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AUGUST 2024/VOL 7/ISSUE 4
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Here’s what’s happening this August in the Tampa Bay Area
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BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS
Aug 1-11, 2024; 9pm
As the sun sets, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay comes alive during Summer Nights, offering extended hours packed with thrilling coasters and electrifying entertainment. Guests can cool off with the new ice show, Rhythm of Nature, and other indoor performances like Icons and Cirque Electric. Evening festivities feature a DJ in Stanleyville, the Gwazi Rocks show, and special photo opportunities. Delicious summer foods are available throughout the park.
Fireworks spectacular every Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00pm on the Festival Field.
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TBKA BOATING AND FISHING CAMP
Fri, Aug 2, 2024; 9am-3pm
Mobbly Bayou Nature Preserve
Seeking an exciting summer activity for your child? Consider Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers' Boating and Fishing Camp! It's a unique experience where students master angling and boating skills while exploring Florida's splendid ecosystems.
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VOODOO BASH: BURGER COMPETITION
Sat, Aug 3, 2024; 3pm-9pm
The Cuban Club
The 6th Annual VooDoo Bash Burger Competition, presented by Euro-Bake USA and powered by the U.S. Coast Guard! The VooDoo Bash is a fun celebration with a friendly competition, delicious food, and great music; all to raise money and support of an amazing cause. This event is hosted in support of The VooDoo Chef Foundation and their mission of providing culinary scholarships to students aspiring to grow in the Foodservice & Hospitality Industry.
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FRIDAY FUN DAY!
Fri, Aug 9, 2024
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
Looking for the perfect way to end your week? Do it with an adventure! Join us on select Fridays and holidays for Friday Fun Day.
Featuring our two longest zip lines totaling over 1,200′ and our stunning 200’ suspension bridge. With a beautiful scenic view of Tampa Bay that you can’t see anywhere else, this is a Friday night excursion you won’t want to miss.
Friday Fun Day is available select Fridays and holidays throughout the year. Space is limited.
$35 for all ages when booking in advance.
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BOLTS BREW FEST
Fri, Aug 9, 2024; 6pm-10pm
Amalie Arena
Step foot into AMALIE Arena to be greeted by a sea of breweries located throughout the arena concourse and event floor as you sample your way around hundreds of beer options from more than 50 local, national, and international brands. Plus games, photo opportunities, and other fun surprises!
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3RD THURSDAY TAMPA
Thurs. Aug 15, 2024; 6pm-10pm
Grand Central
3rd Thursday Tampa is Downtown Tampa's Monthly Street Food Fest! Join us for some all-out – outside food fun located at Grand Central at Kennedy 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd 33602.This event is a gourmet Food Truck event featuring Cocktails provided by the restaurants and bars at Grand Central at Kennedy.
This event is free to attend as the trucks and bars offer their products for sale. Free 2-hour parking is located on site and Dogs are welcome.
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CHICAGO AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE: HEART & SOUL TOUR 2024
Fri, Aug 16, 2024; 7:30pm
Florida State Fairgrounds
These legendary bands coming together promises an unforgettable night of classic hits and unmatched energy. Fans can look forward to a fantastic blend of rock and soul, making this a must-see event for music lovers in Tampa Bay. The synergy between Chicago's iconic horns and Earth, Wind & Fire's soulful rhythms will surely create an electrifying atmosphere. Don't miss out on this rare and remarkable concert experience!
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AQUATIC LUAU
Sat, Aug 17, 2024; 6:30pm-9:30pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Experience a tropical luau at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s end-of-summer celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, Hawaiian cuisine, and mesmerizing marine life in an enchanting atmosphere. Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars, bidding farewell to summer in true island style.
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CENTRAL PARK EATS
Tue, Aug 20, 2024; 5pm-8pm
St. James at ENCORE
Central Park Eats is a monthly food truck rally that services the Central Park neighborhood of Tampa’s Downtown by providing an opportunity for the residents to gather and support local four-wheel businesses! This event also features additional activations, such as music and other family-friendly activities.
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BRUNCH BUFFET CRUISE
Recurring weekly Sat & Sun; 12:30pm-2:30pm
Yacht StarShip
Come aboard Yacht StarShip for the ultimate weekend brunch experience featuring $10 bottomless mimosas. Set sail as you sip on endless mimosas and enjoy a specially-prepared brunch with friends and family. Unwind from the week and relax on the water while you take in the skyline views of Downtown Tampa. After brunch, enjoy dancing and a live DJ on the top deck while you cruise the waters of Downtown Tampa. Brunch cruises depart out of Tampa every Saturday and Sunday. All Brunch Cruises Include:-2-hour cruise-Brunch Buffet*-Complimentary coffee, tea and water-The best views of Downtown Tampa-Bottomless mimosas available for $10 purchase on board.
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MONTHLY FEATURED
CHARITY EVENT
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Helping Hands Happy Hour for Camp Boggy Creek
Thursday, August 8, 2024; 5:30pm
Centre Club
Helping Hands Happy Hour is geared to not only raise funds for the organization, but also to raise awareness and be a platform for our local charities to spread the word about what they do and how we can get involved.
This month's Helping Hands Happy Hour benefits: Camp Boggy Creek
Purpose statement :
When children receive a diagnosis of a serious medical condition, their lives are instantly changed. Oftentimes, they are the only child in their school with a heart scar; or losing their hair due to oncology treatments. The trauma of being different coupled with the fear and anxiety of constant medical appointments can be so difficult on a child, they simply don’t get to be just kids.
The founders of Camp Boggy Creek, actor/writer/director/philanthropist Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf wanted to create a place where kids with serious medical illnesses could just be kids. That place is Camp Boggy Creek. Located in Eustis, Florida (A short drive from Tampa and Orlando), Camp has provided over 90,000 children and their families with life-changing, medically safe camp experiences at zero cost. Campers experience archery, swimming, arts and crafts, horseback riding, theater, and so much more at the 232-acre facility.
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NEW & NOTEWORTHY
HOT SPOTS AROUND THE BAY
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Casa Cami opened on the 10th floor of the Current Hotel in Rocky Point, it touted some pretty serious selling points, including big names in the hospitality industry and a creative menu of contemporary Mexican fare. But more than anything, the latest restaurant from the folks behind Oxford Exchange deserves solid bragging rights for what might just be the area’s most impressive rooftop patio. With a panoramic perspective spanning the bay and then some, the stunning views here are reason enough to visit. The kitchen is helmed by Alex Hoaks, formerly the executive chef at St. Petersburg’s The Library, and the chef’s modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine include snapper crudo with charred pomelo segments and barbacoa short rib fajitas with a pistachio salsa macha. Keep in mind that if you’re eyeing a patio spot around sunset, reservations are a must.
Blake Casper and Allison Casper Adams of Oxford Commons purchased Tampa's Current Hotel a few years ago and alluded to opening a new rooftop bar concept back in 2021, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
The kitchen at Casa Cami is helmed by Alex Hoaks, formerly the executive chef at St. Petersburg’s The Library. Chef Hoaks brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the restaurant, drawing on his background in fine dining and his passion for innovative culinary techniques. His expertise in modern interpretations of traditional dishes ensures that each plate at Casa Cami is both visually stunning and delicious.
Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Casa Cami invites guests to enjoy the best of both worlds - from the comfort of a stylish interior to the fresh air and stunning views of the bay. With its unbeatable views and fantastic menu, Casa Cami is a must-visit for locals and visitors be like.
Casa Cami is open from 11am to 10pm daily.
Located at: 2545 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 281-7800
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Tampa Bay saw the second-largest spike in luxury home sales in the second quarter, according to a new report from Redfin.
Redfin reports that the typical U.S. luxury home sold for a record $1,180,000 in Q2 2024, up 8.8% from a year earlier — the biggest increase in nearly two years. Non-luxury home prices grew at less than half that pace, rising 3.8% to a record-high median of $342,500.
The real estate site defines "luxury homes" as those estimated to be in the top 5% of their respective metro area based on market value and non-luxury homes as those estimated to be in the 35th to 65th percentile based on market value.
Tampa Bay followed Nashville, Tennessee, for the nation's second-most luxury home sales with a 14.3% increase. The metro also saw the biggest increase in luxury homes for sale at 30% while maintaining a top-five ranking in new listings of luxury homes.
Craig’s Take:
The increase in luxury home sales in Tampa Bay is a significant indicator of economic growth and prosperity in the region. High-end real estate transactions often correlate with rising disposable incomes and a robust job market, particularly in sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare. The influx of wealthier residents can lead to increased spending in local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, further stimulating the local economy. Additionally, high property values contribute to higher property taxes, providing more revenue for public services and infrastructure improvements.
The surge in luxury home sales indicates a strong demand for high-end properties, which can drive up real estate prices across the board. This trend may lead to a competitive market where buyers face higher prices and limited availability of luxury homes. However, it also attracts more developers and investors to the area, potentially leading to more upscale residential projects and renovations. Neighborhoods with high concentrations of luxury homes, such as Beach Park and Bayshore Boulevard, may see increased property values and further gentrification, impacting the affordability of housing for middle-income residents.
The growing market for luxury homes is likely to enhance the overall lifestyle and living standards in Tampa Bay. Residents can expect better amenities and services, such as exclusive clubs, high-end retail stores, gourmet restaurants, and improved public spaces. The presence of affluent residents can lead to more community investments in education, parks, and cultural institutions, enriching the local quality of life. However, this trend may also widen the gap between different socioeconomic groups, as rising costs could make it more challenging for lower-income families to afford housing and other essentials in the area.
In conclusion, while the boom in luxury home sales in Tampa Bay brings numerous economic benefits and improvements in lifestyle, it also poses challenges related to housing affordability and social equity. The city will need to balance these dynamics to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
Check out the full article here.
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A Message From Craig
I have received the question, “How’s the real estate market?” more recently than I have in several years.
We have shifted into a very complicated real estate market here in Tampa Bay—perhaps the most complicated market we have seen in the past 15 years. Anyone who tries to answer that question without first clarifying what specific part of Tampa Bay, what neighborhood, what property type, what age property, and what price range provides nothing more than an anecdotal opinion. If you or someone you know is considering making a real estate decision within the next 24 months, it would be in their best interest to have a conversation with me now to determine how the market dynamics will impact them. Feel free to click here to schedule a 15-minute no-obligation call with me.
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Thank you for reading my digital newsletter. I am passionate about our community of Tampa Bay and enjoy sharing it with others. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell, invest, or has any real-estate-related questions, please reach out to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve those who appreciate this slice of paradise.
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