Good morning, Tampa!
And thanks for joining us for the first weekend edition of the 813 Scoop! We hope you’re ready for a weekend jam packed with fun–and maybe a little relaxation (if you’re lucky). Without further ado, here’s the Weekend Scoop.
In today’s 813 Scoop:
TECO rate hikes (again)
Baby corals traveling to the Keys
A weekend full of carnival rides, a speakeasy, and a masquerade party
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
THE BIG SCOOP
TECO’s Fourth Rate Hike Starts in January
TECO customers will see another rate hike starting in January 2026 — the utility’s fourth increase in a year — raising average bills by about $5.50 a month to fund storm recovery and grid upgrades. Consumer advocates warn the steady increases, totaling more than 80% since 2020, are straining households.
How much will it cost?
For a typical residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the increase works out to about $5.51 per month.
Why is TECO doing this?
TECO says the hikes fund infrastructure upgrades, storm recovery efforts (especially after the 2024 hurricane season), and efforts to improve grid reliability.
How we’re feeling about it
Consumer advocates point out that TECO customer bills have increased about 82% since 2020, imposing greater strain on working families. They say regulators have too readily approved the increases. 
Looking ahead
While this latest hike is set for January, some relief may come later when a temporary hurricane-recovery charge is removed (expected September next year).
LOCAL SCOOP
Florida Aquarium Sends Baby Corals to Florida Keys
The Florida Aquarium moved 600 young corals from Apollo Beach to divers in the Florida Keys as part of an effort to restore reef health.
HCSO Issues 30K Citations in School Safety Crackdown
Hillsborough deputies extended Operation Safe Passage hours, issuing over 30,000 traffic citations near schools.
Local Company Donates 100 Wheelchairs to Tampa Church
Mobility Direct is partnering with Drive Medical and Worth & Purpose to donate 100 wheelchairs at a November 22 event at Crossover Church in Tampa.
BUSINESS SCOOP
Restaurant Chain Wagamama Moves HQ to Tampa
The restaurant chain Wagamama is relocating its U.S. headquarters from New York to Tampa as part of its expansion strategy.
Muma AI Day Welcomes Nearly 600 Tampa Bay High Schoolers
USF’s Muma College of Business hosted nearly 600 local students for its first AI Day, featuring hands-on demos and lessons in AI and ethics.
Primo Brands Names Eric Foss Chair & CEO
Tampa-based beverage firm Primo Brands appointed veteran executive Eric Foss as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as it enters a new growth phase.
CIVIC SCOOP
Flights at Tampa International May Be Impacted by Shutdown Cuts
A potential federal shutdown could lead to flight disruptions at Tampa International Airport, as the FAA’s staffing reductions and cost-saving measures put the airport’s operations at risk.
Water Department Offers Free Compost to Residents
Tampa’s Water Department is giving residents up to 30 gallons of free compost to improve soil and save water.
Tampa Advances Tampa Bay Ferry Plan
Tampa City Council approved funding to launch a year-round ferry service connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg, committing up to $350,000 annually.
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAY (11/7)
Hillsborough County Fair
📍Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, FL
Now through the 9th is the last weekend you can enjoy this year’s county fair. The event features carnival rides, games, live music, livestock shows, exhibits, and tons of family fun.
Villain Arts' 11th Annual Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival
📍Tampa Convention Center
Hundreds of talented tattoo artists will gather downtown to showcase their unique art. The festival also features a sideshow, circus performers, unique vendors, and so much more!
¡VIVA!: Speakeasy Soiree
📍JC Newman Cigar Factory
Travel back in time to Ybor City during the roaring 20’s! This one-of-a-kind event to benefit the Ybor City Historical Society features music, dancing, food, cigars, and so much more. Costumes are optional (but highly recommended).
Tampa Greek Festival
📍St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Experience authentic Greek culture at the 44th annual Tampa Greek Festival on 11/7 from 4-10pm and 11/8 from 11am-10pm. Celebrate the tastes, sounds, and traditions of Greece right in the heart of South Tampa.
SATURDAY (11/8)
Coppertail Brewing Co 11th Anniversary and Free Concert
📍Coppertail Brewing Co.
Coppertail Brewing is turning 11 and to celebrate, they’re throwing an all-day free party with live music, great food, special beer releases, and more. Doors open at 11am and music begins at 3pm.
Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons
📍Straz Center
Fans of the cozy role-playing game Stardew Valley won’t want to miss this concert experience. A 35-piece orchestra will perform music from game while video (featuring real gameplay footage and original content) plays.
Tampa Bay Veg Fest
📍Perry Harvey Sr. Park
Celebrate healthy living at the Tampa Bay Veg Fest from 11am-5pm. The event features live music, 100+ veg-friendly vendors, speakers, cooking demonstrations, yoga classes, and more.
Josh Johnson: The Flowers Tour
📍Tampa Theater
Stand-up comedian and writer/performer on The Daily Show Josh Johnson is bringing The Flowers Tour to the Tampa Theater this Saturday for two shows (4pm and 7pm).
SUNDAY (11/9)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots
📍Raymond James Stadium
This Sunday at 1 pm, the Bucs face off against the Pats in this week 10 game of this year’s NFL season.
Yoga in the Park
📍Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Enjoy free yoga in the park every Sunday from 6-7 pm led by instructor Latonyia Sumpter. This class is open to all, beginners and experts alike!
The Pumpkin King’s Masquerade
📍The Italian Club of Tampa
Spooky season isn’t over yet! Throw on your best costume, grab a mask, and enjoy an unforgettable evening with Jack the Pumpkin King. Sip themed cocktails, shop the holiday bazaar, and enjoy burlesque and drag performances.
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/6
6 | Lightning
3 | Knights
🗓️ 11/4
2 | Lightning
3 | Avalanche
Upcoming Games
🏒 Capitals v Lightning (11/8 @ 7 PM EST)
📍 Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
🏈 Patriots v Buccaneers (11/9 @ 1 PM EST)
📍 Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, FL
Rays Announce Spring Training As Trop Nears Reopening
The Tampa Bay Rays announced their 2026 spring-training schedule beginning Feb. 21 at Charlotte Sports Park, while highlighting the anticipated reopening of Tropicana Field on April 6 after major repairs.
Playoff Brackets Released for Florida High School Football
The state‐level playoff brackets for Florida high school football have been released, setting up postseason matchups for area teams in the coming weeks.
Baker Mayfield Blocks Coordinator’s Number During Bye Week
During a week off, Baker Mayfield blocked his offensive coordinator’s phone to fully disconnect and recharge amid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 6-2 run in the NFC South.
WEATHER
Friday
84 🌡️ 67 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨S 6 mph
Saturday
85 🌡️ 69 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨SW 7 mph
Sunday
83 🌡️ 63 | 🌤 | 24% | 💨SW 9 mph
RATE THIS EDITION
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper