Good morning, Tampa!
Did you catch the Northern Lights this week? Send us an email if you managed to snap a pic.
Big shout-out to the folks in Ybor City—three lifelong Tampa buddies just launched a $3 million affordable housing project to help local families find a place to call home. Meanwhile, around the Bay, shelters are opening early as community groups rally to keep everyone safe and warm during the week’s chilly stretch. Let’s get out and support our neighbors as we head into the weekend!
In today’s 813 Scoop:
Ybor City is debating closing down 7th Avenue
Tampa hospitals receive new safety ratings
Kick off the holiday season at Winter Wonder Wharf today
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
INSIDER SCOOP
The Rays Are Returning to the Trop
What to Know
Ken Babby, the new CEO of the Rays, recently met fans in St. Petersburg and emphasized how excited the organization is to be heading back home to Tropicana Field in 2026.
Why it Matters
The Rays spent the 2025 season playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field because Tropicana Field was damaged by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. With renovations underway, the team plans to resume home games at the Trop for the 2026 campaign.
The Bottom Line
While the return to the Trop is important, Babby and the organization continue to focus on the longer-term future, including finding a potentially new ballpark down the line.
LOCAL PICK
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters 🐯
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters blends Tampa’s culture and craft coffee into a warm, speakeasy-inspired experience. Their small-batch roasted beans, locally influenced pastries, and cozy Ybor roots make it a go-to spot for anyone who loves great coffee with a strong sense of place.
What to Try
Cafe Con Leche - A double espresso with evaporated milk (traditionally Cuban style).
Iced Cafe Bombón - A double espresso with sweetened condensed milk and milk, served iced.
Guava & Cheese Pastelito - A sweet Cuban-style pastry with guava and cheese, perfect with coffee.
Vegan Blueberry Muffin - Vegan and gluten-free muffin option, great for dietary preferences.
LOCAL SCOOP
Florida’s Electric Bills Are Rising - What You Need to Know
Electric bills in Florida are climbing because utilities like Duke Energy Florida are passing on costs from storm recovery, infrastructure upgrades and approved rate hikes to customers. Full Scoop →
Ybor City Debates Closing 7th Avenue After Deadly Crash
Business owners and Tampa leaders are weighing whether to close 7th Avenue in Ybor City during peak hours, but the mayor says data shows keeping it open may be safer. Full Scoop →
Multiple Tampa Counties are Opening Cold Shelters
With temperatures expected to drop into the 30s and 20s, several counties around Tampa Bay have activated cold-weather shelters starting Monday night to provide warmth, meals, and housing support. Full Scoop →
Tampa Friends Build $3 M Affordable Housing in Ybor
Three lifelong Tampa friends turned developers used a $3 million grant to launch a 10-unit affordable housing project in Ybor City for families earning 80 % or less of the area median income. Full Scoop →
Tampa Bay Hospitals Get New Safety Ratings
The Leapfrog Group’s latest ratings show no failing Tampa Bay hospitals, but several earned C’s — including Tampa General Hospital, which received its seventh straight C. Full Scoop →
R/TAMPA
We’ll admit - we’re no mold experts. But we hope these recommendations can help you out! Fortunately, this cold front has given most of Florida a reprieve from the humidity. But if you have any hot tips for keeping mold at bay, share them at [email protected].
Keep Indoor Humidity Under 50%
A dehumidifier is great, but make sure it’s sized for your space and actually pulling humidity down. Many people run too small of a unit.
Run Your AC Fan on “Auto,” Not “On”
The “On” setting just moves humid air around. “Auto” helps the AC remove moisture more efficiently.
Use Exhaust Fans Religiously
Showers and cooking add a ton of moisture—run bathroom and kitchen fans for 15–20 minutes afterward.
Airflow in Trouble Spots
Crack closet doors, avoid blocking vents, and don’t push furniture tight against walls. Mold loves dark, still spaces.
Clean Regularly with a Mold-Preventing Spray
A quick wipe-down of bathrooms, window sills, and AC vents with something like Concrobium keeps mold from getting ahead of you.
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAY (11/14)
Winter Wonder Wharf | Sparkman Wharf
Head down to Sparkman Wharf to officially kick off the holiday season with live music, festive photo ops, and a Christmas tree lighting. Full Scoop →Season Spectacular | Water Street
Just steps away from the Winter Wonder Wharf is another holiday celebration. The 4th annual Season Spectacular features joyful music, a holiday lights display, and more festive fun! Full Scoop →Tampa Bay History Center Annual Gala | Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center hosts its annual black tie gala with live music, open bars, and a sampling buffet from the Columbia Cafe. Full Scoop →Pawliday Portraits & Holiday Market | Hotel Haya
Meet some new furry friends, take a cute holiday pic with your pup, and shop unique holiday gifts at Hotel Haya’s Holiday Market. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the build-your-own hot cocoa bar! Full Scoop →The Dollyrots w/Don’t Panic | The Crowbar
See The Dollyrots perform with pop-punk group Don’t Panic in town right before their slot at Warped Tour in Orlando later this weekend. Full Scoop →
SATURDAY (11/15)
Conquer Cancer Walk/Run & Health Fair | Rowlett Park
Whether you walk, run, or just cheer on the crowd, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to come out and support the cause . Full Scoop →Hello Fall Art Show | Westchase Town Center
Support your community and come see the fine art, photography, sculpture, and other handmade pieces of some of Florida’s most promising artists. Full Scoop →Cinderella | New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Tampa City Ballet reimagines the classic fairytale, Cinderella, in a dazzling dance event that the whole family can enjoy. Full Scoop →Afrofuturism Festival | Shuffle Tampa
Jay Coachman and friends host this one-of-a-kind event with music, art, fashion, unique vendors, art, and more! Full Scoop →Kaytranada x Justice Tour | Benchmark International Arena
Rapper and DJ Kaytranada is coming to Benchmark International Arena this Saturday, performing with Justice and Sam Gellaitry. Full Scoop →
SUNDAY (11/16)
Chicken Yoga with Yoga Loft | Hotel Haya
Find your zen and experience that classic Ybor charm at this month’s Chicken yoga, hosted by Yoga Loft Tampa and the Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary. Full Scoop →Plein Air Impressionism | Lowry Park
Follow in the footsteps of the great impressionist painters, enjoy the fresh air, and get outside to create art while surrounded by Tampa’s stunning landscape. Full Scoop →The Wizard of Oz | Straz Center
Travel with Dorothy to the Land of Oz this weekend. Patel Conservatory Theater presents the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, with two shows on Sunday at 2pm and 7pm. Full Scoop →GWAR - The Return of GOR GOR | The Ritz Ybor
Iconic metal band GWAR is coming to Ybor with their latest album The Return of GOR GOR. Full Scoop →Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vancouver Canucks | International Benchmark Arena
Tickets are still available for this Sunday’s Bolts game against the Vancouver Canucks. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/12
3 | Lightning
7 | Rangers
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Panthers (11/15 @ 5:00 PM EST)
📍Amerant Bank Arena | Sunrise, FL
🏈 Buccaneers v Bills (11/16 @ 1:00 PM EST)
📍Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, NY
🏒 Lightning v Canucks (11/16 @ 5:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
Rays plan Return to Tropicana Field After Hurricane Repairs
The Rays will return to Tropicana Field for the 2026 season after completing hurricane-related repairs, adding new video boards, sound upgrades, and renovated suites. Full Scoop →
Jason Layton Returns to Tampa Bay as USF’s Chief Business Officer
Jason Layton is heading back to Tampa Bay to take on the Chief Business Officer role at USF Athletics, bringing big-time experience from Miami and the Bucs to help shape the Bulls’ future. Full Scoop →
New Rays CEO Hosts Fans at Ferg’s Meet-&-Greet
The newly appointed CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays met up with fans at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in St. Pete to talk about what’s ahead for the team. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Friday
79 🌡️ 55 | ☀️ | 7% | 💨NNE 5 mph
Saturday
81 🌡️ 57 | ☀️ | 6% | 💨E 4 mph
Sunday
79 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 6% | 💨W 9 mph
RECOMMENDED READS
RATE THIS EDITION
HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper