2+ week, 1+ day ago (531+ words) TAMPA " The U.S. Men's National Soccer team takes the field at Raymond James Stadium Tuesday for an international friendly against Uruguay. The game is a tune-up for next summer's World Cup. It's the first time since 2018 that the U.S.A. squad will play in Tampa. Former U.S. men's national team defender and current Vice President of Sporting Oguchi Onyewu is excited to bring another major sporting event to the Tampa Bay region. "So many soccer teams, hockey teams, football teams, baseball teams. There's a plethora of sports in this city," Onyewu said this week. "There's no city better to highlight what we want to bring to the country next summer than right here in Tampa Bay." The game is technically a friendly, and the U.S. already qualifies for the World Cup field because it's a host country. But Onyewu says the goals for this team…...

3+ week, 6+ day ago (167+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Hundreds of fans gathered at the Florida Center in Tampa to celebrate their favorite childhood memories at the Florida Collector Extravaganza, an event filled with vintage toys, comics, and retro video games. Attendees explored more than 20,000 square feet of collectibles, ranging from Hot Wheels and GI Joe figures to classic comic books and Funko Pop displays. Vendors offered both vintage and modern treasures, giving guests the chance to browse items tied to beloved franchises and characters. Organizers said the goal was to create a space where collectors could come together, share stories, and find rare pieces that spark nostalgia. From pop culture memorabilia to hard-to-find vintage items, the Florida Collector Extravaganza provided a full day of shopping, reminiscing, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. "I know how important it is." A Tampa woman created a list to help families…...

3+ day, 3+ hour ago (352+ words) If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (November 28-30), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area. When: 9 a.m.Where: 701 Channelside Dr., TampaCost: $40Info: Check out the annual coastal holiday celebration at the Florida Aquarium on its opening night. When: 6 p.m.Where: 700 Second Ave. NE, St. PetersburgCost: $10Info: Friday is opening night for the shoppable art exhibit by Kai Romalin, described as an exploration of estuaries as sacred spaces. When: 8 a.m.Where: 1910 N. Ola Ave., TampaCost: FREEInfo: Go run a special Champs Sports holiday run and enjoy snow machines, a live DJ and games. When: 7 p.m.Where: 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, TampaCost: $21Info: Go watch the USF Bulls take on Rice at Raymond James Stadium on fan appreciation night. When: 6 p.m.Where: 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., TampaCost: $38Info: Go see local ballet dancers with glow-in-the-dark costumes perform a beloved classic, "Sleeping Beauty." When: 1 p.m.Where: 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, TampaCost: $50Info: Go…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago (401+ words) If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (November 7-9), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area. When: 7 p.m.Where: 401 Channelside Drive, TampaCost: $52Info: Go see Lainey Wilson perform live on her Tampa stop of the Whirldwind 2025 World Tour featuring ERNEST and Drake Milligan. When: 5 p.m.Where: 5202 W Thonotosassa Road, Plant CityCost: FREEInfo: Go to Keel Farms and enjoy a night of Latin music, dancing and handcrafted sangria flights. When: 7 p.m.Where: 2701 N 16th Street, TampaCost: $35Info: Go to the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory to celebrate the vibrant history of 1920s Ybor City with music, dancing and food from local vendors. When: 7 p.m.Where: 401 Channelside Drive, TampaCost: $70Info: Go watch the Bolts take on the Washington Capitals at Benchmark International Arena. When: 6 p.m.Where: 971 Water Street, TampaCost: FREEInfo: Go enjoy a free evening of live music from local artist Sam Bips on Water Street. When: 9 a.m.Where: 1800 E. 8th. Ave.,…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (411+ words) If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend (November 21-23), there's plenty of action happening around the Tampa Bay area. When: 8 p.m.Where: 711 N Franklin Street, TampaCost: $40Info: Go see stand-up comedian and podcaster Michael Blaustein at his Tampa stop of his national tour. When: 6 p.m.Where: 971 Water Street, TampaCost: FREEInfo: Go enjoy an evening of live music on Water Street by Sunya, a local flutist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. When: 6:30 p.m.Where: 1412 E 7th Ave., TampaCost: $30Info: Go to the Hotel Haya and see a candlelight concert by a local string quartet performing songs from The Beatles and Queen. When: 6 p.m.Where: 1624 E. 7th Ave., TampaCost: FREEInfo: A traveling market with creative workshops, live music and DJ sets, unique food offerings and more. When: 6 p.m.Where: 971 Water St., TampaCost: FREEInfo: Enjoy an evening of live music on Water Street with local artist Sam Bips, a singer-songwriter, sax and guitar…...

4+ day, 2+ hour ago (92+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " The City of Tampa is set to host the 49th running of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend in February 2026. The annual event takes place on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, and includes four race distances, four challenges and a dog walk that takes runners on a waterfront course on Bayshore Boulevard. Register for the event here. U.S. Coast Guard finds 4 missing Polk County boaters alive after their boat capsized Officials said the missing boat capsized about 26 miles offshore, and all four occupants are alive....

22+ hour ago (243+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Holiday spending between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday is expected to surpass $1 trillion this year, and Tampa business owners are eager to share in the surge. At WestShore Plaza, small business owners are working to remind the community the mall remains open despite redevelopment in the area. Some said they've noticed confusion among shoppers who assume the stores are closed. Two shop owners spoke about the importance of Small Business Saturday, which encourages residents to support local retailers. They described the event as a chance to strengthen customer relationships and showcase what makes their businesses unique. "If you have a local business that you absolutely love, make sure that you visit your boutique or whatever more often, even if it's to go out and just give a hug or say hi," said Catelia Young with…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (172+ words) TAMPA, Fla. " Every February, Major League Baseball's Grapefruit League brings spring training " professional baseball's preseason " back to the Tampa Bay area. Several of the sport's most notable franchises hold camp here, taking advantage of Florida's weather to prepare for the season ahead. Spring training begins on Feb. 20 for six weeks. The following teams are playing in or around the Tampa Bay area: Full team schedules are available on MLB.com/springtraining and through each club's official website or social media profile. See below for the spring training schedules released by teams playing in the Tampa Bay area. " Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) November 5, 2025 " New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 5, 2025 " Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 5, 2025 " Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 5, 2025 " Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) November 5, 2025 " Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 5, 2025 Florida contractor accused of taking thousands for countertops that were never installed Two Tampa Bay customers…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago (220+ words) PALM HARBOR, Fla. " Tampa Bay 28's Sean Daly and Tony Jacobson showed up to Curlew Creek Elementary School in Palm Harbor with a TV satellite truck, a fancy camera, and a whole lotta wisdom. "The kids say this is their favorite day of the year," says teacher Linda Peterson. WATCH: Tampa Bay 28's Sean Daly & Tony Jacobson talk TV at Great American Teach-In in Palm Harbor Every November, schools all over Tampa Bay and the country host the Great American Teach-In, a national program that pairs grown-ups with cool jobs and kids with inquiring minds. Sean and Tony taught six different classes of grade-schoolers how a live shot works " both in front of (that was Sean) and behind the camera (Tony took care of that). Students got to rock the microphone, tour the inside of the satellite truck and see…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (312+ words) This Tuesday is Veterans Day, an annual U.S. Federal holiday observed on Nov. 11 to honor and give thanks to all military veterans for their service. This Tuesday is Veterans Day, an annual U.S Federal holiday observed on Nov 11 to honor and give thanks to all military veterans for their service.Most Banks, post offices and government offices will be closed on Nov 11, and some county governments have provided closures specific to their areas.Facilities closed on Veterans Day by county:Hillsborough County Hillsborough County Government administrative offices Hillsborough County Public Schools and district offices All libraries in the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Parks & Recreation recreational centers and programs Aging Services facilities Pet Resource Center Sunshine Line transportation service Social Services offices and call center Water Resources Customer Service CenterPasco County Pasco County Public Schools and district offices Parks, recreation and…...