutcracker Ballet | New Tampa Performing Arts Center
The whole family will be enchanted by this timeless holiday classic performed with incredible artistry by the Tampa City Ballet. Full Scoop →
SUNDAY (12/7)
Stevie Nicks Live in Concert | Benchmark International Arena
Legendary singer and Fleetwood Mac frontrunner Stevie Nicks is coming to town for an unforgettable evening. Full Scoop →Bucs vs New Orleans Saints | Raymond James Stadium
Come cheer on the Bucs as they kick off against the Saints this weekend at Raymond James. Full Scoop →Tampa Indie Flea | Armature Works
The Indie Flea returns to Tampa just in time for the holiday season, featuring an enormous collection of small businesses, artists, makers, and more. Full Scoop →White Christmas (Sing-Along) | Tampa Theatre
Warm up your pipes for a sing-along version of the old holiday classic White Christmas. Full Scoop →Randy’s Rowdy 35th Jamboree Under the Sun | Crowbar
Featuring a lineup of heavyweights in the Tampa underground rap scene, this concert is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 12/2
1 | Lightning
2 | Islanders
🗓️ 12/4
3 | Lightning
4 | Penguins
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Islanders (12/6 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍UBS Arena | Elmont, NY
🏒 Buccaneers v Saints (12/7 @ 1:00 PM EST)
📍Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, FL
Tampa Renames Street to Honor Levy Brothers’ Sports Legacy
Tampa will rename an intersection “J. Leonard & George Levy Ave.” on December 5 to honor the brothers’ lasting impact on bringing major league sports and national events to the city. Full Scoop →
Tampa Preps For Biggest Sports-Collectibles Fair of the Year
“The Cardfather” is bringing Tampa’s biggest sports collectors expo to the Florida State Fairgrounds December 5–7, featuring hundreds of vendors, memorabilia, and autograph guests. Full Scoop →
North Tampa Athletic Association Rebrands as New Tampa Athletic Association
North Tampa Athletic Association rebrands as New Tampa Athletic Association. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Friday
82 🌡️ 69 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨SSW 12 mph
Saturday
80 🌡️ 67 | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨SW 9 mph
Sunday
79 🌡️ 67 | 🌧️ | 65% | 💨SSW 11 mph
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper