Good morning, Tampa!
As we gear up for a week filled with family, feasts, and figuring out how to keep the humidity from frizzing our hair in those holiday photos, we’re excited to welcome you to the weekend edition. From traffic tips to local happenings, we’ve got everything you need to glide into the holiday feeling prepared and a little extra festive.
In today’s 813 Scoop:
Travel this Thanksgiving without the stress
Coffee, tea, and pastries from Willa’s
Ice skating, tree lightings, and holiday markets
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
INSIDER SCOOP
Tampa Thanksgiving Travel Tips
Heading out of Tampa for the holiday? No matter if you’re flying or driving, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. With a little extra planning, we’ll help keep things running smoothly.
Fly with Ease
TPA expects 924,00 travelers to pass through the airport between Nov 20 and Dec 1. If you’re flying out of TPA, plan to arrive at least two hours early—security lines tend to swell on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Plan in advance by signing up for TSA PreCheck. You should also consider using TPA’s online parking reservation system or opting for rideshare to avoid circling for a spot.
Hit the Road
AAA projects more than 4.2 million Floridians will be traveling by car this Thanksgiving. For those driving, expect heavier traffic on I-275, the Howard Frankland Bridge, and the Veterans Expressway, especially during morning and late-afternoon peak times. If you’re heading toward Orlando or beyond, leave extra time for congestion on I-4 (more so than usual). Downloading real-time traffic apps and offline maps can be a lifesaver if service gets spotty.
Pack Smarter
Don’t forget to pack strategically—keep chargers, snacks, medication, and a light jacket in your carry-on or within easy reach. And if you’re returning to the Bay Area after the holiday, be prepared for Sunday surges, especially beach-bound traffic toward Clearwater and St. Pete.
Whether your plans take you across the country or across the bridge, here’s to safe travels and a warm, sunny Tampa Thanksgiving! 🦃🌴
LOCAL PICK
Willa’s Provisions ☕
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Tucked away at the corner of Fig Street and Rome Avenue in North Hyde Park, Willa’s Provisions is the kind of coffee-shop-meets-neighborhood-hub you’ll want as your morning ritual. Open daily from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., the sunny spot features locally roasted Look Alive Coffee, organic teas & matcha from Rishi, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
What to Try
Coffee or matcha: Grab a handcrafted latte made with Look Alive beans, or a vibrant matcha with oat milk.
Fresh pastries or breakfast burrito: The daily-baked selection is ideal with your coffee.
Soft-serve twist: For something a little different, they serve swirled ice cream & sorbet in the afternoon.
Bonus: Grab-and-go items include natural wines, cold case beers, salads and more, perfect for later.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re after a top-tier morning coffee run, a casual midday meet-up, or a go-to spot to work for a few hours, Willa’s Provisions in Hyde Park serves it up with quality, local flavor, and laid-back charm. A must-visit in Tampa if you’re looking for that perfect pocket-neighborhood café.
LOCAL SCOOP
Derby Lane’s 131-Acre Property Is Up For Sale
The 131-acre property of the former Derby Lane greyhound racetrack on Gandy Boulevard is officially on the market, marking a major redevelopment opportunity in the Tampa Bay region. Full Scoop →
Waymo Self-Driving Taxis Are Coming To Tampa
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, announced it will soon launch a fleet of self-driving taxis in Tampa, marking a major step in its expanding rollout across the U.S. Full Scoop →
Tampa Leaders See Path To Connect TPA To Downtown
City and transit leaders are moving forward on plans to build a direct transit link between Tampa International Airport (TPA) and downtown Tampa, exploring public-private partnerships and preliminary routing to improve regional mobility. Full Scoop →
First Phase Of Water Restrictions To Take Effect Across Tampa
Starting Dec. 1 2025, “wasteful and unnecessary” water usage in the Tampa Bay region will be banned under a Phase I water-shortage order covering multiple counties. Full Scoop →
Traffic Advisory: Saturday, Nov. 22 — Miles for Moffitt
On Saturday morning, Nov. 22, major road closures will be in effect in downtown Tampa for the “Miles for Moffitt” run. Closures begin as early as 4:00 a.m. on Brorein Bridge, Channelside, and Bayshore Boulevard and will last into the late morning. Full Scoop →
The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.
R/TAMPA
✈️ TPA is about to feel like the inside of a Publix on Thanksgiving Eve — pure, organized chaos.
With 900,000+ travelers expected this week, the airport is basically hosting its own holiday festival… minus the food trucks and plus a lot more rolling suitcases.
If you’re flying out, pack patience, charge your phone, and maybe grab a cafecito to survive those security lines. And honestly?
Shoutout to the giant flamingo for staying calmer than 99% of us during holiday travel. 🦩✨
Safe travels, Tampa Bay — may your flights be on time and your overhead bins be empty.
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAY (11/21)
Winter Village | Curtis Hixon Park
Celebrate the holiday season in Tampa’s very own winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, a market, a cafe, and tons of holiday fun that the whole family can enjoy. Full Scoop →Laser Light Shows | MOSI
Designed for all ages, the Laser Light Show at MOSI’s new Saunders Planetarium and Digital Dome Theatre combines incredible special effects, music, and lasers. Full Scoop →Heights Local Market | Common Dialect Beerworks
Support local makers, artisans, and food trucks at this month’s Heights Local Market in Seminole Heights. Full Scoop →Michael Blaustein | Tampa Theatre
Up-and-coming stand-up comedian Michael Blaustein is bringing The Taste Me Tour to Tampa for two shows this Friday. Full Scoop →PokéCon Tampa 2025 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF
This weekend, celebrate all things Pokémon at this three-day convention. Meet fellow fans, view rare collectibles, join tournaments, enjoy cosplay showcases, and more. Full Scoop →
SATURDAY (11/22)
Day of Thanks | Winner’s Worship Center
In the spirit of giving, the Winner’s Worship Center is hosting their annual Day of Thanks where they’ll distribute free turkeys and groceries to families in need starting at 9am. Full Scoop →Holiday Tree Lighting | Armature Works
Armature Works kicks off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Tree Lighting with live performances, a mini market, a very special guest: Santa Claus! Full Scoop →The Oddities & Curiosities Expo | Florida State Fairgrounds
This is a truly one-of-a-kind showcase of all the weird and wonderful things world has to offer with hundreds of vendors, sideshow performances, tarot readings, classes, and more. Full Scoop →Family Motor Fest 2025 | The Motor Enclave
This year’s Family Motor Fest is bigger and better than ever with Florida’s coolest cars, delicious food, fun rides, and more Full Scoop →Tampa Holiday Market | Florida State Fairgrounds
With over 130 makers, DIY craft stations, festive photo ops, snacks, freebies, and more, you won’t want to miss this massive holiday market. Full Scoop →
SUNDAY (11/23)
Bucs Watch Party | Armature Works
Can’t get a ticket for the big game? Head down to Armature Works to watch the game in style with massive screens, hyped up crowds, and vibes that rival Bucs Stadium. Full Scoop →Tribal Style | Shuffle
Join reggae band Tribal Style at Shuffle for a fundraiser for hurricane relief in Jamaica. Full Scoop →Sunday Morning Market | Westshore Marina District
The first Sunday of every month is the Sunday Morning Market. You can shop local vendors for art, plants, baked goods, clothing, food trucks, and more. Full Scoop →Sinatra Sunday | The Dan
Stop by The Dan from 11am to 2pm for a delicious brunch and live music inspired by Sinatra. Full Scoop →TRIM: Fashion Showcase & Vintage Market | Hotel Haya
Enjoy a night of cutting-edge fashion featuring local designers, makers, and curated vintage sellers, along with a fashion show at 5pm, a DJ, and a cash bar. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/20
2 | Lightning
1 | Oilers
🗓️ 11/18
5 | Lightning
1 | Devils
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Capitals (11/22 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Capital One Arena | Washington, DC
🏒 Buccaneers v Rams (11/23 @ 8:20 PM EST)
📍SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA
Delaney Ryan Joins USF Athletics as VP of Student-Athlete Development
St. Petersburg native Delaney Ryan has returned to the Tampa Bay area to become the new Vice President of Student-Athlete Development and Senior Woman Administrator at University of South Florida Athletics. Full Scoop →
Sweet Homecoming For Lightning Assistant Dan Hinote
Tampa Bay native and NHL veteran Dan Hinote has returned to the area to join the Tampa Bay Lightning coaching staff. Full Scoop →
Buccaneers Face Illness Outbreak With About 15 Players Down
The Bucs are dealing with a roster setback as roughly 15 players and multiple coaches were sidelined Wednesday due to an illness Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Friday
85 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 8% | 💨SSW 5 mph
Saturday
83 🌡️ 65 | ☀️ | 8% | 💨SW 7 mph
Sunday
83 🌡️ 62 | 🌤 | 12% | 💨WNW 8 mph
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper