Author: TBO Digital Staff

The Tampa Bay Rays halted their four-game slide with a comeback victory over the New York Yankees Saturday, using an eighth-inning rally and aggressive baserunning to secure a 3-2 win despite another impressive performance from Aaron Judge. Judge continued his remarkable start to the season by connecting for his 11th home run in the first inning off Rays starter Zack Littell, who settled in afterward to retire his next 11 batters before surrendering a fifth-inning solo shot to Austin Wells that gave New York a 2-1 advantage. The Yankees slugger extended his hitting streak to 13 games and has now…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is enhancing its wildlife collection with several new animal species as the theme park prepares for the upcoming launch of its Wild Oasis at Jungala attraction later this spring. The park has welcomed a giant anteater, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and tropical birds from facilities approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums across the country. These animals will reside in the new Habitat Hideaway area within Wild Oasis at Jungala after completing mandatory quarantine and health examinations at Busch Gardens’ state-of-the-art Animal Care Center. “We’re beyond thrilled to welcome these incredible species to Busch Gardens Tampa…

Tampa Bay residents have numerous opportunities to celebrate Cinco de Mayo today with events featuring Mexican cuisine, Latin music, and festive atmospheres throughout the region. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay concludes its Cinco de Mayo celebration today, offering parkgoers Mexican-inspired dishes including their exclusive three slow-smoked brisket tacos at the Springs Taproom, complemented by live Latin music performances throughout the park. For those seeking a community festival atmosphere, Clearwater’s Kava Culture Kava Bar on Highway 19 will host a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta beginning at 3 p.m. today, featuring a combination of music, dance performances, and authentic food options. Skateworld of…

St. Petersburg’s oldest craft brewery is ending operations at its Central Avenue taproom while continuing production elsewhere, the company announced Monday. Cycle Brewing will not renew the lease at its 534 Central Ave. location after 12 years as a downtown fixture, according to brewmaster Doug Dozark. The closing date remains flexible, potentially happening within the next week to month, giving patrons a limited window to enjoy the final batch of the brewery’s signature Crank IPA. Beer production will continue at Cycle’s warehouse facility on 5th Avenue South, with Dozark planning to release new brews later this year. The brewmaster told…

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30, leaving Tampa Bay residents just weeks to prepare after last year’s destructive storms. According to forecasters at Colorado State University, this year could bring 17 named storms, with nine potentially strengthening into hurricanes. Four of these may reach major hurricane status with winds exceeding 111 mph (Category 3 or higher). Andrea will lead the roster of named storms, followed by Barry, Chantal and newcomer Dexter, which replaces Hurricane Dorian after its retirement following the devastating 2019 season. Weather experts note that the 2025 season occurs during a…

The Tampa Bay Lightning is turning playoff disappointment into community engagement with the launch of their new “Bolts Forward” initiative, announced today at a press conference at Amalie Arena. Following their recent first-round playoff elimination against the Florida Panthers, the organization is channeling their energy into a comprehensive summer outreach program designed to strengthen connections with fans across the Tampa Bay region. “While the season didn’t end as we hoped, our commitment to this community never wavers,” said Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. “The Bolts Forward initiative represents our dedication to making a positive impact year-round, not just during hockey season.”…

Country music fans are gearing up for one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated events of the year as Country Thunder Florida prepares to transform Raymond James Stadium into a three-day celebration of top-tier musical talent from May 2-4, 2025. The festival, now in its fifth year at this venue, has quickly become a staple of Tampa’s spring entertainment calendar, drawing more than 25,000 attendees daily during last year’s event. “We’ve assembled our strongest lineup yet,” says Country Thunder CEO Brian Andrews. “From established headliners to emerging talent, this year’s festival truly offers something for every country music enthusiast.” Friday’s opening…

Tampa’s signature waterfront festival returns this weekend, transforming the entire length of the Riverwalk into a vibrant celebration of local culture, cuisine, and community. Riverfest 2025, scheduled for May 2-3, promises to be the most expansive iteration yet, with activities spanning from Water Works Park to the Tampa Convention Center. The free, family-friendly event will showcase Tampa’s cultural institutions, feature performances by local musicians, and highlight the city’s diverse restaurant scene. “This year’s Riverfest represents the largest footprint we’ve ever had,” says Shaun Drinkard, Executive Director of Friends of the Riverwalk. “With over 100 participating vendors, performers, and cultural organizations,…

United Parcel Service revealed plans Tuesday to eliminate approximately 20,000 positions and shutter 73 facilities by the end of June as part of a significant restructuring effort. The job cuts represent about 4% of UPS’s total workforce of roughly 490,000 employees and follow last year’s announcement that the company would cut 12,000 positions. CBS News The Atlanta-based shipping giant cited its decision to reduce Amazon shipment volumes as a key factor behind these changes. In January, UPS reached an agreement with Amazon, its largest customer, to decrease delivery volume by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. CBS…

Tampa Bay residents and visitors are in for an eventful weekend as the area hosts several major attractions including Riverfest, Country Thunder music festival, and Kentucky Derby celebrations. Riverfest returns to Tampa as a free two-day festival spanning the entire length of the Riverwalk this Friday and Saturday, May 2-3. The public event showcases Tampa’s cultural institutions, local musicians, and restaurants through various family-friendly activities. Festival highlights include Taste of Riverwalk on Friday night and Taco Fest on Saturday. Visitors can enjoy live music in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and witness a spectacular balloon glow at sunset on both nights.…