20 Florida beach towns worth a weekend road trip from Tampa

For those who can't take the cabin fever much longer, there are plenty of beach town destinations not too far from Tampa.…

By CL Staff

 Anna Maria Island 
    Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hour and 2 minutes 
     What’s great about it: Anna Maria Island has three main beaches: Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach. Along with the area’s many shops, eateries and galleries, visitors can also go on one of the many tours offered, like the Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours. 
     Photos via VisitFlorida.com
20 slides

23 very outdoor, very solitary, things to do in the Tampa Bay area

If you're tired of sitting inside all day but just don't like being around other people, Tampa Bay has some options for…

By CL Staff

Swim the waters of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
    6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, 352-592-5656, Click here for more info  
    You can visit one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Swim in the freshwater cave system or relax on land to do some wildlife watching.
    
     Photo via Florida State Parks/Website
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22 Florida beach towns you can actually afford to live in

Whats the point of living in Florida if you're not close to the water? Living seaside usually means forking out a lot…

By CL Staff

Deerfield Beach
    Median Home Value: $153,600
    Deerfield Beach is a city in Broward County, just south of the Palm Beach County line. The city is named for the numerous deer that once roamed the area. Residents have easy access to Splash Adventure Water Park and Quiet Waters Park. The median monthly housing cost in Deerfield Beach is $1,115 and its median annual property tax amount is $1,457.
    
    Photo via Adobe Images
22 slides

20 essential kayaking spots in the Tampa Bay area

Kayaking is arguably the best way to avoid crowds, and so there's never been a better time to get out and float.…

By CL Staff

Rainbow Springs 
    Known for its clear blue and cool-year-round waters, Rainbow Springs offers visitors a shuttle from the parking area to the paddling location of their choice. Various kinds and sizes of canoes, paddle boards and kayaks are available for rent and guests are also provided with life jackets. Because of its characteristically clear waters, the area is known to be a sighting spot for fish and other aquatic life.
    
    Photo via Florida State Parks Website
19 slides

20 beach camping spots within driving distance of Tampa Bay

Nothing beats bonfires, ocean sunsets and pitching a tent in the sand. Few weekend roadtrips rival beach camping, and some of the…

By CL Staff

Coya Costa State Park 
    Captiva
    Coya Costa State Park is a Gulf Coast island accessible only by boat or kayak. The park features nine miles of shoreline prime for swimming, snorkeling, swimming, fishing and bird watching. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays in designated areas. The park also features an amphitheater, cabins, campfire circles and shower stations for guest use. Pets are allowed in the park but not on the beaches or cabin areas and must be kept on a six-foot handheld leash at all times. There is a $2 admission, and tent camping pricing starts at $22
    per night. 
    
    Photo via State Park Website
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24 Tampa Bay beaches that are now open, and the rules you should know

Whether we're ready or not, many Florida beaches have now reopened to the public, and many have increased public safety rules and…

By CL Staff

Coquina Beach
    Manatee County
    Coquina beach is currently open, but social distancing guidelines remain in place. Parking was recently increased to its full 400 spot capacity and the two hour limit has been revoked. Beach concessions remain closed, but may open soon as Florida moves into further reopening stages. Dogs unfortunately, are still prohibited on Coquina Beach.
    Photo via Adobe Images
24 slides

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Local photographer's social distance photo essay 'I Miss Us' is a love letter to St. Petersburg

Sandra Döhnert Bourne’s byline is usually on a CL gallery of concert photos, but like so many of us, the St. Petersburg…

By CL Staff

Marina Williams
    Owner, ArtPool
54 slides

Tampa Bay podcasts for your new life under quarantine

Podcasts were a big part of our lives before the coronavirus kept us from going to work and the gym, and their…

By CL Staff

10K Dollar Day
    You’ll never live out your Instagram vacation fantasies, and neither will best friends and one-time starving artists, Alison Burns and Lulu Picart, who use their comedy podcast to plan imaginary vacations where they spend $10,000 a day in hilarious fashion. Someone get these ladies a travel sponsor and camera crew. 10kdollarday.com 
    
    Photo via 10K Dollar Day/Facebook
29 slides

27 famous people who went to high school in Tampa Bay

Have you ever wondered if someone you went to high school with ended up becoming famous? Have you needed proof that someone…

By CL Staff

Channing Tatum  - Tampa Catholic (1998)
    One of the bigger names to come out of Tampa, Tatum’s more famed roles include “Magic Mike,” “The Lego Movie,” and “21 (and 22) Jump Street.” But let’s not forget that “Magic Mike” was also filmed in Tampa Bay.
    
    Photo via @ChanningTatum/Instagram
27 slides

People have mixed feelings about the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's new uniforms

After six years of suffering, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally unveiled their new uniforms this afternoon, and so far the reactions have…

By CL Staff

People have mixed feelings about the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's new uniforms
23 slides

24 scenic drives around Tampa Bay, everyone should explore

Odds are you've probably heard the saying "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey." Well, since the price of gas…

By CL Staff

Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway
    The three-mile segment of Gulf Drive stops just before Anna Maria Island. Along the drive, you’ll see some beautiful beaches and a community that’s dripping in Old Florida vibes. 
    
    Photo via Bill Serne for Visit Florida
24 slides

25 Tampa Bay Instagrams you should be following during the coronavirus quarantine

From funny animals to creative outlets, to food photography and local music livestreams, here are some of the best local Instagram accounts…

By CL Staff

@ZooTampa
    ZooTampa has been posting animal education, bird memes, plenty of penguins, and even a tortoise reading with a zookeeper. Though titse not open right now, following the page is just as good as a visit.
    
    Photo via @ZooTampa/Instagram
25 slides

25 Tampa Bay things we miss from the ‘before time’

You guys remember the “before time,” right? You know, before a worldwide pandemic made trips to the grocery store a life or…

By CL Staff

Holding down a table like a psycho for your friends at Sparkman Wharf 
    When there wasn’t a pandemic going on, the outdoor food park used to be slammed. So you can imagine what it was like trying to find a spot to sit. Now we’re left to just keeping our cats off our keyboards. 
    
    Photo via Sparkman Wharf/Instagram
25 slides

20 easy ways you can help others in Tampa Bay during the coronavirus pandemic

It's safe to say Tampa Bay is in a weird place right now. Someone is bound to lend a helping hand though,…

By CL Staff

Donate to local food banks
    Local nonprofits like Feeding Tampa Bay, Meals on Wheels, and Metropolitan Ministries are helping those in need find food during the pandemic. You can donate to any of the three, or find out Feeding Tampa Bay’s mobile food pantry will be stopping in your area (No ID, papers, or pre-screening is necessary to obtain food). 
    
    Photo via Metropolitan Ministries/Facebook
20 slides

The best reactions to Netflix's 'Tiger King,' which you should be watching right now

Sure, the apocalypse is bad, but at least we've all come together to discuss the most insane show of all time. Yes,…

By CL Staff

The best reactions to Netflix's 'Tiger King,' which you should be watching right now
49 slides

22 movies and shows featuring Tampa Bay you can stream right now

Self-quarantine doesn't need to be boring. Take a Tampa Bay movie tour from the comfort of your living room with this list…

By CL Staff

Spring Breakers (2010)
    Location: St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, and Gulfport
    Short on cash for Spring Break—the all-female group decides it’s best to rob a restaurant. Because, ya know, that’s what anyone would do. You can find the film on Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes, and Netflix.
    
    Photo via Annapurna Pictures
22 slides

25 people who are only famous in Tampa Bay

A lot of these names we've all grown up with. We know them from television, radio and sometimes from a massive billboard.…

By CL Staff

The Hatchetmen
    Back in the ‘80s, Bay City Cabinets commercials featured the three “hatchetmen” shouting about deals, waving their hands over their knees and laughing in unison. Although decades have passed since the company aired their first commercial, a brief advertisement from Bay City Cabinets that was posted on Facebookroughly a year ago shows the hatchetmen know not to mess with success.
    
    Photo via YouTube
25 slides

Everything we saw at last weekend's Tampa Pro 2020

Nyjah Huston is the world’s highest-paid skateboarder, and over the weekend he added to the coffers by taking home first in Tampa…

By CL Staff

Everything we saw at last weekend's Tampa Pro 2020
100 slides

The Jungle Cruise boat sunk at Disney World, but at least the jokes are good

"The Most Magical Place on Earth" got a little wet on Thursday, when more than a foot of water flooded one of…

By CL Staff

The Jungle Cruise boat sunk at Disney World, but at least the jokes are good
63 slides

Everything we saw at Tampa's Nude Nite 2020 kickoff

Nude Nite 2020 kicked off in Tampa's Terrace Park neighborhood on Thursday night. Of course, plenty of tastefully decorated bare butts were…

By CL Staff

Everything we saw at Tampa's Nude Nite 2020 kickoff
84 slides

Everyone we saw at St. Petersburg's Localtopia

The annual Localtopia event is Keep St. Petersburg Local's celebration of all things Sunshine City. Now in its seventh year, the street…

By CL Staff

Everyone we saw at St. Petersburg's Localtopia
77 slides

The 20 best camping spots within driving distance of Tampa Bay

Nothing beats bonfires, ocean sunsets, and turning off your phone. Camping out in Tampa Bay is arguably one of the best things…

By CL Staff

Fort De Soto Campground 
    3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde
    The Fort De Soto Campground has 238 family camping sites with water, electricity, a laundry station, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. Special campsites are available to people who want to bring their pets along. Visitors can hike along mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks and hardwoods, or visit the historic fort. Both tent and RV stations are available. Fees range from $33.90 to $45.77 depending on when and how you plan on staying at the campground.
    
    Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Facebook
20 slides

Everyone we saw at Tampa's Krew of Sant' Yago Knight Parade

Since 1974, the Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight parade has taken over Ybor City with a celebration of Tampa’s long Latin heritage.…

By CL Staff

Everyone we saw at Tampa's Krew of Sant' Yago Knight Parade
83 slides

25 cheap dates under $25 in Tampa Bay that are actually good

Low on cash? Looking for a cheap Valentine's Day date? Just don't want to spend a lot of money your significant other?…

By CL Staff

Bike or scoot around Downtown St. Pete and take a mural tour
    719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg,  (813) 274-8615, Click here for more info  
    Florida CraftArt brings city-goers mural tours of downtown St. Pete. You can take a walking tour on Saturday mornings from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Bike tours are offered every first Saturday of the month, and you can visit their site for a full schedule. Heads up: You can ride your own or rent one from them. 
    
     Photo via Visit W3Schools.com
25 slides

All the pirates we saw at Tampa's Gasparilla Parade 2020

Hundreds of thousands of surly scalawags descended  upon downtown Tampa Saturday. Here's everything we saw at the Gasparilla Invasion and Pirate parade.01/25/2020…

By CL Staff

All the pirates we saw at Tampa's Gasparilla Parade 2020
105 slides

20 beautiful hikes in Tampa Bay everyone should explore

You may as well get out and enjoy the weather while you can. Here you'll find a few simple hikes within driving…

By CL Staff

Morris Bridge Park 
    13330 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa
    
    Running along the Hillsborough River, hikers are often able to spot alligators, turtles and hawks at Morris Bridge Park. There’s a 0.75-mile shell trail on the southern end of the park and a 0.25-mile boardwalk that goes around an island on the north side of the park. Morris Bridge Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and costs $2 for admission.
    
    Photo by Colin Wolf
19 slides

Everyone we saw at Tampa's 2020 Cocktails & Couture party

For the eighth year in a row fashion, entertainment, and mixology converged at The Ritz Theater in Ybor for the annual Cocktails…

By CL Staff

Everyone we saw at Tampa's 2020 Cocktails & Couture party
75 slides

Everyone we saw at Grown Up Night at Tampa's Glazer Children's Museum

On Friday evening, the Glazer Children's Museum hosted a Grown Up Night. That's right — no kids allowed. Grown Up Night invites…

By CL Staff

Everyone we saw at Grown Up Night at Tampa's Glazer Children's Museum
77 slides

Everything we saw at the 23rd Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival

Downtown Dunedin's 23rd annual art festival went down Sunday afternoon on Main Street. Here are all people, pups, and crafts we spotted.01/05/2020…

By CL Staff

Everything we saw at the 23rd Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
82 slides

Everyone we saw at downtown Tampa's 2019 New Year's Eve 'Booty Drop'

Downtown Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park hosted mayor Jane Castor's new signature Booty Drop NYE event. Along with huge crowds, live entertainment and…

By CL Staff

Everyone we saw at downtown Tampa's 2019 New Year's Eve 'Booty Drop'
68 slides