Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour Lights Up Tampa

📅 Friday | August 22, 2025 | 7:00 PM
📍Location: Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

🎤 A Night of Pop Power and Nostalgia

On August 22nd, the global superstar who defined a generation of pop anthems will take the stage in Tampa. Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour isn’t just a concert—it’s a dazzling journey through her iconic catalog of chart-toppers, wrapped in her signature mix of theatrical visuals, bold fashion, and unstoppable energy. From “Teenage Dream” to her latest hits, fans can expect a night filled with music that defined the soundtrack of their lives.

The arena will pulse with color, choreography, and the kind of stage spectacle only Katy Perry can deliver. With special guest Rebecca Black opening the night, the energy will build into an unforgettable crescendo as Katy performs her career-spanning setlist. Expect fireworks—both literal and emotional—as she blends nostalgic throwbacks with her current hits, reminding the audience why she remains a pop powerhouse.

💡 Tips for a Seamless Concert Experience

• Arrive early to avoid downtown traffic and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere around Channelside.

• Parking fills fast near Amalie Arena—consider rideshare or nearby garages.

• Dress light but bold—this is a Katy Perry show, after all, and the Florida summer heat outside will match the fire inside.

• Stay after the encore—you’ll want to linger and soak in the electric buzz of the crowd.

Falling In Reverse Ignites Tampa with the God Is A Weapon Tour

📅 Wednesday | August 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍Location: Florida State Fairgrounds

4800 US Hwy 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610

⚡ A Night of High-Energy Rock Under the Open Sky

The amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds will come alive as Falling In Reverse brings their explosive God Is A Weapon Tour to Tampa. Known for their dynamic fusion of post-hardcore, metalcore, and hip-hop influences, this performance promises to be as unrelenting as it is unforgettable. Fans can expect Ronnie Radke and the band to deliver both new anthems and longtime crowd favorites with the kind of raw energy that has cemented their reputation as one of the most captivating acts in modern rock.

From the viral power of “Popular Monster” to their latest releases, Falling In Reverse thrives on crafting a setlist that keeps the audience on edge—switching between intense breakdowns and stadium-sized singalongs. With their penchant for dramatic visuals, lighting effects, and unexpected twists mid-performance, the Tampa stop will feel as much like a rock opera as it does a concert.

Southern Grounds & Co. Brings Its First Café to St. Pete

Opened August 18th, 2025

📍 Location: 695 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL

🌞 A Morning Ritual Gets a New Home

Downtown St. Pete is about to get a fresh jolt of energy as Southern Grounds & Co. opens its doors on Central Avenue. Known in Jacksonville for its cozy-yet-modern café vibe, the brand is expanding into Tampa Bay with a space designed for both the quick coffee run and the linger-with-laptop crowd.

The menu offers more than just coffee. Guests can start the day with bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and oat bowls, then swing back at lunch for burgers, sandwiches, and hearty midday options. It’s a café that doubles as an all-day dining spot, making it easy to work, meet, or just recharge between downtown adventures.

💡 What Makes This Café Stand Out

• Expanding footprint: This is only the first of several planned locations across Tampa Bay.

• Community feel: Their Jacksonville cafés are known as neighborhood hubs, and St. Pete is expected to get the same treatment.

• All-day service: From morning espresso to afternoon lunch, it’s designed to be a versatile stop.

Rivalry on Florida Turf: Rays vs. Yankees

📅 Tuesday | August 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM

📍 Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field

1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa, FL 33614

🔥 Baseball’s Fiercest Rivalry Hits Tampa

The battle between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees is always a heated affair—and this August, the rivalry arrives right here in Tampa. Steinbrenner Field, normally known as the Yankees’ spring training home, will turn into the backdrop for two nights of big-league drama, where every pitch, swing, and catch will carry extra weight.

The Rays, with their scrappy, analytics-driven edge, will square off against the powerhouse Yankees, bringing star bats and long-standing swagger. For fans, it means two nights of explosive energy, with the stadium buzzing from first pitch to final out. Whether it’s a nail-biting pitching duel or a slugfest full of home runs, this series has the potential to showcase some of the best baseball of the summer.

A Wickedly Fun Adventure: Disney’s Descendants Musical in Valrico

📅 Friday | August 22, 2025 | 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
📍 Location: James McCabe Theater, 506 N. 5th St., Valrico, FL 33594

🌟 A Beloved Story Comes to Life on Stage

Get ready for a wickedly fun adventure as the world of Disney’s Descendants leaps off the screen and onto the stage. Inspired by the hit Disney Channel movie, this live musical brings together the children of iconic villains and heroes in a story filled with magic, music, and redemption. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or new to the tale, the stage version delivers a fresh, theatrical spin that delights all ages.

The production promises catchy musical numbers, vivid costumes, and an ensemble cast that will bring fan-favorite characters like Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos to life. From enchanting solos to electrifying group numbers, the show blends humor, heart, and high-energy choreography for a night of nonstop entertainment.

Tampa Nights Glow: Laser Light Shows at MOSI

📅 Friday | August 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 Location: Flippers Pizzeria, 201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33069

🌠 A Fresh Glow Inside MOSI’s Dome

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry is putting its upgraded Saunders Planetarium & Digital Dome Theatre to spectacular use with a summer series of Laser Light Shows. Step inside one of the nation’s largest domes for a night where vivid laser visuals, dynamic music, and special effects create a sensory journey that feels part concert, part cosmic spectacle.

Running throughout the summer on select Fridays, the laser show series concludes on August 22. Guests can choose between two showtimes—6:30 PM and 8:15 PM—each delivering a unique blend of light, sound, and energy inside the planetarium dome. Whether you’re a science buff, a music lover, or just looking for something different to do on a Friday night, this finale promises to be a showstopper.

A Market Morning in the Heart of Dunedin

📅 Saturday | August 23, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

🌞 A Downtown Tradition Full of Local Flavor

Set against the backdrop of charming Downtown Dunedin, the Saturday Market is a community staple that fills Main Street with the buzz of vendors, neighbors, and live music. Each weekend, the historic setting becomes a hub of activity where visitors can stroll, sample, and shop beneath the Florida sun.

The market hosts 40+ vendors, offering a mix of local farmers’ produce, plants, baked goods, artisan foods, and hand-crafted items. From fresh-picked fruits and vegetables to bath & body creations and ready-to-eat lunch bites, the lineup promises something for every taste. Live music adds a festive soundtrack, while the dog-friendly vibe makes it easy to bring along your four-legged friends.

Local Sundays in Kenwood: St. Pete’s Weekly Market

📅 Sunday | August 24, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location:  St. Petersburg High School, 2501 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

🌞 Sundays That Start with Community

Every week, the Kenwood Sunday Market transforms the grounds of St. Petersburg High School into a lively open-air gathering. With the morning sun overhead and the buzz of neighbors mingling, this market captures the easygoing rhythm that makes St. Pete weekends so inviting.

Unlike seasonal markets, the Kenwood Sunday Market runs every week, making it a dependable part of the community’s rhythm. Its size, variety, and welcoming vibe make it a must-visit tradition for locals while offering visitors an authentic slice of St. Pete life.

El Prado’s Complete Streets: The Next Big Boost for South Tampa Real Estate

For years, El Prado Boulevard has been one of South Tampa’s most traveled arteries. Stretching from Bayshore Boulevard through to Dale Mabry all the way south to Westshore boulevard, it’s a street with both historic charm and heavy traffic. But it has also lacked one key ingredient: safe, connected infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

That gap is finally being addressed in a way that will reshape how buyers, sellers, and investors look at this corridor.

What’s Happening on El Prado

The City of Tampa has committed $6.45 million to transform El Prado into a Complete Streets corridor, covering Omar Avenue through Lois Avenue to Bayshore. The project, currently in procurement, is expected to begin construction as early as 2026 with completion projected in 2027.

The scope includes:

• Sidewalk connectivity: Filling long-missing gaps to create continuous walkways for families, strollers, and daily foot traffic.

• Bike-friendly design: Dedicated bike facilities integrated with Tampa’s growing cycling network. Planned improvements include dedicated bicycle lanes along El Prado, ensuring safer routes not only for commuters but also for families who want to bike with their children. This is a critical step toward reshaping El Prado into a true multi-modal corridor.

• Traffic calming: Design upgrades—like narrowed lanes, improved crosswalks, and medians—that reduce speeding and improve safety.

• Safer intersections: Especially at high-traffic crossings like Dale Mabry, where crash risk has historically been higher.

In short, El Prado will be reimagined from a car-first arterial into a balanced, multi-modal corridor designed for everyday life.

Market Implications — What Complete Streets on El Prado Mean for Values, Velocity, and Demand

1) Walkability premiums translate into higher home values.
Multiple national studies show that homes in more walkable areas command meaningful price premiums. Joe Cortright’s landmark study found that a higher Walk Score is associated with higher home prices across U.S. metros; subsequent analyses estimate that each 10-point walkability gain can lift values up to ~9%. That supports a 10–20% post-build value range for El Prado as sidewalks/bikeways and safer crossings shift the corridor from “drive-through” to “live-on.”

Source: Walking the Walk

2) Complete Streets spur redevelopment and real estate gains, not just safety.
huduser.gov’s Cityscape (2024) reports that Complete Streets in 16 U.S. counties were associated with outsized shares of local growth and higher property values (via increased multifamily rents)—with an estimated $6B in redevelopment linked to ~$600M in corridor investments (≈10:1 leverage). Expect El Prado’s redesign to catalyze renewed buyer/tenant interest and small-scale infill along the corridor.

Source: HUD User

3) Safer streets = stronger buyer sentiment (and better showings).
FHWA’s (Federal Highway Administration) Road Diet evidence base shows 19–47% crash reductions when four-lane undivided roads are reconfigured to calmer, multimodal designs (e.g., lane reallocation for turn lanes/bike lanes/refuges). Lower conflict risk and calmer speeds typically improve perceived livability—a soft but powerful driver of demand and willingness to pay.

Source Federal Highway Administration

4) Retail corridors strengthen with bike/ped upgrades—supporting residential PPSF.
NYC DOT’s (New York City Department of Transportation) “Measuring the Street” documented a 49% retail sales increase for locally based businesses on Manhattan’s 9th Ave after protected bike lanes and pedestrian upgrades. While El Prado isn’t Midtown Manhattan, the principle is the same: safer, slower, more walkable streets draw foot traffic and neighborhood spend—lifting the lifestyle narrative that underpins higher condo/SFH price-per-square-foot.

Source: NYCLandscape Performance Series

5) Buyer preferences are shifting toward walkable places.
NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) 2023 national survey shows 79% of Americans say being within an easy walk to amenities is important, and 78% would pay more to live in a walkable community. El Prado’s new sidewalks, crossings, and bikeways directly align with this demand, broadening the buyer pool and supporting absorption at stronger price points post-build.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®+1

6) Tampa policy and precedent reinforce this direction.
The City’s Vision Zero and Complete Streets programs are active, with nearby Bayshore Boulevard already receiving a 35 MPH cap, new crossings, and bike/ped upgrades—evidence Tampa is funding and delivering safety-first corridors. That policy consistency lowers execution risk for El Prado and strengthens the case for durable value lift once the project delivers.

Source: City of Tampa

7) For families with children at Roosevelt Elementary, the new sidewalks and bike lanes will transform daily routines. Walking or biking to school becomes safer and more practical, enhancing neighborhood appeal for buyers prioritizing both education and convenience.

What that means for the El Prado corridor (bottom line)

• Valuation: A 10–20% appreciation window over 2–4 years post-delivery is consistent with U.S. research on walkability and Complete Streets—especially in already-desirable South Tampa submarkets.

  • It’s important to note that these projections assume the broader housing market stays relatively stable over the next 2–4 years. If interest rates fall sharply, values could rise faster; if the national or regional economy softens, growth may be slower. In other words, the Complete Streets project creates a strong foundation for long-term appreciation, but the actual lift depends on Tampa’s broader market conditions when the improvements are complete.

• Marketability: Expect shorter days-on-market and higher PPSF once the corridor’s identity shifts to safe, connected, and convenient, with stronger retail/service nodes.

• Absorption: Broader buyer appeal (families, professionals, downsizers) driven by walkability and safety should support steady absorption even in higher-rate environments.

Market Metrics: South Tampa (33629) — Now vs. Post-Build Projection

Source: Values from StellarMLS and Zillow Respectively.

Why These Metrics Matter:

• Short-Term Cooling, Long-Term Opportunity
  The July 2025 numbers show softness across the board: median sold prices are down 4.5% YoY, listings are down 2%, and PPSF has slipped nearly 9%. For many markets, that might feel discouraging—but here, it signals a strategic entry point. Buyers have leverage now that won’t exist once the El Prado upgrades are complete.

• Walkability and Safety as Market Catalysts
  U.S. studies consistently show that Complete Streets and walkable corridors drive a 10–20% lift in property values within a few years of delivery. That’s exactly what our projections show: PPSF climbing back from $492 today to $540–$590, and median sold prices pushing up to $1.38M by 2027.

• Supply vs. Demand Dynamics
  While South Tampa inventory may expand modestly over the next few years, infrastructure projects like this tend to expand demand faster than supply. Safer, quieter, more connected corridors widen the buyer pool—families, professionals, and downsizers all see new value in living directly on or near El Prado.

• Equity Potential for Owners
  Sellers who can hold through the project’s completion stand to unlock significant equity. On a typical 2,500 sq. ft. home, the PPSF jump alone could represent $117,000–$242,000 in added equity—a tangible return tied directly to city-backed improvements.

• Investor Signals
  For investors, the current dip represents a rare buy-in window. Strong absorption and rent premiums usually follow when a corridor shifts from “high-traffic road” to “neighborhood street.” That upside, combined with Tampa’s resilient fundamentals, makes this a corridor to watch closely.

• El Prado’s upgrades won’t exist in isolation. By connecting directly into pedestrian- and bike-friendly routes, the corridor will link residents seamlessly to Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park Village, the Downtown/Water Street district, the Riverwalk, and Amalie Arena. Improved multi-modal access adds not just convenience but long-term pricing power to the area.

   

Support for the Projections:

These uplift assumptions are grounded in U.S.-based research, including:

• National Walkability Premiums
  Studies by the National Association of Realtors and Joe Cortright (Walking the Walk) show that homes in walkable areas command 5–15% price premiums over less walkable neighborhoods. In some U.S. metros, a 10-point increase in Walk Score has correlated with up to 9% higher home values. These findings directly support our 10–20% uplift projection once El Prado’s sidewalks, bikeways, and traffic calming are complete.

• Complete Streets Case Studies
  HUD’s Cityscape Journal (2024) documented an 8.2% higher appreciation rate for Orlando single-family homes within 800 meters of a Complete Streets corridor. Extrapolated to Tampa’s already high-demand South Tampa market, the infrastructure-backed uplift is likely stronger—justifying the $1.26M–$1.38M post-build median sale price projection.

• Tampa’s Policy Environment
  Tampa has already implemented traffic calming and bike/pedestrian enhancements on Bayshore Boulevard, reducing speeds and crashes. That project has shown measurable positive impact on livability and demand, setting precedent for El Prado’s transformation. Tampa’s Vision Zero program (aimed at eliminating traffic deaths) ensures projects like this are funded and prioritized—reducing execution risk.

• Current Market Softness Creates Lift Potential
  With median sold prices down 4.5% YoY and price per square foot down nearly 9%, El Prado homes are currently underperforming relative to broader South Tampa desirability. Once the corridor transitions from a “high-traffic artery” to a walkable neighborhood street, these dips provide runway for a rebound in line with national walkability trends.

• Retail and Lifestyle Anchors
  Safer corridors also spur retail activity. NYC DOT’s “Measuring the Street” found protected bike lane corridors saw up to 49% increases in local retail sales. While South Tampa is not Midtown Manhattan, the principle translates: improved street design attracts neighborhood-scale businesses, which in turn boosts residential values.

My Take: Where the Smart Money Moves Next

The El Prado Complete Streets project is reshaping one of South Tampa’s busiest arteries into a safer, quieter, more walkable corridor. The July 2025 metrics tell a story of short-term weakness—but that weakness is the entry point for long-term gains once the project is complete. Here’s how different market players should be thinking:

For Buyers

• Capitalize on Today’s Dip: With median sold prices down 4.5% YoY to $1.15M and PPSF down nearly 9%, buyers have leverage right now. Waiting until after the build risks buying into a market where the walkability premium is already priced in.

• Future-Proof Your Purchase: Once PPSF rebounds to the projected $540–$590 range, today’s $492 homes will look like steals—especially for families and professionals prioritizing safety and connectivity.

For Sellers

• Narrative is Everything: Even if you sell before construction is complete, positioning your home as part of a “transforming corridor” gives buyers confidence they’re buying into upside.

• Hold for Equity Growth: Sellers who can wait until 2027+ stand to benefit from projected median sale prices of $1.26M–$1.38M. On a typical 2,500 sq. ft. home, that’s $117K–$242K in added equity tied directly to city-backed improvements.

For Investors

• Buy the Dip, Rent the Premium: Infrastructure projects like this create long-term tenant demand. Expect absorption to strengthen as the corridor shifts from high-traffic to family-friendly. Rent growth could outpace Tampa metro averages once walkability and safety improvements are delivered.

• Bet on Corridor Transformation: The market tends to reward infrastructure-backed plays more consistently than speculative developments. With El Prado, the return is backed by a $6.45M city budget and Vision Zero policy commitments.

For All Market Players

• Timing is Your Edge: Align your strategy with project milestones—early announcements, groundbreaking, first completed sections. These are inflection points when values typically reprice.

• Remember Supply vs. Demand: While new construction may add homes to the South Tampa pipeline, infrastructure improvements almost always expand demand faster than supply. That imbalance is where pricing power lives.

📌 Bottom Line: The smart money isn’t looking at what El Prado is today—it’s looking at what it will be by 2027: a safe, connected, high-demand corridor where the numbers make a strong case for buying, holding, or reinvesting ahead of the curve.

Final Thoughts: From Traffic Artery to Lifestyle Corridor

The numbers tell us one thing: today’s softness is tomorrow’s springboard. With median sold prices in ZIP 33629 down 4.5% YoY and PPSF down nearly 9%, the market looks cooler than it has in years. But behind those numbers is a $6.45M city-backed transformation that’s set to make El Prado safer, quieter, and more desirable than ever.

By 2027, the corridor will no longer be viewed as just a busy cut-through road—it will be marketed, lived in, and priced as a walkable neighborhood artery. That shift is what pushes projections upward: sale prices rebounding into the $1.26M–$1.38M range, PPSF breaking $540–$590, and sellers enjoying stronger comps than the ones we see today.

The takeaway: If you’re buying, this is your moment to step in before the “walkability premium” hits the comps. If you’re selling, timing your exit with project milestones can unlock hidden equity. And if you’re investing, this is one of the rare times when public dollars, city policy, and real estate fundamentals all align to build value that compounds over time.

South Tampa has always been desirable—but with El Prado’s reinvention, it’s about to become unmistakably sought-after.