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.
Explore Tampa Bay’s sights and bites
Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter
We’ll serve up the best things to do and the latest restaurant news every Thursday.
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your options
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
Florida Wawa gas station plans approved for new Treasure Coast store
Plans for a new Wawa to open in Port St. Lucie were approved.
A new Wawa fuel station and convenience store will open in Port St. Lucie now that the plans have been approved.
The Wawa will be at the corner of Village Parkway and Becker Road in front of the Lowe’s which is expected to open in the summer of 2026, according to the city’s website.
The plans for a Wawa convenience store and eight fuel pumps were submitted to the city Dec. 3, 2025.
What will go in Port St. Lucie’s Southern Grove?
The plans for the Shoppes at Southern Grove show there will be a new Lowe’s store and six additional outparcels.
The six additional outparcels include the following:
- Gas station: 5,915 square feet
- Outparcel A: 1.2 acres
- Outparcel B: 1.14 acres
- Outparcel C: 1.83 acres
- Outparcel D: 1.04 acres
- Outparcel E: 1.02 acres
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
Florida
Five Florida Panthers Named to Rosters for 2026 IIHF World Championship | Florida Panthers
SUNRISE, Fla. – Five Florida Panthers players and five staff members will represent their home countries at the upcoming 2026 IIHF World Championship, taking place May 15 through May 31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland. Games will be broadcast on NHL Network in the United States.
Marek Alscher, 22, will represent Czechia at the IIHF World Championship for the first time. He previously played for his home country at the 2024 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, skating in seven games to help the Czechs capture the bronze medal over Finland. Alscher made his NHL debut with the Panthers in 2025-26, notching three assists over four games played. He also skated in 52 American Hockey League (AHL) games with Florida’s affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, recording 11 points (3-8-11).
Aleksander Barkov, 30, missed the 2026 Winter Olympic Games due to injury but had been named to Finland’s preliminary roster in June of 2025. He previously earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games alongside current Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu, and earned a silver medal representing his home country at the 2016 IIHF Men’s World Championship. At the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, Barkov served as captain of Finland.
Anton Lundell, 24, will be participating in his second IIHF World Championship after earning a silver medal with Finland in 2021, where he posted seven points (4-3-7) in 10 games as a 19-year-old. He helped Finland capture the bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games this season and previously earned gold at the 2019 IIHF U20 WJC and 2018 IIHF U18 WJC, as well as a bronze medal at the 2021 U20 WJC.
Sandis Vilmanis, 22, will represent Latvia at the IIHF World Championship for the first time in his career. He played for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in February as well as at the 2022, 2023 and 2024 IIHF U20 World Junior Championships, serving as an alternate captain in 2024 where he produced four points (2-2-4) over five games. Vilmanis made his NHL debut with the Panthers in 2025-26, logging five points (3-2-5) in 19 games with Florida while compiling 38 points (17-21-38) in 48 American Hockey League (AHL) contests with the Panthers affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.
Matthew Tkachuk, 28, will attempt to become the first American to join the Triple Gold Club (Stanley Cup, World Championship Gold Medal and Olympic Gold Medal), as well as the first player in NHL history to win all three parts of the Triple Gold Club within a 12-month span. This will be Tkachuk’s first time participating in the IIHF World Championship.
In addition to his 2026 Olympic gold medal, Tkachuk also earned gold representing the United States at the 2015 IIHF U18 World Junior Championship and the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge, as well as a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF U20 WJC. He served as alternate captain for the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics and 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Florida will have four staff members representing the United States. Panthers Assistant General Manager Brett Peterson is serving as General Manager for the second time after holding the position in 2024. Panthers Head Equipment Manager Teddy Richards will serve as equipment manager and Florida’s Head Athletic Trainer Dave DiNapoli will work as athletic trainer. Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito will serve on the Advisory Group.
Panthers Assistant General Manager Gregory Campbell will assist with evaluating and selecting players for Canada.
Panthers fans can stay up to date on all the Cats’ representatives at the 2026 IIHF World Championships at FloridaPanthers.com/WorldChampionship.
2026-27 Florida Panthers Territory Memberships are available now! Click here to learn more. For all the latest in Panthers news, concerts and events at Amerant Bank Arena & FTL War Memorial, sign up for ’93 Society newsletter and receive information straight to your inbox. Visit FloridaPanthers.com or SeatGeek.com for all ticketing needs.
Florida
Lake O had 81 algal blooms in 2 years near Florida slaughterhouse site
A Martin County slaughterhouse near Lake Okeechobee could increase toxic algal blooms in the C-44 Canal, St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.
There have been 81 algal blooms in the past two years within 2 miles of a proposed slaughterhouse in western Martin County, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Algal Bloom Dashboard.
The slaughterhouse will increase pollution and bring more potentially toxic algal blooms to Lake Okeechobee, whose waters sometimes are released into the C-44 Canal and flow into the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon in Stuart, opponents say.
Chancey Bay Ranch owner Tuny Mizrachi has proposed building a 56,784-square-foot slaughterhouse on 26 acres of his 2,046-acre-property at 8401 SW Connors Highway, abutting Lake O.
5 ways a slaughterhouse can increase Lake Okeechobee pollution
The Guardians of Martin County have raised at least five concerns with the Martin County Commission:
- Meat processing facilities, though necessary, have the potential to be noisy nuisances and significant sources of disease and pollution for air and water.
- The facility would be a new source of pollution in a watershed that’s designated as “impaired” because of elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus.
- The facility would be a potential new source of pollutants near one of Martin County’s lowest income and most ethnically diverse communities.
- There’s no evidence the facility has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, or plans to follow effluent limitation guidelines or conduct water-quality monitoring.
- The South Florida Water Management District has permitted the facility to withdraw 6.7 million gallons of water per year for 20 years from Florida’s surficial aquifer, despite it being subject to varying levels of saltwater intrusion, especially in Martin County. The SFWMD has designated all of Martin County a Water Resource Caution Area.
Blood, feces, oil, grease, ammonia and antibiotic residue from the proposed slaughterhouse would contribute to harmful algal blooms, including toxic cyanobacteria, Martin County Administrator Don Donaldson wrote to the DEP and SFWMD.
Tim O’Hara is TCPalm’s environment reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.
-
Boston, MA11 minutes ago
JetBlue to pull out of N.H.’s largest airport amid capacity crisis, officials announce – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO17 minutes agoDenver area events for May 15
-
Seattle, WA23 minutes agoFriday Roundtable: Free Summer Shuttles
-
San Diego, CA29 minutes agoSix concerts to fill your musical soul this week in San Diego County
-
Milwaukee, WI35 minutes agoFive teenagers arrested following police pursuit in Milwaukee
-
Atlanta, GA41 minutes ago2 Giant Pandas Are Headed to This US Zoo. Meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang
-
Minneapolis, MN47 minutes agoBauhaus Brew Labs in northeast Minneapolis set to close next month
-
Indianapolis, IN53 minutes agoIndy 500 qualifying format, schedule, entries, how to watch this weekend