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A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

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3-minute voting guide: Hillsborough's midterm election

Here's a look at key races on the ballot.

Politics

Hillsborough County has already begun sending vote-by-mail ballots for the midterm election.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a look at key races on the ballot. Early voting runs from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1.</li></ul>

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a "Chief Vibes Officer." We have a few more ideas

Living where you vacation isn't all sunsets and Michelin stars.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" data-vars-content-id="3351f766-fb7d-4b1b-abf2-c337f31ab30c" data-vars-headline="Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is hiring a &quot;Chief Vibes Officer.&quot; We have a few more ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/07/13/727-day-is-back-with-tons-of-st-pete-pinellas-specials" target="_self">Visit St. Pete-Clearwater</a> leaders announced last week they were recruiting three positions with dream-job titles.State of play: The Chief Vibes Officer, Chief Flavor Explorer and Chief Sunset Curator will help draw attention to Pinellas&#x27; assets beyond the world-famous beaches, per a news release.

Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay more

All eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

Tampa Bay&#x27;s largest cities and counties either lowered or maintained property tax rates, but homeowners could still see higher tax bills due to rising property values.Why it matters: Between Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising cost of living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay 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/2026/06/10/florida-pinellas-cost-of-living-alice-2024" target="_self">rising cost of living</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay 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/2025/10/07/desantis-doge-property-taxes" target="_self">state</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/23/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay 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/2026/06/23/hillsborough-doge-targets-county-health-care-plan" target="_self">local</a> inquiries into city and county spending, and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential property tax overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay 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/2026/06/02/florida-puts-property-tax-overhaul-on-ballot-as-local-officials-sound-alarm" target="_self">potential property tax overhaul</a> on the horizon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="due to Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="73186661-89ff-4450-af0d-d6dda882700e" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tax rates hold or decrease, but homeowners may still pay 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/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">due to Amendment 3</a>, all eyes are on local coffers and the elected officials who control them.

Tampa City Council considers new checks on mayor's power

Tampa's long-running City Hall power struggle may spill onto the March 2 ballot.

Tampa&#x27;s long-running City Hall power struggle may spill onto the March 2 ballot.Why it matters: Voters could soon decide whether to give the City Council more power to rein in the mayor, including the ability to override executive orders and oust mayoral appointees.

A "toddler rave" is coming to Tampa Bay

DJ Lenny Pearce is coming to St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater on Nov. 12.

Picture this: A concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats — and tiny hands in the air.<ul><li>That&#x27;s a &quot;Toddler Rave,&quot; and it&#x27;s Australian DJ Lenny Pearce&#x27;s show about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tour the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="83a68cb1-b61e-4bfb-ba27-e764331808ca" data-vars-headline="A &quot;toddler rave&quot; is coming to Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" target="_blank">tour the country</a>.</li></ul>

Your guide to fall events around Tampa Bay

Along with the subtle cool in the air comes a lineup of events to help you lean into the season.

Things to Do

Fall is finally here.<ul><li>And along with the subtle cool in the air comes a lineup of events to help you lean into the season.</li></ul>

How to celebrate Tampa Theatre's 100th birthday

A weeklong slate of events offer residents and fans a chance to see the results of a $30-million renovation.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/tampa-theatre-30-million-restoration-second-century-campaign" data-vars-content-id="7711e253-ce13-482e-be2b-f5243b754583" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Tampa Theatre&#x27;s 100th birthday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/tampa-theatre-30-million-restoration-second-century-campaign" target="_self">Tampa Theatre</a> is set to reopen next month, just in time for its 100th birthday.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weeklong slate of events" data-vars-click-url="https://tampatheatre.org/movie-categories/centennialcelebrations/" data-vars-content-id="7711e253-ce13-482e-be2b-f5243b754583" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Tampa Theatre&#x27;s 100th birthday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampatheatre.org/movie-categories/centennialcelebrations/" target="_blank">weeklong slate of events</a> offer residents and fans a chance to see the results of a $30-million renovation, including the restoration of the Historic Duncan Auditorium <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and its famous starry night sky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/tampa-theatre-30-million-restoration-second-century-campaign" data-vars-content-id="7711e253-ce13-482e-be2b-f5243b754583" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Tampa Theatre&#x27;s 100th birthday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/14/tampa-theatre-30-million-restoration-second-century-campaign" target="_self">and its famous starry night sky</a>.

Florida Orchestra poised to take over St. Pete's Mahaffey Theater

Live Nation, Vinik Sports Group and others also pitched the city on taking over the theater.

News

The Florida Orchestra is on track to become the next operator of St. Petersburg&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mahaffey Theater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" data-vars-content-id="7a332d5b-6839-4b22-9242-4de96c9a4863" data-vars-headline="Florida Orchestra poised to take over St. Pete&#x27;s Mahaffey Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" target="_self">Mahaffey Theater</a>. Why it matters: The arrangement would give the orchestra a home base, resolving concerns over the future of the cultural institution.<ul><li>But it also skips <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a second round of bidding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" data-vars-content-id="7a332d5b-6839-4b22-9242-4de96c9a4863" data-vars-headline="Florida Orchestra poised to take over St. Pete&#x27;s Mahaffey Theater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/05/01/st-pete-mahaffey-theater-bid-rejected-new-rfp" target="_self">a second round of bidding</a> despite interest from entertainment players including Vinik Sports Group, Live Nation and Ruth Eckerd Hall.</li></ul>

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Tampa Bay

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway through Oct. 15, and there are tons of ways to celebrate in Tampa Bay.📆 Go to an event: Here&#x27;s some of the lineup from across the bay.

St. Pete's Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off its new life as a city-owned and operated event venue.

A century-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Petersburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/15/st-pete-free-museum-day-weekend-events" data-vars-content-id="8e5f2b93-4aaa-4eec-bf83-b4886ba27073" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/15/st-pete-free-museum-day-weekend-events" target="_self">St. Petersburg</a> landmark is set to reopen this weekend.Why it matters: After four years of renovations, a public ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow will kick off a new life for the Historic Manhattan Casino as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-owned and operated event venue" data-vars-click-url="https://historicmanhattancasino.com/" data-vars-content-id="8e5f2b93-4aaa-4eec-bf83-b4886ba27073" data-vars-headline="St. Pete&#x27;s Historic Manhattan Casino to reopen after renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicmanhattancasino.com/" target="_blank">city-owned and operated event venue</a>.

Report: TPA ranks No. 1 in passenger satisfaction

Passengers found the airport to be "stress-free."

Have you ever landed at another airport after flying out of Tampa International, navigated a maze of signs and shuttles to find baggage claim, and thought, &quot;Wow, we&#x27;re spoiled?&quot;<ul><li>Well, you&#x27;re not alone, and you&#x27;re not wrong.</li></ul>The big picture: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study/" data-vars-content-id="ab2860c8-0131-4c23-8860-d7f62d78a05b" data-vars-headline="Report: TPA ranks No. 1 in passenger satisfaction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study/" target="_blank">new report</a> from J.D. Power, a market research company, ranked TPA highest among large airports in North America for passenger satisfaction.

"Come From Away" opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary

Eight O'Clock Theatre's 12 volunteer actors will put on the show about kindness and resilience in the wake of 9/11.

Twenty-five years ago next Friday, 38 transatlantic flights diverted from U.S. airspace in the wake of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9/11" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/911-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-trial-2028" data-vars-content-id="56a4a9cd-7a70-48d2-b76b-8aeaba0a8fcb" data-vars-headline="&quot;Come From Away&quot; opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/27/911-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-trial-2028" target="_self">9/11</a> landed in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland.<ul><li>And so begins the true story behind the Broadway stage musical &quot;Come From Away,&quot; which opens this Friday at Largo&#x27;s Eight O&#x27;Clock Theatre.</li></ul>Why it matters: As the anniversary of the terrorist attacks approaches, the musical offers a story showing &quot;that the best of humanity can overcome the worst,&quot; cast member Rand Smith <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told Fox 13" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox13news.com/news/come-from-away-focuses-community-after-9-11" data-vars-content-id="56a4a9cd-7a70-48d2-b76b-8aeaba0a8fcb" data-vars-headline="&quot;Come From Away&quot; opens in Largo ahead of 9/11 anniversary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/come-from-away-focuses-community-after-9-11" target="_blank">told Fox 13</a>.

Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend

Yemeni-American cafe chains have percolated across the country.

Food and Drink

Move over, pumpkin spice latte. The hottest new coffee trend comes from Yemen.The buzz: In recent years, Yemeni-American cafe chains — like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qamaria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.qamariacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Qamaria</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arwa" data-vars-click-url="https://arwacoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arwacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Arwa</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Haraz Coffee House" data-vars-click-url="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" data-vars-content-id="7c7e66b3-813f-4e01-ae78-20426e343f6c" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay gets in on Yemeni cafe trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://harazcoffeehouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorAPHjJ676lGpVjllchwZX3uUiyQQ1lzdtBZEwzF4rjdkF__SEF" target="_blank">Haraz Coffee House</a>, which have all opened locations in Tampa Bay over the last year and a half — have percolated across the country.<ul><li>Last year, the number of shops increased by 50%, making them the fastest-growing coffee sector in the nation, according to Technomic, which listed three Yemeni chains in a recent &quot;Future 50 Growth List.&quot;</li></ul>