Exterior of The Heights Drive-Thru featuring its green double-sided gator sign.

Food & Drink

Heights Drive-Thru in Tampa celebrates its anniversary with free soft serve this weekend

Saturday’s anniversary bash is, of course, a drive-thru party.

by Selene San Felice June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

A medium-shot, indoor candid photograph of two attendees enjoying hors d'oeuvres at the 'Meet the Chefs' event at The Vault in Tampa, Florida. On the left, a person with shoulder-length dark hair is wearing a deep magenta, long-sleeved wrap dress and holding a small black plate of food; they have a silver clutch bag draped over their arm. On the right, a person with long, dark wavy hair is wearing a colorful, sleeveless, floral-print dress with a low neckline and a small, bright pink handbag over their shoulder. Behind them, in the softly focused background, another guest is visible standing near a bar-height counter, and a stylized, dark-colored wall sculpture of a climbing figure is mounted on the light-colored wall.

Food & Drink

It’s Tampa Bay Restaurant Month, and two Meet The Chefs events are coming to both sides of the Bay

Some of the area’s best cooks, chefs and culinarians will meet you at the Birchwood and The Vault this month.

by Ray Roa June 10, 2026June 11, 2026

A medium-shot portrait of Chef Yanick Destine. They are looking directly at the camera with a calm, confident expression. They have dark hair styled in an updo, secured with a prominent pearl-headed pin, and are wearing large, thick-rimmed tortoiseshell glasses. The subject is dressed in a smooth, lavender-colored satin button-down shirt. The portrait is set against a deep, textured, dark-red background, with warm, soft lighting highlighting the subject's features and creating subtle shadows.

Food & Drink

All the Tampa Bay food scene stars coming to Meet The Chefs on June 18 & 25

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay hosts events at The Birchwood and The Vault this month.

by Leigh Wilson June 10, 2026June 12, 2026

Food & Drink

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s big, air-conditioned beer festival returns this summer

Bolts Brew Fest comes to Benchmark International Arena in July.

by Ray Roa June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Urban farmer and florist stars in ‘Flower Lady,’ topping Tampa Fringe 2026 shows

Tampa Fringe Festival takes over Kress Contemporary and The Commodore in Ybor City all month.

by CL Staff June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

A wide-angle, eye-level photograph of a press conference at Tampa Police Headquarters in Tampa, Florida. From left to right: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Police Chief Lee Bercaw, and Assistant Police Chief Brett Owen. Mayor Castor is wearing a dark blazer over a light-colored top. Chief Bercaw stands at the center podium, wearing a dark police uniform, and is speaking into a microphone. Assistant Chief Owen stands to the right, also in a dark police uniform. Behind the subjects, a large, ornate Tampa Police Department seal is mounted on the wall, flanked by an American flag on the left and the Florida state flag on the right.

News & Views

Tampa Police chief Lee Bercaw to retire, Mayor Jane Castor says her successor will pick his

Asst. Chief Brett Owen will serve as acting chief, and Bercaw’s last day is Aug. 6.

by Ray Roa June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

Photos: Red Bull cliff diving makes Florida debut in St. Pete contest

American athletes took first place as a bunch of crazies jumped into the North Yacht Basin.

by Ray Roa June 8, 2026June 9, 2026

Daniel Caesar posing in a black jacket and jeans.

Music

Daniel Caesar brings first headline arena tour to Tampa next month

Faye Webster opens the ‘Son of Spergy’ tour at Benchmark on July 23.

by Alisha Durosier June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

A medium-shot portrait of Mikey Brinkmann standing outside the Emerald Bar in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brinkmann is smiling at the camera, wearing a gray baseball cap, glasses, and a light-colored, short-sleeved button-down shirt featuring a blue octopus print. Behind them, the bar's entrance is visible, characterized by a distinctive, rough-hewn stone facade. Above the doorway, a horizontal sign with a shamrock icon reads 'EMERALD' on the left and 'COCKTAILS' on the right in black lettering.

Food & Drink

After 18 years at St. Pete’s Emerald Bar, it’s last call for Mikey Brinkmann

The beloved bartender’s last day at the Central Avenue institution is June 17.

by Jourdan Ducat June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

A photo of Brandt Robinson next to a photo of Jeff Kinney with his Wimpy Kid character in the background

News & Views

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ author campaigns for Pinellas Democrat in St. Pete this month

Kinney endorsed Robinson in the congressional primary happening Aug. 18.

by Liam Oliver June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A wide-shot, stage-performance photograph of the touring production of 'Beetlejuice.' From left to right, David Wilson as Adam and Kaitlin Feely as Barbara are seated on the left, looking toward the center. In the center, Leianna Weaver as Lydia stands wearing a black dress, and to their right, Ryan Stajmiger as Beetlejuice stands atop a dining table wearing their iconic striped suit, gesturing with both arms outstretched. The scene is illuminated in high-contrast blue and lime-green theatrical lighting, with atmospheric smoke filling the space of the stylized, dark-toned interior set.

Arts & Entertainment

Broadway’s ‘Beetlejuice’ musical returns to Tampa this month

The Eight-time Tony Award nominated musical makes its comeback featuring a unique take of the 1980’s cult classic film.

by Leif Helland June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

American diver Kaylea Arnett performing a tuck-position dive from a 21-meter platform cantilevered off the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Below, a massive crowd watches from the pier and spectator boats in the harbor during the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series finale.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Bay’s best things to do this week include Red Bull cliff diving, ‘Love Island’ watch parties and more

Plus, Amy Goodman’s “Democracy Now” screening and “Salud and Happy Days” improv featuring Dave Decker.

by CL Staff June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A medium-shot, eye-level photograph of New Zealand soccer defender Tim Payne captured during a training session. They have short dark hair and are wearing a black, sleeveless athletic training top. They are shown mid-air in a dynamic, athletic pose, striking a soccer ball with the instep of their right foot. The ball is positioned centrally in the frame, directly in front of their chest. The background is a soft, out-of-focus view of green trees and a pale, overcast sky, suggesting an outdoor sports complex.

Arts & Entertainment

Tim Payne, the World Cup’s fastest rising social media star, hits the field in Tampa this weekend

Despite England v. New Zealand’s star power, tickets are not selling for the match on Saturday.

by Liam Oliver June 4, 2026June 5, 2026

Comedian OmgItsWicks holds a flip phone with a perplexed expression against a bright blue sky

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Bay’s best stand up comedy gigs for June 2026

Including Omgitswicks, Godfrey and more.

by Michael Murillo June 4, 2026June 24, 2026

An eye-level exterior photograph of a multi-story, modern mixed-use apartment building in downtown Tampa, Florida, located at 105 W Tyler Street. The ground floor features large, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a storefront entrance currently under construction, with dark-framed panes and visible interior framing. The building's exterior is light-colored concrete with industrial-style balconies above. A black trash receptacle stands on the sidewalk in the foreground, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

Food & Drink

New Mexican restaurant La Victoria opening in downtown Tampa this fall

It’s a block away from another forthcoming Mexican restaurant, Matilde.

by Leif Helland June 4, 2026June 9, 2026

An architectural, low-angle shot of the iconic, bright blue sign of the Beach Theatre in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The vertical portion of the sign prominently displays the word 'THEATRE' in bold, white, capital letters. Beneath it, a horizontal marquee reads 'BEACH' in similar white, block lettering. The sign is set against a soft, pale, overcast sky, with the top of a palm tree visible in the upper-left corner and a dark, traditional-style street lamp visible on the left side of the frame.

Arts & Entertainment

Pulitzer-nominated play about the US Constitution comes to St. Pete Beach this summer

‘What The Constitution Means To Me’ opens just in time for America’s 250th birthday.

by Leif Helland June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A medium-shot, action-oriented photograph of St. Petersburg Opera conductor Mark Sforzini leading an orchestra. They are wearing a formal white button-down shirt with a crisp navy blue vest and a matching bowtie. Their arms are raised, with their left hand holding a baton poised in the air and their right hand gesturing precisely to the ensemble. Their expression is one of intense focus and passion, looking slightly upward and to the right. The background is softly out of focus, revealing the rich, dark wood architecture of a performance venue and theatrical blue stage lighting.

Arts & Entertainment

To close 20th anniversary season, St. Pete Opera stages summer production of ‘La Boheme’

It runs at Palladium Theater from June 5-12.

by Marty Clear June 4, 2026June 5, 2026

Portrait of Tampa Bay songwriter Fessi K wearing a green and tan letterman-style varsity jacket. She has reddish-brown braided hair adorned with butterfly clips and beads, posing outdoors in front of a modern white building and a hilly landscape.

Music

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening June 4-10

Including a bunch of Crowbar concerts, the Sector.FM fundraiser and more.

by Ray Roa, Josh Bradley and J.C. Roddy June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

Studio portrait of singer Kali Uchis looking upward with a dramatic gaze. She is styled with vibrant blue eyeliner, a dark hair updo, and chunky silver jewelry, holding her hands under her chin against a neutral background.

Music

Colombian-American R&B star Kali Uchis brings fempower tour to Tampa this month

The show with Mariah The Scientist and Laila is ‘worth the wait.’

by Josh Bradley June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

A medium-shot portrait of country singer-songwriter Sunny Sweeney. They have long, wavy, blonde hair with bangs framing their face and are smiling warmly while looking slightly off-camera to the right. They are wearing a black leather jacket adorned with prominent metallic studs along the lapels and sleeves. The background is a clean, minimalist, light gray studio backdrop that keeps the focus entirely on the subject.

Music

Country songwriter and Sirius XM DJ Sunny Sweeney brings a ‘Rhinestone Requiem’ to Tampa

Willie’s Roadhouse comes to the Skipperdome on June 11.

by Ray Roa June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

Meet The Chefs - Now in St. Pete & Tampa - Save & Get Your Tickets Now!

Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Heights Drive-Thru in Tampa celebrates its anniversary with free soft serve this weekend

It’s Tampa Bay Restaurant Month, and two Meet The Chefs events are coming to both sides of the Bay

All the Tampa Bay food scene stars coming to Meet The Chefs on June 18 & 25

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s big, air-conditioned beer festival returns this summer

Urban farmer and florist stars in ‘Flower Lady,’ topping Tampa Fringe 2026 shows

Tampa Police chief Lee Bercaw to retire, Mayor Jane Castor says her successor will pick his

Photos: Red Bull cliff diving makes Florida debut in St. Pete contest

Daniel Caesar brings first headline arena tour to Tampa next month

After 18 years at St. Pete’s Emerald Bar, it’s last call for Mikey Brinkmann

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ author campaigns for Pinellas Democrat in St. Pete this month

Broadway’s ‘Beetlejuice’ musical returns to Tampa this month

Tampa Bay’s best things to do this week include Red Bull cliff diving, ‘Love Island’ watch parties and more

Tim Payne, the World Cup’s fastest rising social media star, hits the field in Tampa this weekend

Tampa Bay’s best stand up comedy gigs for June 2026

New Mexican restaurant La Victoria opening in downtown Tampa this fall

Pulitzer-nominated play about the US Constitution comes to St. Pete Beach this summer

To close 20th anniversary season, St. Pete Opera stages summer production of ‘La Boheme’

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening June 4-10

Colombian-American R&B star Kali Uchis brings fempower tour to Tampa this month

Country songwriter and Sirius XM DJ Sunny Sweeney brings a ‘Rhinestone Requiem’ to Tampa