Tampa Bay, Florida is home to the "Pirate Invasion", an annual event that celebrates pirate folklore and history. What is the name of the gasparilla parade held during this event?

The Brandon Parade of Lights and the Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade are happening in the Tampa Bay area this week.

Families can watch these festive events from the comfort of their homes by downloading the 10 Tampa Bay+ app on Roku, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV.

The Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade will be streamed live on Friday, December 12, while the Brandon Parade of Lights will be streamed on Saturday, December 13.

Both parades feature glowing boats and festive floats, providing a fun way to celebrate the holiday season.

Tampa International Airport is undergoing major upgrades to improve both passenger experience and operational capacity.

 

A new 20,000-square-foot security checkpoint at Airside E, launched in March 2025, features seven lanes with advanced technology that lets travelers keep electronics in their bags. This addition aims to ease wait times, especially during busy seasons like spring break.

 

Construction began in December 2024 on Airside D, a $1.5 billion expansion set to open in 2028.

 

This modern terminal will include 16 gates for both domestic and international flights, increasing TPA’s capacity to serve up to 35 million passengers annually by 2037.

 

However, a government shutdown in November 2025 forced a 10% cut in flights at TPA, causing significant delays for holiday travelers.

 

"Phoebe the Flamingo," a vibrant 21-foot sculpture installed in 2022, continues to greet visitors as an iconic local landmark.

Columbia Restaurant has been a cherished part of the Tampa Bay community since 1905. As Florida's oldest restaurant, this landmark in historic Ybor City invites your family to experience its celebrated Spanish and Cuban cuisine.

 

Enjoy world-famous dishes like the original "1905" Salad®, prepared tableside, or the classic Paella "a la Valenciana." For five generations, the Hernandez Gonzmart family has created an atmosphere of warmth and tradition. This spotlight is presented by Columbia Restaurant.

 

With 15 distinct dining rooms, each telling a piece of the restaurant's incredible story, a meal here is more than just dinner—it's a true taste of Florida history. Explore the menu and book your table to experience this local treasure.

Ken Babby, newly appointed CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, has announced the team’s active search for a future stadium site in the Tampa Bay area.

 

Speaking from the MLB winter meetings in Orlando, Babby emphasized hope for a public-private partnership, aiming for a new stadium by 2029.

 

The Rays are committed to Tropicana Field through 2028, though Hurricane Milton’s roof damage forced a temporary move for 2025.

 

Plans center on Tampa, with discussions about the Hillsborough Community College campus, Ybor City, Rocky Point, and the Florida State Fairgrounds.

 

The Rays exited a $1.3 billion St. Petersburg project in March 2025, citing storm damage and rising costs.

 

Meanwhile, the team will play at George M. Steinbrenner Field in 2025, as St. Petersburg invests $22.5 million to repair Tropicana Field’s roof.

 

The Rays remain focused on a mixed-use stadium development, working closely with local leaders to shape Tampa Bay’s baseball future.

Q&A Questions

Q: What are some popular attractions in Tampa Bay?

A: Busch Gardens, Raymond James Stadium, and Clearwater Beach are popular attractions in Tampa Bay.

Q: When is the best time to visit Tampa Bay?

A: The best time to visit Tampa Bay is during the winter months when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

Q: What are some must-try dishes in Tampa Bay?

A: Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie, and grouper sandwiches are some must-try dishes in Tampa Bay.

The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates