Florida
Think you know Tampa Bay? Try these Florida bingo cards
You’re the envy of all of your out-of-state friends when you post pictures on the back of a boat this summer or in a sunny pool during the wintertime. You know Tampa Bay is a region, not a city. Duh. Hopefully you even have a hurricane-prep routine down pat.
But how well do you really know Tampa Bay?
We put together three bingo cards to test your experience with the area’s wildlife, cuisine and famed landmarks. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a snowbird or a fresh face in the area, we bet there’s still something new to check off.
Print out one or all three and get exploring.
The numbers on each card correspond with a tip, trick or helpful hint noted below the card. Check those out before beginning your pursuit.
Card 1: TREATS
We hope you’re hungry. Tampa Bay’s culinary scene is full of goodies. We’ve offered some suggestions for where to find specific treats, but don’t let that stop you from visiting a favorite local spot.
Any alcoholic beverages can be substituted with a virgin version. And please, don’t anger your neighbor by raiding their mango tree without asking.
1. Guava pastry
Tampa isn’t called the “Big Guava” for nothing! Some sweet places to snag this treat include La Segunda Bakery (various locations around Tampa and St. Petersburg), Valhalla Bakery in St. Petersburg and Bakery Makel in Clearwater.
2. Mazzaro’s sandwich
It’s worth it to brave the crowd at Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg. Try a meatball sub or an eggplant parm.
3. Scachatta pizza
Feast on this blend of Cuban and Sicilian flavors at bakeries like Alessi or La Segunda– a true testament to Tampa Bay’s cultural fusion.
4. Orange-vanilla twist ice cream cone
If you find yourself traveling south along the Sunshine Skyway, the Citrus Place in Terra Ceia is worth a stop. Yellow Banks Groves in Largo and Lane’s Lemonade & Dairy Bar are also great spots to grab this sweet treat.
5. 1905 Salad
The Columbia Restaurant’s iconic 1905 Salad, laden with Swiss cheese, ham and green olives, dates back to the 1940s. Find this dish in Clearwater, at the Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa, at Tampa International Airport or at the iconic Ybor City restaurant, which dates back to (you guessed it) 1905.
6. Piña colada
For those who like piña coladas (and getting caught in the rain), Tampa Bay has no shortage of tiki bars. Experience the tropics at Bar Tiki and Ka’Tiki with their classic frozen blends of coconut, pineapple and rum.
7. Yard mango
The best part of summertime is fresh mangoes plucked from trees around town. Tampa Bay may be having a rough mango season this year, but that just makes each bite all the more sweet. Be sure to ask your neighbors before taking fruit from their yard. Pro tip: Check your local Nextdoor group for people giving away their extras.
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8. Cuban sandwich
Undeniably a signature of Tampa Bay’s culinary brand. Where to find the best Cubano is debatable, but any local will tell you definitely not in Miami (South Florida foolishly leaves out the salami).
9. Key lime pie
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish makes a mean key lime pie, but you also can’t go wrong with a slice from the Publix bakery.
10. Wright’s cake
Rest assured, Wright’s Gourmet House will continue serving up its iconic cake slices despite operating under new ownership. Good luck picking a flavor.
11. Bern’s steak
Bern’s Steak House has plenty of dry-aged cuts to choose from, but we recommend the steak sandwich. This off-the-menu special is best enjoyed by yourself at the bar, according to our Times dining critic.
12. Alligator nuggets
Alligator meat is high in protein and low in cholesterol. Try the jaw and tail meat fried up into nuggets. We’ve rounded up some local places where you can sample gator.
13. Cappy’s deep dish pizza
Visit a Cappy’s Pizza in Seminole Heights, Riverview, Tampa Palms, South Tampa or St. Petersburg for epic cheese pulls.
14. Pub sub
The Publix sub sandwich, a Florida cult favorite, is best enjoyed at the beach. Order yours ahead online to save time in line. And condiments are a must if you go for the chicken tender sub.
15. Devil crab
Local lore says the crab-meat croquette dates back a century to a cigar factory strike. Former Florida Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, even proposed legislation to name the Tampa devil crab the state crustacean. Find this Tampa delicacy at spots like the Silver Ring Cafe.
16. Hooters wings
Of course this “delightfully tacky, yet unrefined” breastaurant got its start in Clearwater. The chain’s first location turned 40 last year.
17. Goody Goody burger
Try the POX burger, a staple on Goody Goody Burgers’ menu known for “precisely-cut pickles, onions, and oh, that sauce.” Taste the tomato-based secret sauce for yourself at their diner in Hyde Park or at Tampa International Airport.
18. Flaming cheese
Boasting the largest population of Greeks outside of Greece, Tarpon Springs is a great place to go for saganaki, cheese served in a flurry of flame. Mykonos and Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, as well as other spots near the Sponge Docks, feature it on their menus. Don’t forget baklava for dessert!
19. Stone crab
October 15, the beginning of stone crab season, is practically a holiday for native Floridians. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait until then to feast on the beefy claws. Billy’s Stone Crab sources the succulent crab meat from the West Coast during the off-season.
20. Sourdough donuts
Find sugary “sourdonuts” at Supernatural Food and Wine in Tampa. These treats sell fast, so make sure to arrive early or preorder a day in advance. You might as well get the breakfast sandwich too — Alton Brown said it was maybe the best he’s ever had.
21. Shaved ice
Life-threatening heat calls for cooling down in any way possible. Bonus points if that method is delicious.
22. Pizza by the slice
Is it even a night out in Ybor City if you didn’t sober up with a late-night slice from the New York New York Pizza window?
23. Grouper burger
There are countless places to find this Floridian tradition. Writer Rick Bragg said it might even be life-changing. We recommend grabbing one at the Tavern at Bayboro, located on the University of South Florida’s campus.
24. Bloody Mary
Sip on this hangover-curing cocktail at Mahuffer’s in Indian Shores. On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., customers can craft their own Bloody Mary at Ka’Tiki for $2.50.
Card 2: Wildlife
Gators, gulls and stingrays — oh my! Florida’s wildlife has no shortage of fascinating creatures. Before embarking on your wildlife adventure, remember safety comes first always.
This card is meant to get you out in nature to spot our scaly, feathered and furry friends — not join them for dinner as a guest or a meal. Respect the wildlife habitat and leave without a trace, all limbs intact. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. You’re going to need it.
1. Gator
These scaly beasts might get a bad rap, but they’re Florida icons. You’ll find gators in bodies of still or slow-moving freshwater. Think rivers, lakes, the occasional retention pond.
We’ve recently spotted them (from a safe distance) on the banks at Sawgrass Lake Park, Lettuce Lake and in the Ruth Eckerd Hall retention pond.
2. Heron
Several heron species call Tampa Bay their home. Find them taking flight from nearby mangroves, parks and ponds.
3. Possum
Some might consider the species a nuisance, but they might be key to combating the invasive Burmese python.
4. Spoonbill
Visit Round Lake in St. Petersburg for a chance to see a spoonbill splashing in the water.
5. Armadillo
Armadillos are nocturnal. Take a walk in a wooded area at dusk and listen for rustling leaves.
6. Snake
Check out the Florida Museum of Natural History’s online snake identification tool, which allows you to filter through 50 species based on color and scale pattern.
7. Pelican
The brown pelican is St. Petersburg’s official city bird. Find them diving for dinner across Tampa Bay, from Coffee Pot Bayou in St. Pete to the Howard Frankland Bridge.
8. Coyote
Urban coyotes, spotted in every county in Florida, are a frequent topic of community gossip. Keep your distance.
9. Palmetto bug
No one wants to encounter these gross pests in their home, but at least seeing one can help you get closer to BINGO.
10. Wood stork
Spot these prehistoric-looking birds looking for leftovers near burger joint El Cap in St. Petersburg.
11. Owl
Five species of owls call the Sunshine State their home. Find some of them at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
12. Florida softshell turtle
You’ll recognize the softshell turtle by its extremely pointy nose.
13. Manatee
Manatees can be found in a variety of waterways including the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. But the best way to spot a manatee during the hot summer months is to head to the springs. Check out Weeki Wachee or Three Sister Springs, among others. Just remember to keep a safe distance from these gentle giants.
14. Lizard
From brown anoles that skitter around your front porch to lighter Mediterranean geckos that give you a jump scare in your bathroom, Tampa Bay is teeming with lizards. Just stay away from the 6-foot Nile monitors.
15. Ybor rooster
Ybor City’s famed roosters are honored throughout the year with a calendar, parade and even yoga classes (Don’t worry, they wear diapers). You can also spot them clucking down Seventh Avenue.
16. Dolphin
Tampa Bay Times reporters love to look for dolphins around dusk in the waters by Vinoy Park. You can also book a dolphin cruise near the beaches or kayak among these mammals at Upper Tampa Bay Park.
17. Stingray
At this point, performing the stingray shuffle goes without saying. For a safe up-close encounter, make your way to the Tampa Bay Rays touch tank at Tropicana Field. ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently added an interactive stingray experience, too.
18. Scallop
In the waters off the Suncoast — Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties, which includes the towns of Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa — scallop season is July 1 to Sept. 24. Go snorkeling yourself or check out some vendors that offer scalloping packages.
19. Ibis
These birds are happiest in marshes and coastal waters, but many in Florida have been displaced by development, which is why you’ve probably seen their flocks in the heart of suburbia.
20. Gopher tortoise
These creatures are cute, but listed as threatened. Appreciate them from a distance — or head to ZooTampa for a visit.
21. Mosquito
HAVE YOU STEPPED OUTSIDE?
22. Otter
The river otter, a Florida native, is commonly found in freshwater rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds and swamps around the state. Don’t let their cuteness fool you — these critters can be feisty.
23. Seagull
If you catch a seagull flying over Tampa Bay, does that make it a bay-gull? Bad jokes aside, if you’ve ever brought snacks to the beach, you know how easy it is to spot these birds.
24. Peacock
These birds may look pretty, but Tampa Bay Realtors warn potential homebuyers of these neighborhood “pets.” Find them roaming in St. Pete communities like Disston Heights or Jungle Prada, where “peacock crossing” signs line Park Street.
Card 3: Places
It’s worth it to cross a bridge or two to see all that Tampa Bay has to offer (really, we promise!) As a bonus, most of these spots are inexpensive or free to visit.
1. Tampa Theatre
Escape the heat in this nearly 100-year-old movie palace, which offers backstage tours as well as films and live entertainment. The theater currently has a “Summer Classics” series. Enjoy one of the films underneath the venue’s realistic night sky sparkling with twinkling stars.
2. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
Shuffle the night away on the green courts of the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Read about its history here.
3. Fort DeSoto
With beaches, historic military structures, diverse wildlife and campgrounds, this spot has something for everyone. Oh, and $5 all-day parking. Need we say more?
4. Paradise Grille bell
This nightly sunset bell ringing at Paradise Grille is a Pass-a-Grille tradition. You can reach out to Jim LeBlanc, the “Head Ding-Dong,” at (571) 722-9323 to arrange a chance to ring the bell yourself. Or, arrive 15 to 30 minutes before sunset to find him.
5. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
If the idea of crossing this sky-high structure makes your palms sweaty, visit the Skyway fishing pier for sunset views instead.
6. Coffee Pot Bayou rhino
The life-sized rhinoceros statue stands guard outside a house on St. Petersburg’s Coffee Pot Boulevard. It’s pretty fashionable, too, prepared for any holiday or upcoming election with a seemingly endless range of outfits.
7. University of Tampa Minarets
While a man once lived inside one of the University of Tampa’s minarets, these days the distinctive pieces of architecture are just decorative. Read about their history, then snap a selfie nearby.
8. Sulfur Springs water tower
This famed 214-foot-tall tower has been a make-out spot and graffiti magnet for years. It recently got a much-needed scrub and fresh coat of paint — though some locals still may claim that it’s haunted.
9. Secret Garden
Head to Upham Beach for this hidden gem – but is this secluded garden really that secret if Google Maps has its address?
10. St. Pete Pier
From dozens of vendors to restaurants and fishing docks, the 26-acre structure has an ex-PIER-ience for all ages.
11. Vinoy Bench
Found along the St. Petersburg waterfront in Vinoy Park, this bench is labeled with a small plaque in honor of Al Nixon, a St. Petersburg local who watches the sunrise from the bench nearly every day.
12. Cigar factories
We’ve tracked Tampa’s 25 remaining local cigar factories (and their various uses) here. J.C. Newman Cigar Factory is the last operational cigar factory in the nation, doubling these days as an event venue. They even offer tours.
13. Streetcar or SunRunner
Get from “beach to ‘Burg” on the SunRunner for $2.25, or travel for free on the TECO Line Streetcar system, which connects Downtown Tampa, Channel District and Ybor City.
14. Thrill Hill
Thrill Hill is a favorite landmark for those in St. Petersburg’s Old Southeast neighborhood. It’s been flip-flopping stomachs for more than 100 years.
15. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Most known for its live mermaids, this state park can get busy quickly. Arriving before the park opens is highly recommended.
16. Sponge Docks
Tarpon Springs and “Sponge Docks” are practically synonymous. Here’s how you can make a day out of Florida’s “Little Greece.”
17. Tampa Riverwalk
The 2.6-mile Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River offers scenic views, outdoor activities, museums and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you fueled throughout the day. It’s set to expand soon.
18. The Salvador Dalí Museum
Snag discounted tickets to this St. Petersburg mecca of surrealism on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
19. The Pinellas Trail
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Times reporters recommend picking up a pair of wheels at Kafe Racer in Dunedin to explore the trail. But you can get on at several points and stroll at your leisure, too.
20. The Don CeSar
Visit St. Pete Beach’s oceanfront “Pink Palace” for its ornate lobby, spa services or fine dining. Locals can lounge poolside with the purchase of a daylong ResortPass.
21. Alafia Mountain Bike Trail
With more than 20 miles of single-track trails, mountain bikers can ride on trails ranging in difficulty from “easiest” to “expert.”
22. 2001 Odyssey spaceship
The flying saucer on the roof of this Tampa strip club was once a prefabricated home of the future called the Futuro House. These days, it’s the location of the club’s private dances (for a few hundred bucks). You don’t have to actually go inside to get credit for BINGO.
23. Ruskin Drive-In Theater
Dating back to 1952, the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre calls itself the “last family drive-in in the U.S.A.” Bring cash and bug spray.
24. Philippe Park Mound
Designated a National Historic Landmark, this Native American mound in Safety Harbor was built by Tocobaga Indians. The park also makes our list for waterfront places with shade.
Florida
Looking for a job in Florida? The post office is hiring
UPS announced plans to cut 30,000 jobs in the coming year. Amazon is slashing 16,000.
The post office is hiring.
In recent weeks, the U.S. Postal Service has been holding job fairs to fill vacant positions for carriers, assistant carriers, and auto techs at Florida locations, with salaries starting at $21.89 per hour. The next two are in Tallahassee and Lake City.
Recent job fairs were held at Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.
Here’s what to know.
Is the Post Office hiring?
The USPS in Tallahassee and Lake City are looking for “committed and motivated individuals,” according to press releases. The positions are:
- Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, full-time with health benefits. You would deliver mail on a full-time schedule that may include weekend and holidays.
- Assistant Rural Carriers (ARC) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, part-time. You would deliver packages.
- Automotive Technician (AT) – $66,586 annually, paid bi-weekly, health benefits. You would perform repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet. (Tallahassee only)
Benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave, the USPS said.
When are the USPS job fairs?
- Tallahassee: Friday, Jan, 30, at the Tallahassee Post Office, 2800 S Adams Street
- Lake City: Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Lake City Post Office, 250 NW Main Blvd.
Interested applicants who can’t make it to the job fairs may also apply at usps.com/careers.
What are the requirements to work for the post office?
- You must be 18 years old or older at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma
- You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident
- You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
- If driving is part of the job, you must have a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
Florida
Florida Democrats seek guardrails on immigration enforcement
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As cities across the country see growing protests over immigration enforcement, Florida Democrats are pushing bills they say would protect residents and undocumented migrants — and counter Republican proposals to expand enforcement across the state.
“We stand at a crossroads where we need to decide what world we live in,” said Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami.
One measure, Senate Bill 316, known as the Visible Act, would ban the public use of masks, require police officers to identify themselves and create safe zones around schools and houses of worship.
“We are not a dictatorship,” said Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville. “Secret police belong in the history books, not Florida streets.”
Democrats are also spearheading efforts to grant in-state college tuition to recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, often called DREAMers. Florida lawmakers ended that benefit in 2025.
“I dream and I dream big.I will always work as hard as I have to make my dreams come true,” said Alexander Vallejos, a DACA recipient and student at the University of Central Florida. “I love my beautiful Sunshine State of Florida, and I’m a Florida kid through and through.”
Republicans argued in-state tuition diverted state funds from legal residents during the 2025 debate.
“I don’t think it’s fair to ask hardworking Floridians who are struggling to make ends meet to spend $45 million subsidizing the education of people who shouldn’t even be here,” said U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a former state legislator.
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended Florida’s continued cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling it “positive cooperation” that “has certainly made a difference here in Florida.”
Tensions over enforcement have deepened nationally after ICE agents in Minneapolis fatally shot two U.S. citizens, drawing condemnation from lawmakers and activists.
“They feel they can do anything they want — even including executing a United States citizen in broad daylight,” said Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.
The Visible Act must pass three committees before it can reach the full Senate floor for a vote.
Florida
Florida cold snap prompts AAA warnings for dead car batteries, frozen pipes
ORLANDO, Fla. – With overnight temperatures expected to drop into the 20s and 30s across parts of Florida, AAA is urging drivers and homeowners to act quickly to safeguard their vehicles and homes.
“Whenever temperatures drop this quickly, the calls start pouring in. Dead batteries become extremely common,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in a news release. “At the same time, homeowners face the risk of frozen pipes that can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage.”
Cold weather can severely reduce a car battery’s ability to hold a charge, especially if the battery is older or weakened, and AAA said it expects a spike in roadside assistance calls for dead batteries during the cold snap.
Jenkins added, “Cold weather is tough on older batteries. If yours gives out, AAA can come to you. Our technicians can test, charge, or even replace your battery on the spot for members who request help.”
AAA recommends having your battery tested if it’s more than three years old, listening for slow engine cranking as a warning sign, and replacing batteries that show signs of weakness.
Frozen or burst pipe prevention
Homeowners should also be aware that freezing temperatures can cause water inside pipes to freeze and expand, potentially rupturing plumbing hidden behind walls or under sinks. Multiple nights of hard freeze conditions increase this risk.
To prevent frozen or burst pipes, AAA advises the following:
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Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
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Open cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation.
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Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Know the location of your main water shutoff valve.
Keeping tabs on tire pressure
Cold weather also lowers tire pressure, often by 1 to 2 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy, affect handling, and increase the risk of blowouts.
[WATCH: Tire pressure light on? Why cold weather can set it off]
AAA suggests:
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Check tire pressure in the morning when tires are cold.
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Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI found on the driver’s door jamb.
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Don’t rely solely on tire-pressure monitoring systems.
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Inspect tires for wear or damage.
“With weather like this, preparation is everything,” Jenkins said. “A few simple steps today can prevent a breakdown on the road or a disaster at home tomorrow.”
AAA recommends members download the AAA mobile app for fast access to roadside help, weather updates, and safety information.
To schedule a vehicle inspection, click here to locate a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility.
Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
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