Good morning, Tampa!
Thanksgiving is officially over, the leftovers are stacked, and Black Friday deals are officially in full swing across Tampa Bay. Whether you spent yesterday giving thanks around the table or you’re gearing up to hunt for the best local steals, this week is all about tradition, gratitude, and snagging a few great finds. We’ve got everything you need to wrap up the holiday weekend the right way.
Metropolitan Ministries feed thousands on Thanksgiving
Downtown Tampa Turkey Trot brings 5.5k runners
Riverwalk tree lighting this Sunday
Let’s dive in!
— Pat & Shannon Cooper
BIG SCOOP
Metropolitan Ministries Feed Thousands on Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, Metropolitan Ministries once again showed up in a big way for Tampa Bay families in need. With rising demand across the region, their efforts helped ensure thousands of households still had a holiday meal on the table.
Surge in Need
Metropolitan Ministries reported a nearly 300% increase in families seeking help this Thanksgiving compared to previous years. Rising food costs and economic pressure continue to push more families to seek support.
14k+ Donated Meals
With help from donors and volunteers, the organization provided over 14,000 Thanksgiving meals to families across Tampa Bay. Distributions took place at multiple locations, ensuring meals reached those who needed them most.
What’s Next
As Thanksgiving wraps up, Metropolitan Ministries is already preparing for an even greater need during the Christmas season. Donations, toys, food, and volunteers are still being accepted to help carry this momentum forward.
LOCAL PICK
The Oxford Exchange
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Oxford Exchange is one of those places that feels like a destination every single time you go. Nestled just outside downtown Tampa, this beautifully restored historic building blends bookstore charm, café culture, boutique shopping, and elegant dining all under one roof. Whether you’re planning a brunch date, a casual business meeting, or just want a peaceful spot to slow down, Oxford Exchange nails the atmosphere with its natural light, soaring windows, and refined European vibe.
What to Try
Chicken & Waffles – The go-to brunch classic with the perfect sweet-savory balance
House Lattes & Teas – A must-order, especially if you’re lingering
Steak & Eggs – A hearty favorite that never misses
Fresh Pastries & Desserts – Ideal for a quick visit or a sweet treat to-go
The Bottom Line
Oxford Exchange is one of those “only in Tampa” spots that never goes out of style. It’s elegant without being stuffy, photogenic without trying too hard, and consistently delivers on both food and experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, it always feels special.
LOCAL SCOOP
Turkey Trot Brings 5,500+ to Downtown Tampa for Holiday Run
More than 5,500 runners and walkers filled downtown Tampa early Thursday morning for the annual Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble. Full Scoop →
UTampa Breaks Ground on New River-front Science Building
The University of Tampa is set to build a new six-story science facility along the Hillsborough River, featuring modern labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to support future research and growth. Full Scoop →
Drone-Defense Tech Firm Orion Edge Moves HQ to Tampa
Orion Edge — a defense-tech company that builds counter-drone electronics — is relocating from Colorado to Tampa, citing the region’s business climate and proximity to USSOCOM at MacDill Air Force Base. Full Scoop →
Red Cross Angels Founder Honored in South Tampa
Beverly Austin, founder of the Red Cross Angels, was honored at the organization’s annual Silver Coffee in South Tampa, where more than 100 guests raised over $63,000 for the Red Cross Services to Armed Forces Division.
Ybor Landmark: Sanchez y Haya Building Nears Finish Line
The iconic 115-year-old Sanchez y Haya Building in Ybor City is entering the final phase of an $18.5 million restoration led by J.C. Newman Cigar Company — bringing new life to a Tampa relic once used as a hotel, distillery, speakeasy, and even a dive bar. Full Scoop →
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R/TAMPA
For those who decided to sleep in instead of lace up, here’s what sunrise looked like along Bayshore — calm, golden, and almost too peaceful for race morning. Thousands showed up for the annual YMCA Turkey Trot, and somehow I managed to squeeze out a 5K PR before breakfast. 🙌 Nothing like chasing personal records before chasing stuffing.
AROUND TOWN
FRIDAY (11/28)
A Christmas Story | Straz Center
Watch the holiday classic, A Christmas Story, performed live on stage in this smash musical hit. Full Scoop →Sommore | Funny Bone
Fearless stand-up comedian and undisputed queen of comedy, Sommore, is coming to Tampa with shows all weekend long. Full Scoop →Double Play - Kids Happy Hour | 1983
Enjoy face painting, crafts, games, and double credits during Kids Happy Hour at 1983 from 3-6 pm. Full Scoop →Silent Disco Fridays | Curtis Hixon Park
Every Friday from 6-9 pm this winter, head down to the Winter Village and dance to the beat of your own drum. Full Scoop →FSU vs Texas A&M | Benchmark International Arena
Join the Battle in the Bay this Friday at 5 pm and watch FSU face off against Texas A&M in men’s basketball. Full Scoop →
SATURDAY (11/29)
Local Crafters and Vintage Goods | Guava City Vintage
Guava City Vintage is showcasing its new expansion with goods from local crafters, artists, and vendors. Full Scoop →Christian Nodal | Benchmark International Arena
Singer/songwriter and Latin Grammy winner Christian Nodal is bringing his tour to downtown Tampa this Saturday at 8 pm. Full Scoop →Sleeping Beauty | Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Experience Sleeping Beauty like never before as dancers from We Call it Ballet perform the masterpiece in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Full Scoop →USF Football vs Rice | Raymond James Stadium
It’s your last chance to cheer on the Bulls at their final home game of the season this Saturday at 7 pm. Full Scoop →Live Music with Sam Bips | Water Street
Take a festive stroll down Water Street and enjoy the music of Sam Bips, local singer/songwriter who plays an eclectic mix of tunes.. Full Scoop →
SUNDAY (11/30)
Riverwalk Tree Lighting | Tampa Riverwalk
See the Riverwalk Holiday Trees light up for the first time this season, and enjoy a full evening of food, fun, and entertainment from 4-7 pm. Full Scoop →Miracle on 34th Street | Tampa Theatre
Watch this holiday classic on the big screen at the Tampa Theatre. If you’re lucky, you may even get to meet Old St. Nick in person! Full Scoop →Rooftop Football Watch Party | Sal Y Mar
Catch this Sunday’s game in style at Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar and enjoy special deals on beer buckets and game day food. Full Scoop →Playboi Carti: Antagonist Tour | Benchmark International Arena
Rapper Playboi Carti is bringing his Anagontist Tour to Tampa this Sunday at 7 pm. Full Scoop →South Florida Bulls Women’s Basketball vs New Orleans | Yuengling Center
Looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday afternoon? See the Bulls Women’s Basketball take on New Orleans. Full Scoop →
SCORECARD
Final Scores
🗓️ 11/24
3 | Lightning
0 | Flyers
🗓️ 11/26
5 | Lightning
1 | Flames
Upcoming Games
🏒 Lightning v Red Wings (11/28 @ 12:00 PM EST)
📍Little Cesars Arena | Detroit, MI
🏒 Lightning v Rangers (11/29 @ 2:00 PM EST)
📍Madison Square Garden | New York, NY
🏒 Buccaneers v Cardinals (11/30 @ 1:00 PM EST)
📍Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, FL
Former AL Manager of the Year Brandon Hyde Joining Tampa Bay Rays Front Office
The Rays are set to bring on Brandon Hyde — recently dismissed as manager of the Baltimore Orioles — as a senior adviser in baseball operations. Full Scoop →
Mayfield Back at Practice — Bucs Hope He Starts Sunday vs. Cardinals
Baker Mayfield returned to practice after spraining his left shoulder last weekend, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are optimistic he could suit up Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Full Scoop →
Why Bucs’ Luke Goedeke Is Wearing the Odd Helmet
TB Buccaneers tackle Luke Goedeke (#67) has been spotted with a noticeably different helmet — it’s a “Guardian Cap,” a soft-shell helmet cover now allowed in NFL games to help reduce head-impact force and lower concussion risk. Full Scoop →
WEATHER
Friday
66 🌡️ 47 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨NNE 12 mph
Saturday
78 🌡️ 59 | 🌤 | 1% | 💨ENE 12 mph
Sunday
83 🌡️ 64 | 🌤 | 10% | 💨E 8 mph
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK
Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!
Pat & Shannon Cooper