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Audra and Rodney Burton like to say they "Christmas harder than you." On Sunday, they'll have a chance at proving that — and winning $50,000.

Driving the news: The Valrico family will compete against three other families on the 11th season of ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight. It airs Friday at 10pm on ABC or via streaming the next day on Hulu.

State of play: The family began dabbling in hardcore Christmas lights in 2016, Rodney Burton wrote on Facebook.

It has since grown into an elaborate display that last year featured 110,000 pixel lights along with water fountains and music.

The display also has a good cause. The Burtons ask visitors to donate money or pet food/supplies that the family gives to local pet rescues. 

For those who want to see the lights in person, the address is 2014 Sydney Road. The display runs Sunday to Thursday, 7-10pm, and Friday and Saturday, 7-11pm. 

Instructions on parking, seating and other logistics can be found here.

A man and a woman holding dumbbells with a chyron that says "Burton Family Valrico, FL."

Audra and Rodney Burton. Photo: Courtesy of ABC/Freemantle

A front yard and home shown at night decked out in red, white and green Christmas lights along with several water fountains spraying high into the air.

The family added fountains last year. Photo: Courtesy of ABC/Freemantle

Tampa Bay's shot at Christmas lights royalty

Audra and Rodney Burton will compete on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight.

The Burton family light display at 2014 Sydney Road in Valrico. Photo: Courtesy of ABC/Freemantle

Audra and Rodney Burton <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like to say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/Burtonfamilylightshow/posts/pfbid027X2N9dFTwXGtM8cKFiirhzL8qttPycA3WyEvJAUzALQqM3jT6wKVgwP15gwgMvbnl" data-vars-content-id="09861caa-7848-4d9a-8ff6-755447828148" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s shot at Christmas lights royalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/Burtonfamilylightshow/posts/pfbid027X2N9dFTwXGtM8cKFiirhzL8qttPycA3WyEvJAUzALQqM3jT6wKVgwP15gwgMvbnl" target="_blank">like to say</a> they &quot;Christmas harder than you.&quot; On Sunday, they&#x27;ll have a chance at proving that — and winning $50,000.Driving the news: The Valrico family will compete against three other families on the 11th season of ABC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Great Christmas Light Fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatChristmasLightFight/" data-vars-content-id="09861caa-7848-4d9a-8ff6-755447828148" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay&#x27;s shot at Christmas lights royalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatChristmasLightFight/" target="_blank">The Great Christmas Light Fight</a>. It airs Friday at 10pm on ABC or via streaming the next day on Hulu.

News

Axios Tampa Bay, anchored by Ben Montgomery and Selene San Felice, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Tampa Bay's 2024 concert lineup is beginning to take shape. 

Driving the news: The Red Hot Chili Peppers is the latest band to announce a tour date in Tampa, joining a stacked calendar that includes stops by three of Tampa's top Spotify artists of the year and the Queen of Pop.

Here's a (very not exhaustive) roundup of concerts coming our way next year:

Winter Jam '24, with artists including Crowder, Lecrae and Katy Nichole. Jan. 13, Yuengling Center

MLK Bash, with artists including Jeezy, Boosie and Real Boston Richey. Jan. 14, Yuengling Center

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Jan. 20, St. Pete Pier

Of note: This show is part of the Rise Up St. Pete Concert Series, which kicks off Saturday with Cavetown.

Kansas 50th Anniversary tour. Jan. 20, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Bowling for Soup, with Lit. Jan. 28, Jannus Live

Drake and J. Cole, "It's All a Blur" tour. Feb. 2 and 4, Amalie Arena

Tinashe "BB/ANG3L" tour. Feb. 2, The RITZ Ybor

Willie Nelson & Family. Feb. 10, The Sound

Destin Conrad "Submissive" tour. Feb. 13, Jannus Live

Billy Joel and Sting. Feb. 24, Raymond James Stadium

Paul Anka "Seven Decades" tour. March 8, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull "The Trilogy" tour. March 10, Amalie Arena

The Temptations and The Four Tops. March 11, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Tim McGraw "Standing Room Only" tour. March 15, Amalie Arena

Less Than Jake "Return to Rockview" tour. March 15, Jannus Live

Cole Swindell. March 23, Valspar LIVE at Innisbrook Resort

Madonna "The Celebration" tour. April 4, Amalie Arena

Peekaboo "Eyes Wide Open" tour. April 12, Jannus Live

Kenney Chesney "Sun Goes Down" tour, with Zac Brown Band. April 20, Raymond James Stadium

Gloria Trevi, with MAR Solis. April 20, Amalie Arena

Johnny Mathis "Voice of Romance" tour. April 25, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Mariah the Scientist. April 27, Jannus Live

98ROCKFEST, with headliner Staind. April 19, Amalie Arena

AJR "The Maybe Man" tour. May 9, Amalie Arena

Queensrÿche "The Origins" tour. May 9, Jannus Live

Hozier "Unreal Unearth" tour. May 11, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Amon Amarth "Metal Crushes All" tour. May 18, Yuengling Center

Bad Bunny "Most Wanted" tour. May 21, Amalie Arena

Madison Beer "The Spinnin" tour. May 22, Jannus Live

Of note: This show is already sold out, per NF's website.

Niall Horan. May 31, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Kane Brown "In The Air" tour. May 31 and June 1, Amalie Arena

Tyler Childers "Mule Pull '24" tour. June 5, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Melanie Martinez "The Trilogy" tour. June 18, Amalie Arena

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Unlimited Love" tour, with Ice Cube and IRONTOM. June 21, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Alanis Morisette "The Triple Moon" tour, with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade. June 19, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Morgan Wallen "One Night At A Time" tour. July 11 and 12. Raymond James Stadium

Zach Bryan "The Quittin Time" tour, with Jason Isbell. Aug. 14, Raymond James Stadium

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire "Heart & Soul" tour. Aug. 16, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Thirty Seconds To Mars Seasons World Tour. Aug. 24, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Creed "Summer of '99" tour. Sept. 20, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Hootie & the Blowfish "Summer Camp with Trucks" tour. Sept. 26, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Tampa Bay 2024 concert guide: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morgan Wallen and more

The Red Hot Chili Peppers is the latest band to announce a tour date in Tampa.

A man in a white mesh T-shirt smiles at a man in a lime-green beanie jumping up from a stage backlit by red lights. A drum kit with "LA" on the  kick drum is partially seen on the right.

Anthony Kiedis. left, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform in 2023. Photo: Gotham/WireImage via Getty Images

Tampa Bay&#x27;s 2024 concert lineup is beginning to take shape. Driving the news: The Red Hot Chili Peppers is the latest band to announce a tour date in Tampa, joining a stacked calendar that includes stops by three of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa&#x27;s top Spotify artists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/12/01/spotify-wrapped-florida-taylor-swift-streaming" data-vars-content-id="0bf3b609-b6e1-47b7-a5ae-ec4493062e35" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay 2024 concert guide: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morgan Wallen and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/12/01/spotify-wrapped-florida-taylor-swift-streaming" target="_self">Tampa&#x27;s top Spotify artists</a> of the year and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Queen of Pop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.madonna.com/tour" data-vars-content-id="0bf3b609-b6e1-47b7-a5ae-ec4493062e35" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay 2024 concert guide: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morgan Wallen and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.madonna.com/tour" target="_blank">Queen of Pop</a>.Here&#x27;s a (very not exhaustive) roundup of concerts coming our way next year:

👋 Selene here! If you're looking for last-minute gift inspiration, I've got you covered (literally).

The problem:  I tend to fall asleep with my phone, glasses, books and remotes next to me at night, like stuffed animals. And then I wake up when these items inevitably hit the ground.

Why? I have tiny bedside tables, and I'm usually too lazy to reach over and put my stuff on them before I pass out.

The answer: Pockets. There's nothing more exciting than when something has pockets. And these super soft sheets have big ones on each side. 

Are they inches away from my bedside table?  Yes. Am I much more motivated to put my things in them so I can gush at how cute the pockets are? Also yes.

The bottom line: Sheets don't usually seem like a thoughtful gift, but you probably know someone like me. And they will thank you.

Last year I recommended some of the best things I bought in 2022. 

Editor's note: This story will be updated with more items throughout the week.

The best things Axios Tampa Bay reporters bought in 2023

Gift ideas you can still grab this holiday season.

Sheets with pockets holding a remote and headband headphones

Hey, isn't that the bluetooth headband from last year? Photo: Selene San Felice/Axios

👋 Selene here! If you&#x27;re looking for last-minute gift inspiration, I&#x27;ve got you covered (literally).The problem: I tend to fall asleep with my phone, glasses, books and remotes next to me at night, like stuffed animals. And then I wake up when these items inevitably hit the ground.<ul><li>Why? I have tiny bedside tables, and I&#x27;m usually too lazy to reach over and put my stuff on them before I pass out.</li></ul>The answer: Pockets. There&#x27;s nothing more exciting than when something has pockets. And <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="these super soft sheets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R14LY9V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;th=1" data-vars-content-id="78c765a3-b75a-40c8-9a2d-206819187c09" data-vars-headline="The best things Axios Tampa Bay reporters bought in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R14LY9V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;th=1" target="_blank">these super soft sheets</a> have big ones on each side. <ul><li>Are they inches away from my bedside table? Yes. Am I much more motivated to put my things in them so I can gush at how cute the pockets are? Also yes.</li></ul>The bottom line: Sheets don&#x27;t usually seem like a thoughtful gift, but you probably know someone like me. And they will thank you.Last year I recommended some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best things I bought in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/12/01/best-gift-ideas-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="78c765a3-b75a-40c8-9a2d-206819187c09" data-vars-headline="The best things Axios Tampa Bay reporters bought in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/12/01/best-gift-ideas-tampa-bay" target="_self">best things I bought in 2022</a>. Editor&#x27;s note: This story will be updated with more items throughout the week.

Things to Do

The start date for a ferry service linking Bradenton with Anna Maria Island has been delayed. 

What's happening: The service was projected to open to the public on Saturday, but officials are still waiting on regulatory approvals, Bradenton Gulf Islands spokesperson Kolby Gayson told Axios.

A new projected start date was not available Thursday. "Once we receive final approvals from the outside agencies we'll be able to set a new start date," Gayson said.

Catch up fast: The Gulf Islands Ferry service has been a long time coming for Manatee County. Officials touted the service as another option to get to the beach rather than waiting in traffic on bridges.

The two roughly 50-passenger catamarans will make stops at three locations: the dry docks along the Bradenton Riverwalk, the Anna Maria Island City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier.

One-way tickets were slated to cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for children aged 3-11 and free for children under 3.

Yes, but: During the delay, officials will rework ticket options to include a round-trip ticket and lower pricing based on "consumer research and interest," Gayson said.

The bottom line: Stay tuned for a new start date.

ferry service linking Bradenton with Anna Maria Island

Bradenton-Anna Maria Island ferry start date delayed

A new projected start date was not available Thursday.

A catamaran that says "Gulf Island Ferry" on the side cuts through the water.

One of two Gulf Islands Ferry boats. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios

The start date for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferry service linking Bradenton with Anna Maria Island" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/21/bradenton-anna-maria-gulf-islands-ferry" data-vars-content-id="c00797b4-c2b4-4003-a6f3-12b5b643c39d" data-vars-headline="Bradenton-Anna Maria Island ferry start date delayed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/11/21/bradenton-anna-maria-gulf-islands-ferry" target="_self">ferry service linking Bradenton with Anna Maria Island</a> has been delayed. What&#x27;s happening: The service was projected to open to the public on Saturday, but officials are still waiting on regulatory approvals, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bradenton Gulf Islands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/" data-vars-content-id="c00797b4-c2b4-4003-a6f3-12b5b643c39d" data-vars-headline="Bradenton-Anna Maria Island ferry start date delayed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/" target="_blank">Bradenton Gulf Islands</a> spokesperson Kolby Gayson told Axios.

Dairy Inn has mysteriously disappeared. But the beloved St. Pete soft serve shop may not be gone for good. 

What's happening: The stand shut down last week, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Why it matters: The shop was an institution, operating off of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Street N for three-quarters of a century.

For our Tampa readers, Dairy Inn was St. Pete's version of Dairy Joy or Bo's, giving off that nostalgic, slightly sticky vibe that only a neighborhood ice cream shop can.

Flashback: Over its 76-year history, Dairy Inn was known for its house-made root beer and three-for-$1.25 hot dog specials, according to newspaper archives. Some years, the shop hosted hot dog-eating contests, with 2007's contest raising money for a local toddler injured in an accident.

Yes, but: There's still hope. The shop's Instagram bio reads: "Relocating. Look forward to updates." Another post on Dec. 1 reads: "Keep Calm and Stay Tuned."

💭 Our thought bubble: That's easier said than done. Selene and Kathryn can't imagine life without Dairy Inn's layered sundaes, the ultimate comfort treat.

Kathryn's go-to order was the Reese's layered sundae, an actual stack of ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate sauce layers mixed with an approximate ton of crushed peanut butter cups that put Cold Stone to shame.

The shop is the only place that takes Selene's combined love of cake and soft serve seriously. She'd have savored the green icing of the birthday cake sundae she got last week if she'd known it could be her last.

The bottom line: We take our neighborhood ice cream stands for granted. They're a thoughtless detour on the way home or a spontaneous outing —until they hit hard times. 

Dairy Inn, beloved St. Pete ice cream shop, has closed

The shop was an institution, operating for three-quarters of a century.

An empty building surrounded by concrete and remnants of picnic tables.

The building that once housed Dairy Inn was gutted of equipment Monday afternoon. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios

Dairy Inn has mysteriously disappeared. But the beloved St. Pete soft serve shop may not be gone for good. What&#x27;s happening: The stand shut down last week, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2023/11/30/dairy-inn-st-petersburg-ice-cream-soft-serve-hot-dogs-crescent-lake/" data-vars-content-id="cf2f9bd6-599f-48bc-a8ff-ea1f79e03fd8" data-vars-headline="Dairy Inn, beloved St. Pete ice cream shop, has closed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2023/11/30/dairy-inn-st-petersburg-ice-cream-soft-serve-hot-dogs-crescent-lake/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Times</a>.Why it matters: The shop was an institution, operating off of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Street N for three-quarters of a century.

Food and Drink

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Kathryn Varn

Featured stories

The best things Axios Tampa Bay reporters bought in 2023

Tampa Bay's shot at Christmas lights royalty

Bradenton-Anna Maria Island ferry start date delayed

Tampa Bay 2024 concert guide: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Morgan Wallen and more

Dairy Inn, beloved St. Pete ice cream shop, has closed