Good morning, Tampa!
We hope you had a full plate and a great Thanksgiving in case you missed our Friday send. As the leftovers disappear and the holidays heat up, the city is already buzzing from a beloved sushi spot reopening in Seminole Heights to a much-needed Bucs win, we’ve got plenty to catch you up on.
Big turnout at Tampa Riverwalk tree lighting
TPA sees surge in post-holiday travel
Macaulay Culkin coming to the Straz Center this Thursday
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
BIG SCOOP
Tampa’s Riverwalk Tree Lighting Returns
The city of Tampa kicked off the holiday season with its annual Riverwalk tree-lighting event along the downtown Riverwalk / Convention Center basin. The celebration featured a holiday market, live performances, and a special water-taxi arrival of the mayor who flipped the switch to light the festive trees.
Kicking Off the Holidays
Attendees enjoyed family-friendly fun: music performances, dancing, local vendors, and a festive atmosphere from 4:00–7:00 pm. There was also a toy drive component to benefit local families, encouraging guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy.
What’s Next
The event signals the official start of the holiday season downtown — boosting community spirit, bringing together locals and visitors, and supporting local businesses and charitable causes. It’s a great chance to experience holiday lights, waterfront vibes, and a bit of Tampa culture.
LOCAL PICK
7th + Grove
Why It’s Worth a Visit
7th + Grove is a vibrant, soulful spot in historic Ybor City that blends Southern-style comfort food with a lively lounge vibe — perfect whether you’re heading out for a casual brunch, dinner with friends, or a night out.  The atmosphere is welcoming and energetic, the menu is bold and creative (with roots in comfort cooking plus modern twists), and the cocktails add a fun, upscale-but-relaxed finishing touch.  It’s exactly the kind of Tampa-local spot where flavor meets vibe — ideal for a night out or a special meal.
What to Try
Starters & Small Bites: Things like fried green tomatoes (Sir Greendown), deviled-egg plates, and creative appetizers set the tone before the main meal.
Everyday Favorites: Gulf shrimp + smoked turkey sausage over gouda grits, topped with creole sauce and fried okra. A signature comfort-food bowl that hits hard.
Desserts & Brunch Treats: If you stay for brunch or late-night, the sweeter offerings and comfort-food brunch options add a fun, indulgent finish.
The Bottom Line
7th + Grove is a standout among Tampa’s dining scene — an energetic, soulful space that delivers hearty, elevated Southern food and cocktails with attitude. It’s not your typical quiet dinner spot — it’s lively, bold, and full of flavor, which makes it a great choice if you’re in the mood to eat well, drink well, and soak up local Ybor City energy. Give yourself time (the kitchen can be busy), maybe grab a reservation, and come ready for good food and good vibes.
LOCAL SCOOP
Davis Islands Shops See Strong Comeback
Davis Islands businesses saw a big turnout on Small Business Saturday, signaling a strong recovery after hurricane damage. Full Scoop →
Predalina to Reopen Dec. 9 After Major Redesign
Predalina — the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Water Street Tampa — will reopen on December 9 with a fully revamped interior, a new menu, and a transformation into a high-energy nightlife destination. Full Scoop →
Tampa Fire Rescue to Hold Live-Fire Training at TPA Airport
Tampa Fire Rescue is conducting a live-fire training exercise at Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Tuesday, designed to simulate aircraft-fuel fires and sharpen emergency response skills. Full Scoop →
Sushi Spot Ichiban Sushi Ramen Relocates to Seminole Heights
After 39 years near USF, Ichiban Sushi Ramen has moved to a new location on Florida Avenue in Seminole Heights — bringing its familiar sushi, ramen, and takoyaki to a more centrally located neighborhood. Full Scoop →
TPA Sees Busy Post-Thanksgiving Travel Weekend
The Tampa International Airport (TPA) experienced a surge of travelers over the weekend following Thanksgiving — reflecting a rebound in holiday-season travel now that flight restrictions from the recent government shutdown have ended. Full Scoop →
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R/TAMPA
Great question - someone’s got an early start on their Christmas shopping! Here are a few of our recommendations:
The Dotted Line Co. – Hyde Park
One of the best shops for modern Tampa gifts
Tampa mugs & glassware
Candles, matches, stickers
Food gifts + seasonal items
Kids gifts too
Oxford Exchange – Gift Shop
Upscale, beautifully curated
Local coffee, tea, chocolate
Tampa & Florida-themed books
Home goods and apothecary
Tampa Bay History Center Gift Shop (Channel District)
Amazing for authentic Tampa culture
Tampa history books
Kids Florida wildlife items
Tampa skyline gifts
Cuban & Ybor-inspired items
AROUND TOWN
MONDAY (12/1)
HIIT in the Park | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Join Crunch Fitness for a FREE high-intensity workout in the park from 6 to 7 pm. Full Scoop →Holiday Tree Display and Auction | Carrollwood Cultural Center
The annual Holiday Tree Display and Auction begins on Monday for guests to view in person and online. Full Scoop →
TUESDAY (12/2)
Holly Jolly Cleanup | Courtney Campbell Boat Ramp
Do some good this holiday season and help keep our gorgeous coastline clean. Full Scoop →Movie on the Lawn: Elf | Sparkman Wharf
Buddy the Elf is bringing Christmas cheer to Sparkman Wharf this Tuesday at 6 pm. Full Scoop →Themed Skate Night | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Every Tuesday is theme night at the skating rink in the Winter Village! This Tuesday’s theme? Grinchmas! Full Scoop →
WEDNESDAY (12/3)
“The” Winter One-derland Clothing Swap | Centro Asruriano
Join the team at the Swap Soiree for their annual boutique clothing swap, along with local vendors, seasonal beverages, and more. Full Scoop →The Conversation | Tampa Theatre
In memory of Gene Hackman, Tampa Theatre is playing the 1974 classic, The Conversation, at 7 pm. Full Scoop →Armature Works Run Club | Armature Works
Looking to burn some of those Thanksgiving calories? Join the crew for a quick 5k on the Riverwalk, followed by drinks, food, and socializing. Full Scoop →
THURSDAY (12/4)
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin | Straz Center
Don’t get stuck home alone—join Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone and a moderated interview with the star in honor of the movie’s 35th anniversary. Full Scoop →Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Benchmark International Arena
Come cheer on the Bolts as they face off against the Penguins this Thursday at 7. Full Scoop →Will Burkart | Funny Bone Comedy Club
After gaining massive popularity online, LA-based stand-up Will Burkart is bringing his set to Tampa. Full Scoop →
FRIDAY (12/5)
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 is debuts on Netflix later this month. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/29
4 | Lightning
1 | Rangers
🗓️ 11/28
6 | Lightning
3 | Red Wings
🗓️ 11/30
20 | Buccaneers
17 | Cardinals
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Islanders (12/2 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍UBS Arena | Elmont, NY
🏒 Lightning v Penguins (12/4 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
Bucs Snap Losing Streak with 20–17 Win vs. Cardinals
TB Buccaneers ended a three-game skid by edging the Arizona Cardinals 20–17 — helped by a rare touchdown catch from lineman Tristan Wirfs. Full Scoop →
Florida Hires Jon Sumrall After Lane Kiffin Snub
The Florida Gators have named Tulane’s defensive-minded head coach Jon Sumrall their new leader, finalizing a six-year deal worth roughly $7.5 million per year. Full Scoop →
Alex Golesh Leaves South Florida Bulls for Auburn Tigers Head-Coach Job
South Florida’s head coach Alex Golesh has accepted a six-year deal to lead Auburn after three seasons with the Bulls. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Monday
84 🌡️ 70 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨ENE 9 mph
Tuesday
80 🌡️ 62 | 🌧️ | 41% | 💨SW 15 mph
Wednesday
71 🌡️ 52 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨NNW 8 mph
Thursday
77 🌡️ 59 | 🌤 | 6% | 💨ENE 6 mph
Friday
82 🌡️ 67 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨S 10 mph
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper