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

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Selene San Felice.

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A first look at new Bradenton-Anna Maria Island ferry service

Kathryn rides along on the new Gulf Islands Ferry service.

News

Inside New College of Florida's $400 million transformation plan

It calls for more student housing, expanded athletics and new academic programs.

Florida's no longer nation's best place to retire

Just three Florida cities cracked the U.S. News & World Report top 20.

From pickleball to the pool: New senior living spot offers luxury

Active adult communities are appealing to Tampa Bay boomers with resort-like amenities.

Real Estate

Take the weekly Axios Tampa Bay news quiz!

Test your knowledge of stories from Axios Tampa Bay newsletters.

Things to Do

Try your hand at our weekly news quiz!Why it matters: Email us a screenshot of your perfect score to tampa@axios.com and you&#x27;ll be entered into a drawing to win some sweet Axios swag.<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/a41e5d91-4f51-4838-8d0e-2c3331ac5bd8/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="a41e5d91-4f51-4838-8d0e-2c3331ac5bd8" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="a41e5d91-4f51-4838-8d0e-2c3331ac5bd8" data-vars-content-id="b45e1264-e649-421b-8577-b8f682b0bf45" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

Tampa Bay weekend events: Ruskin Seafood Festival, Holiday Boat Parade

Check out the Ruskin Seafood Festival, the Holiday Boat Parade and more.

This weekend in Tampa Bay, eat seafood, shop for gifts and watch the Holiday Boat Parade.

10 Tampa Bay holiday markets to ring in December

It's officially holiday market season in Tampa Bay.

It&#x27;s officially holiday market season in Tampa Bay.Why it matters: We can&#x27;t say it better than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our friends at Axios D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/30/holiday-markets-christmas-gifts?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_dc&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="2f093253-303f-4712-9810-2cbbfe4af968" data-vars-headline="10 Tampa Bay holiday markets to ring in December" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/30/holiday-markets-christmas-gifts?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_dc&amp;stream=top" target="_self">our friends at Axios D.C.</a>: &quot;Christmas markets are the antithesis of stressful online shopping — local, social, and filled with warm drinks and pretty lights.&quot;

Your guide to shopping local in Tampa Bay

Our curated guide to buying local for everyone in your life this holiday season.

Business

Here&#x27;s our curated guide to buying local for everyone in your life this holiday season.🧦 Stocking stuffers: Stickers from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moonlight Sticker Co" data-vars-click-url="https://moonlightstickerco.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d5c08ad-28c2-480c-ad35-24e7ba135a4c" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://moonlightstickerco.com/" target="_blank">Moonlight Sticker Co</a>., local artwork and goods from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucid Vending" data-vars-click-url="https://lucidvending.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d5c08ad-28c2-480c-ad35-24e7ba135a4c" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lucidvending.com/" target="_blank">Lucid Vending</a> machine, essential oil rollers from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GURU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.etsy.com/shop/guruessentialoils" data-vars-content-id="4d5c08ad-28c2-480c-ad35-24e7ba135a4c" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/guruessentialoils" target="_blank">GURU</a>, and quirky earrings from the extensive collection at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ARTpool" data-vars-click-url="http://www.artpoolrules.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d5c08ad-28c2-480c-ad35-24e7ba135a4c" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.artpoolrules.com/" target="_blank">ARTpool</a>.

Animated illustration of a hand carrying a shopping bag, which then turns into many shopping bags

Tampa Bay Thanksgiving events happening this weekend

Check out a dog turkey trot and a cookie decorating class.

This weekend in Tampa Bay, check out a Friendsgiving potluck, a sled dog turkey trot, a seafood festival and more.

Illustration of a turkey that changes into a heart icon.

Where to trot for your turkey in Tampa Bay

Here's where you can get moving before the big meal this Thanksgiving.

Thousands of people will trot around Tampa Bay on Nov. 23. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s where you can get moving before the big meal this Thanksgiving:</li></ul>

Illustration of a the bottom half of a turkey in running shoes

Tampa Bay weekend events: Heroes and Headliners, Craft Beer Festival

Check out a Veterans Day concert and a wings and waffle event.

This weekend in Tampa Bay, check out a Veterans Day concert, a wings and waffle event at the Air Museum, and a stone crab and music festival in Cortez.

Illustration of an American flag printed on an admit one ticket. 

Game Over brings its escape rooms to Clearwater

The new location includes scenarios based on a "nightmare" hotel and the Orient Express.

Spooky season is over. Haunted houses will disappear in the coming days if they haven&#x27;t already. <ul><li>But that&#x27;s OK. Axios&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escape room aficionado" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/09/unlock-thrills-escapology-tampa-escape-rooms" data-vars-content-id="e9934482-4a17-4987-acac-098d94e3a003" data-vars-headline="Game Over brings its escape rooms to Clearwater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/09/unlock-thrills-escapology-tampa-escape-rooms" target="_self">escape room aficionado</a> is here to help. </li></ul>

Yacob and his girlfriend, Maya, reading a fictional newspaper at Game Over Clearwater.

Tampa Bay women's soccer team unveils name, logo, colors

With the branding, stadium location and coach set, the team is closer to its inaugural season kickoff.

Welcome to the roster, Tampa Bay Sun Football Club.What&#x27;s happening: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and leaders of the region&#x27;s new women&#x27;s soccer team on Saturday unveiled the club&#x27;s name, crest and colors at a community event in Ybor City.

A display board with a blue-and-yellow design of a sun circled by the words "Tampa Bay Sun Football Club." The sign is flaked on either side by three people, all smiling and clapping.

What to do and eat in Largo, Florida

The city features humming businesses and its crown jewel, Largo Central Park.

For years, the city of Largo has worked to breathe life into its downtown district along West Bay Drive. On a recent afternoon, it appeared that effort had started to materialize.<ul><li>The metal framework of a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Hall and retail complex" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownlargo.com/projects/horizonwestbay.php" data-vars-content-id="412ce60f-51c7-4d2b-a402-67333abc64bb" data-vars-headline="What to do and eat in Largo, Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownlargo.com/projects/horizonwestbay.php" target="_blank">City Hall and retail complex</a> towered over the road, just across the street from a half-finished <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strip of townhomes that have already sold out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tbnweekly.com/largo_leader/article_36c3d502-19ca-11ee-9e75-2b9a64874af7.html" data-vars-content-id="412ce60f-51c7-4d2b-a402-67333abc64bb" data-vars-headline="What to do and eat in Largo, Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tbnweekly.com/largo_leader/article_36c3d502-19ca-11ee-9e75-2b9a64874af7.html" target="_blank">strip of townhomes that have already sold out</a>. More than 300 more apartments and townhomes are planned.</li><li>A sign marked the district on the southwest corner of West Bay and Seminole Boulevard, between humming businesses and the city&#x27;s crown jewel, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Largo Central Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.largo.com/facility_detail_T64_R49.php" data-vars-content-id="412ce60f-51c7-4d2b-a402-67333abc64bb" data-vars-headline="What to do and eat in Largo, Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.largo.com/facility_detail_T64_R49.php" target="_blank">Largo Central Park</a>.</li></ul>I spent the day in Tampa Bay&#x27;s fourth-largest city of about 84,000 people to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue our series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" data-vars-content-id="412ce60f-51c7-4d2b-a402-67333abc64bb" data-vars-headline="What to do and eat in Largo, Florida" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/10/01/dunedin-things-to-do-eat-drink-bars" target="_self">continue our series</a> exploring the region&#x27;s lesser-known enclaves.

A sign in silver lettering that reads "LARGO." To the right, a flag that reads "DOWNTOWN LARGO" hangs on a light pole. 

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

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