Good morning, Tampa!

🇺🇸 First off, a huge thank you to all the veterans across the Bay. We’re so grateful for your service and all you’ve done for our community.

While we’re used to sunshine and humidity, this week’s forecast has us digging out the hoodies — it’s about to get cold by Tampa standards! 🥶 But hey, that just makes it the perfect lead-up to the Winter Wonder Wharf on Friday, where things will be feeling cozy, festive, and full of local cheer.

In today’s 813 Scoop:

  • Veteran’s Day is Tuesday your guide to the celebration

  • Ybor in mourning after Saturday’s car crash, killing four

  • Kick off the holiday season at Winter Wonder Wharf this Friday

Let’s dive in!

— Pat & Shannon Cooper

INSIDER SCOOP

How to Celebrate Veteran’s Day in Tampa Bay

Annual Veterans Day Tribute

Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will honor service members from all branches with a family-friendly Veterans Day celebration. The event will feature a JROTC color guard, patriotic music, Veterans Council Awards, special guest appearances, and resources for Veterans and their families. Guests can also enjoy a kids’ craft area and refreshments following the ceremony. The tribute takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa.

Free Offers & Discounts

  • Military.com has rounded up dozens of restaurants nationwide offering free meals and special discounts for veterans and active-duty service members

  • Veterans can also enjoy free admission to all Florida State Parks.

  • The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) will provide free rides to veterans with valid military identification.

  • Busch Gardens will be featuring a priority “Waves of Honor” entrance lane, presentation tributes, and a complimentary meal voucher for veterans with valid Military ID.

LOCAL PICK

Elevenses Bakery 🍪

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Elevenses Bakery is a whimsical Ybor City spot where creativity meets comfort. With playful décor, handcrafted sweets, and expertly paired coffee, it feels like a storybook café. Each small-batch treat — from colorful macarons to seasonal pastries — is made from scratch, and themed pop-ups like Gilmore Girls or Lord of the Rings make every visit unique.

What to Try

  • Whimsical macarons in flavors like ube-vanilla, Thai tea, key-lime passionfruit—all vibrant and uniquely delicious. 

  • Craft lattes & cold brews served alongside their baked creations. Coffee and sweets go hand in hand here. 

  • Themed menus & special events: From “Gilmore Girls” to “Lord of the Rings,” Elevenses frequently collaborates on nostalgic, immersive dessert experiences.  

LOCAL SCOOP

Frigid Cool Down Headed For Tampa Bay

A sharp cold front is set to hit the Tampa Bay region starting Monday, bringing the season’s coldest air so far—daytime highs will fall into the 50s and 40s, while brisk winds make it feel even colder. Full Scoop →

Ybor in Mourning After Car Crashes Into Crowd, Killing 4

Early Saturday morning in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa, a vehicle fleeing police crashed into a crowd outside Bradley’s on 7th bar, killing four people and injuring 11 others. Full Scoop →

Dozens of Flights Canceled, 100+ Delays at TPA

Dozens of flights have been canceled and over 100 delayed at Tampa International Airport amid new federal air-traffic restrictions tied to the shutdown. Full Scoop →

Pure Kitchen Organic Vegan Brings Plant-Based Eats to Tampa

Pure Kitchen Organic Vegan serves a seasonal, plant-based menu of soups, salads, and bowls—proving vegan food can be just as delicious and satisfying. Full Scoop →

Tampa Bay Chamber Celebrates Top Small Businesses of 2025

The Tampa Bay Chamber celebrated its 45th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, recognizing standout local companies like Harbour Business Law, Digital Neighbor, Yo Mama’s Foods and Gigglewaters for their growth, innovation and community impact. Full Scoop →

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R/TAMPA

Have family visiting for the holidays? Here are our top three recommendations for the history buffs out there that only require just enough walking to burn off the turkey and stuffing.

Henry B. Plant Museum Audio Tour (Downtown Tampa)

Located inside the University of Tampa, this museum offers a self-paced audio tour through the former Tampa Bay Hotel — much of it seated or short walking distances. Full Scoop →

TECO Line Streetcar (Downtown Tampa → Ybor City)

A historic, scenic, and fully seated ride through Tampa’s most storied areas. You can hop on and off to explore short stops (like Centennial Park or Ybor Museum) but you can easily stay seated for the full loop. Full Scoop →

Pirate Water Taxi Historic Cruise (Downtown Tampa)

Take a narrated boat tour along the Hillsborough River, passing historic landmarks and learning about Tampa’s early days — all while seated comfortably. Full Scoop →

AROUND TOWN

MONDAY (11/10)

  • Sting 3.0 Tour | Seminole Hard Rock
    The Sting 3.0 World Tour is coming to Tampa on Monday at 8 pm. Full Scoop →

  • Figure Drawing Study | Tampa Museum of Art
    During this 3-hour instructed session, beginner and intermediate artists can learn the basics of figure drawing and expand their techniques. Full Scoop →

  • 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball | Carrollwood Country Club
    You don’t need to be a marine to celebrate 250 years of history and tradition of the US Marine Corps. Enjoy a cocktail hour, 3-course dinner, door prizes, and more. Full Scoop →

TUESDAY (11/11)

  • Gallery Walk: The Soldier’s Lens | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
    Visit the FMoPA on Veteran’s Day from 5:30-7:30 for a special walkthrough as local photographers share their stories and reflections. Full Scoop →

  • Jekyll Film Society: Wizard of Oz & Wicked | Jekyll in Hyde Park
    It’s double feature movie night in Hyde Park! Follow the yellow brick road to a fantastical evening with themed cocktails, comfort bites, and movie magic. Full Scoop →

  • Zumba in the Park | Curtis Hixon Park
    Every Tuesday from 6 to 7 pm, get active with FREE Zumba in the Park, led by Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. Full Scoop →

WEDNESDAY (11/12)

  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers | Benchmark International Arena
    Come see the Bolts face off against the Rangers this Wednesday at 7 pm. Full Scoop →

  • Mario Adrion | Funny Bone
    Stand-up comedian and YouTuber Mario Adrion is coming to Tampa, and he’s bringing his unique European charm with him. Full Scoop →

  • Trivia & Music Bingo | Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen
    Every Wednesday at 7 pm, come down to the Yuengling Draft Haus for good food, cold beers, and trivia!  Full Scoop →

THURSDAY (11/13)

  • Nate Bargatze | Benchmark International Arena
    Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is bringing his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour to Tampa on Thursday and Friday at 7 pm. Full Scoop →

  • Holiday Shopping Event | Tampa Museum of Art
    Get your holiday shopping done early at this unique holiday shopping event with local artisans and unique vendors. Full Scoop →

  • World Kindness Day with Tampa Bay Sun FC & Kendra Scott | Kendra Scott Hyde Park
    Celebrate World Kindness Day with A Night to Shine, an opportunity to mingle, meet new friends, and enjoy a free glass of champagne. Full Scoop →

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 →

SCORECARD

Final Scores

🗓️ 11/9
23 | Buccaneers
28 | Patriots

🗓️ 11/8
3 | Lightning
2 | Capitals

Upcoming Games

🏒 Lightning v Rangers (11/12 @ 7:00 PM EST)
📍Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL

USF Unveils Renderings of $340M Football Operations Center

USF unveiled new renderings of its $340 million on-campus Football Operations Center, featuring state-of-the-art training, recovery, and player facilities to elevate the Bulls’ program. Full Scoop →

WEATHER

Monday

64 🌡️ 36 | 🌤 | 1% | 💨NW 18 mph

Tuesday

60 🌡️ 40 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨NNE 11 mph

Wednesday

72 🌡️ 48 | 🌤 | 1% | 💨NNE 5 mph

Thursday

76 🌡️ 53 | ☀️ | 1% | 💨NNE 6 mph

Friday

78 🌡️ 57 | ☀️ | 5% | 💨NE 5 mph

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HAVE A GREAT WEEK

Your support keeps The 813 Scoop growing — thank you, neighbors!

Pat & Shannon Cooper

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