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Tampa Bay Events of the Week
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Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick — Fall Tour 2025
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Tuesday | October 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM πLocation: Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
πΆ A Night of Worship That Lifts the Spirit
Experience one of the most powerful worship nights of the year as Elevation Worship and Pastor Steven Furtick bring their Fall Tour 2025 to Tampa. Known for chart-topping songs like “Graves Into Gardens,” “O Come to the Altar,” and “The Blessing,” the GRAMMY®-nominated collective is set to fill Benchmark International Arena with an atmosphere of praise, unity, and transformation.
This unforgettable evening combines dynamic worship performances with Pastor Furtick’s passionate, message-driven teaching, creating an immersive experience that inspires faith and connection.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elevation Church or simply drawn to music that uplifts the soul, this event offers more than a concert—it’s a communal encounter. The energy, unity, and message behind every song serve as a reminder of hope and faith’s power to bring people together.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this one-night stop in Tampa—secure your seat early and prepare to be part of a worship experience that stays with you long after the final chorus.
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Kodak Black — Bill Kill Halloween Concert
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Friday | October 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM πLocation: Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Dr, Tampa, FL 33617
π₯ Halloween Night Goes Hard in Tampa
Tampa’s Halloween weekend reaches its peak when Kodak Black brings his Bill Kill Halloween Concert to the Yuengling Center. The South Florida rap icon, known for chart-toppers like “Super Gremlin,” “ZEZE,” and “No Flockin,” is set to deliver a high-energy performance that fuses street grit, swagger, and cinematic stage production.
This one-night-only show promises to be as unpredictable and electrifying as Kodak himself, blending heavy-hitting beats, raw storytelling, and surprise guest appearances that will keep the crowd on edge from start to finish.
Fans can expect a full-scale Halloween takeover, with themed stage visuals, eerie lighting effects, and costumed performers setting the tone for a night of hip-hop and haunted hype. Whether you show up dressed to impress or to wild out with your crew, this concert will turn the Yuengling Center into Tampa’s biggest late-night Halloween party.
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Con Amor — Opening Soon in Tampa Heights
Opened: November, 2025
π Location: 5240 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
β€οΈ A Culinary Love Letter to Mexico
Set to open in November 2025, Con Amor — which translates to “with love” — is shaping up to be Tampa’s most anticipated modern Mexican dining experience. Created by Chefs Taylor Dillon and Kayla Chang, this new concept promises an intimate, soulful approach to Mexican cuisine, where every dish tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary flair.
At the heart of Con Amor’s menu is the ancient art of nixtamalization, the traditional process of transforming corn into the foundation for authentic handmade tortillas. From there, guests can expect an elevated yet approachable lineup of shareable plates, spotlighting vibrant regional flavors reimagined through modern technique.
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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars
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Thursday | October 30, 2025 | 7:00 PM
π Location: Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
β‘ The Bolts Take On the Stars
Get ready for a high-energy night of hockey as the Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Dallas Stars in what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the early season. The Lightning return to their home ice at Benchmark International Arena looking to extend their momentum, while the Stars arrive hungry to prove their defensive grit and offensive firepower.
Expect a fast-paced, hard-hitting game packed with electric plays from some of the league’s top scorers and goaltenders. With playoff-caliber intensity between these two teams, every shift counts — and every fan in the arena will feel the energy.
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Campfire Stories — Tampa Theatre
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Tuesday | October 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM π Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
π Tales Beneath the Star-Lit Sky
As part of Tampa Theatre’s 13th Annual “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” series, the historic movie palace transforms into a cozy, flickering campsite for an evening of live storytelling and spine-tingling imagination. Beneath the theatre’s twinkling star-lit ceiling, guests will gather for Campfire Stories — a night that revives one of humanity’s oldest traditions: sharing scary stories under the glow of the firelight.
Presented by the Suncoast Storytellers, this family-friendly program brings an artful mix of folklore, local legends, and eerie campfire tales designed to send just the right amount of shivers down your spine. The atmosphere inside the theatre, already steeped in history and charm, becomes the perfect stage for an evening of mystery and imagination.
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Eerie Evening at the Tampa Bay Hotel
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Wednesday | October 29, 2025 | 9:00 PM π Location: Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
π°οΈ Step Back in Time—If You Dare
For one haunting night, the Henry B. Plant Museum—once the opulent Tampa Bay Hotel—opens its doors after dark for an evening steeped in 19th-century mystery and mourning. As part of Tampa’s Halloween season, this rare after-hours event invites guests to experience the museum as never before: illuminated only by candles and period lighting, with shadowy corridors and eerie silence that make the past feel alive again.
Visitors will wander through exhibits exploring Victorian funeral customs, mourning rituals, and the era’s fascination with spiritualism—a time when séances, mourning photography, and elaborate mourning attire reflected both the fear and fascination surrounding death. Each room tells a story, offering glimpses into the macabre elegance of Gilded Age society.
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Dunedin Saturday Market – ‘Autumn Magic’ Edition
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Saturday | November 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM π Location: Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698
π A Market Dressed for Fall
This October, the Dunedin Saturday Market takes on a festive new glow, transforming its usual Saturday gathering into a vibrant celebration of the season. Held at the historic Dunedin History Museum parking lot, this market features 40 + local vendors offering produce, plants, artisan foods, baked goods, and handcrafted items. This fall edition adds pumpkins, autumn décor, and seasonal treats that turn the market into a slideshow of orange, gold, and crisp-air charm.
Live music will echo across the lot as the smells of fresh-baked pies and warm cider mingle with the chatter of shoppers discovering their favorite fall finds. From “ready-to-eat lunch bites” to bath & body products and handcrafted gifts, everything feels tuned to the season. With the market’s dog-friendly vibe and free parking nearby, it’s an ideal morning outing—now enhanced with autumn touches and Halloween flair.
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Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village
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Sunday | November 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM π Location: Hyde Park Village, 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
ποΈ A Sunday Tradition in South Tampa
Spend a crisp Sunday morning at Hyde Park Village’s beloved Fresh Market, a monthly showcase of local craftsmanship, community, and flavor. Nestled along Dakota Avenue, this open-air market features over 90 vendors, offering everything from seasonal produce and handmade pastries to artisan crafts, bath & body products, and fresh-cut flowers. The atmosphere buzzes with live music, friendly chatter, and the aroma of local fare — all surrounded by Hyde Park’s timeless charm.
This November edition celebrates the transition into Tampa’s mild fall season, when the air cools and the market takes on an inviting warmth. Whether you’re shopping for local goods or just out for a stroll, every turn brings something new and delightful.
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Craig’s Weekly Real Estate Digest
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ποΈ Luxury Landmark: How the $27 M Waldorf Astoria Penthouse Reshapes Tampa Bay’s High-End Market
When the skyline whispers “destination,” it’s time to listen. A $27 million penthouse sale in downtown St. Petersburg isn’t just headline-noise—it’s a signal flare. For luxury buyers, sellers, and investors across Tampa Bay, that one transaction marks a turning point: the region is no longer chasing luxury—it’s earning it.
What’s Happening
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The Waldorf Astoria Residences project is a 50-story branded tower in downtown St. Petersburg (150 2nd Avenue South), offering 163 luxury condominium units.
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The record-setting penthouse spans roughly 10,700 sq ft, features a private 50-ft rooftop pool, and occupies the top two floors.
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Price point: $27 million for the penthouse, eclipsing the previous Tampa Bay luxury condo record of $11.6 million (Ritz-Carlton Tampa).
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The developer and brand backing this tower (PM G / Feldman Equities / Hilton management) signal institutional confidence in Tampa Bay’s luxury trajectory.
Market Implications
Luxury Up-Shift The sale resets the ceiling in Tampa Bay luxury property. When a $27 M penthouse closes, comps and appraisal anchors move higher—even for non-$10M inventory. Buyers of sub-$2M homes in premium zip codes suddenly look “affordable” by comparison.
Ripple Effects
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Nearby luxury condos and high-end single-family homes may see 5-10% faster appreciation as this beacon sale filters through appraisal and buyer psychology.
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The “baseline” entry for premium living in 33601/33629/33701 zip codes shifts upward—market dynamics change, not just price tags.
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Branded luxury (Waldorf Astoria, Ritz, Edition) is no longer fringe—it’s becoming part of the mainstream “move-up” conversation in Tampa Bay.
Buyer & Investor Opportunity Purchasers who lock in earlier-stage luxury product or selectively scoped units gain from proximity to this momentum. For investors, the message is clear: luxury isn’t just high-rental yield—it’s long-term brand-value and scarcity premium.
π Projected Market Impact: What the Waldorf Could Mean for St. Pete’s Condo Market
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Why Compare Saltaire and the Waldorf Astoria: The “Apples-to-Apples” Story
When it comes to predicting what the Waldorf Astoria Residences could mean for downtown St. Petersburg, the Saltaire Tower offers the most accurate preview—because both towers share almost everything that defines this market:
1. Same Neighborhood, Same Buyer Pool
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Both are located in downtown St. Pete (ZIP 33701), steps from Beach Drive, the waterfront, and the city’s main entertainment district. They draw from the same group of buyers: high-net-worth professionals, retirees relocating from the Northeast, and investors looking for stable, amenity-rich, walkable luxury.
2. Same Market Stage
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When Saltaire opened in 2024, the condo market was already starting to cool. Yet it still managed to lift the area’s average price per square foot by roughly 15% within a year.
That’s the perfect testing ground for how a luxury tower performs during less-than-boom conditions—just like today.
3. Same Lifestyle and Design DNA
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Both towers emphasize urban waterfront luxury, floor-to-ceiling glass design, and curated lifestyle amenities (concierge services, private dining, wellness floors). They target similar aspirations — not just owning property, but owning experience and identity.
4. The Key Difference: Scale and Brand Power
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Saltaire proved that St. Pete’s market could sustain $8 million penthouses.
The Waldorf Astoria Residences takes that same concept global — with a $27 million penthouse and an international brand that instantly raises visibility and buyer confidence. That’s why it’s fair to project that even in a cautious market, the Waldorf’s halo effect could outperform typical appreciation trends.
Reading Between the Lines
Right now, Tampa Bay’s condo market isn’t booming—it’s experiencing major turbluence and next will likely be a rough landing. Inventory has grown, interest rates have trimmed enthusiasm, and stricter condo-reserve laws have raised ownership costs. But that pause also resets expectations, and that’s where projects like the Waldorf Astoria Residences come in.
They redefine the market’s ceiling, giving buyers and appraisers a new benchmark for quality and value—even when broader conditions feel slow.
In Short:
Saltaire was St. Pete’s proof of concept. The Waldorf Astoria is its coming of age.
Saltaire proved that a single high-end tower could lift the neighborhood by 15% or more in a strong cycle. In today’s softer environment, even half that gain would signal healthy resilience—and once the cycle turns, those gains tend to compound.
Why These Projections Matter
Real estate projections aren’t just numbers — they’re stories about how confidence, design, and brand power reshape a city’s value map. The Waldorf Astoria Residences and Saltaire Tower together tell that story for downtown St. Petersburg.
Even though Tampa Bay’s condo market is cooler right now, luxury projects like these move differently. They don’t rely on volume — they rely on vision. And that’s what gives them the power to lift an entire area, even when the rest of the market takes a breather.
π‘ My Take: Where the Smart Money Moves
The Waldorf Astoria Residences aren’t just adding another tower to the skyline — they’re adding a new market rhythm. Even in today’s cooler condo environment, the smartest players aren’t sitting still; they’re positioning for the rebound.
Here’s how different groups can do that strategically π
For Buyers: Follow the Brand, Not the Buzz
The Waldorf signals where the next cycle’s confidence will come from — and the buyers who act early are the ones who benefit most when sentiment swings back.
Action Steps:
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Shop within a ½-mile radius of the Waldorf site or around Beach Drive and Central Avenue. Those pockets will likely see the strongest long-term lift.
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Focus on newer buildings (2015+) with solid HOA reserves and documented maintenance. They’ll appreciate faster once appraisers start referencing the Waldorf’s $/SF benchmark.
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Negotiate on terms, not just price. Many sellers are offering rate buydowns, pre-paid condo association fees, design credits, or extended closing windows — things that matter more in today’s market.
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Plan for the long term (5+ years). The biggest returns will come from stability and scarcity, not quick resales.
Smart Move: Buy during quiet cycles, near branded excellence. When the buzz returns, you’ll already be positioned in the middle of it.
For Sellers: Price Smart, Market Smarter
The Waldorf doesn’t give permission to overprice — but it does give you leverage. It redefines what “premium” looks like downtown, and smart sellers can use that shift to reposition their listings more competitively.
Action Steps:
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Anchor your listing near Waldorf headlines. If you’re within downtown’s luxury radius, reference it: “Minutes from the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Residences.” It subconsciously raises perceived value.
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Show proof of stability. Upload current HOA reserves, insurance renewals, or inspection reports in your listing docs. Today’s buyers crave transparency over flash.
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Invest in light pre-sale upgrades. Focus on flooring, lighting, and fresh paint rather than full remodels — cosmetic polish sells faster when inventory rises.
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Price within the top 25% of your comp range, not the bottom. The Waldorf’s $27M sale raised the area’s “psychological ceiling.” Appraisers and buyers will absorb that over time.
Smart Move: Don’t sell against luxury — sell next to it. Position your property as the attainable version of tomorrow’s prestige.
For Investors: Think Cash Flow First, Compounding Second
The Waldorf’s construction phase is your window to buy quietly. Once it opens, nearby rents and cap rates will adjust upward — that’s your timing edge.
Action Steps:
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Acquire rental-ready units now while soft sentiment keeps pricing negotiable. Look for condos under $1M with walkability and strong rental histories.
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Secure long-term tenants (corporate or executive renters) before the Waldorf opens to lock in yield while the area’s image strengthens.
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Hold through the 2027–2029 window. Once the Waldorf opens and occupancy stabilizes, resale demand and appraiser adjustments typically follow within 12–18 months.
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Avoid speculative flips. The appreciation curve here is steady, not explosive — compounding equity and reliable income will outperform short-term gains.
Smart Move: Treat brand-backed development like a wave — invest early, ride through the buildout, and exit when the perception peak hits.
For Everyone: Play the Long Game
Whether you’re a homeowner, small investor, or simply watching the skyline — projects like Saltaire and Waldorf are market signals. They tell us where long-term value will cluster and where Tampa Bay’s next economic story is being written.
Action Steps:
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Track the corridor between Beach Drive and Central Avenue. That’s where future infrastructure, retail, and walkability improvements will cluster.
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Monitor downtown assessments and resale data quarterly. When the $/SF gap between older condos and new luxury narrows, it’s usually the start of the next upcycle.
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Don’t wait for certainty. Confidence always returns before the headlines say it does — and those who act early usually earn the most.
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Remember: Rising luxury tides lift every property nearby — even mid-tier homes benefit from prestige and infrastructure momentum.
Smart Move: Think like a builder — not a speculator. The skyline is telling you where the smart money’s already going.
π Final Thoughts: From Skyline to Strategy
Luxury development isn’t just about adding new towers — it’s about shifting what a city believes is possible. The Saltaire Tower showed that St. Pete could compete in the luxury space. The Waldorf Astoria Residences prove it can lead it.
Even in a softer condo market, the real story isn’t short-term price fluctuations — it’s long-term positioning. Projects like these attract stable capital, draw global attention, and reset the standard for what “downtown living” means. They’re not just selling square footage; they’re selling a lifestyle, a level of trust, and a new tier of civic confidence.
For buyers, this is the moment to position near future prestige — before prices recalibrate. For sellers, it’s an opportunity to align your story with a new market ceiling. For investors, it’s a cycle worth holding through.
Because in real estate, value isn’t only about what you buy — it’s about where the city is going when you buy it.
St. Petersburg’s next chapter won’t be written in listing prices — it’ll be written in cranes, culture, and confidence. The Waldorf isn’t just a building. It’s a signal.
If you’re considering purchasing a condo, I’d be happy to discuss how our team’s proprietary software can help you analyze and compare different buildings. This exclusive tool evaluates key factors—such as structural integrity and financial health—to provide an overall grade for each building.
- Craig
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A Message From Craig
β¨ Faith, Fall Nights & A $27M View from the Top
This Week in Tampa Bay | October 28 – November 3, 2025
Hey friends — the final days of October are here, and Tampa Bay is glowing. Between uplifting concerts, culinary debuts, Halloween finales, and one jaw-dropping penthouse redefining luxury, this week closes out spooky season with faith, flair, and forward momentum.
π΅ Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick — Fall Tour 2025 Faith meets full production as Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick bring their Fall Tour to Amalie Arena. Expect soaring vocals, cinematic visuals, and a community atmosphere that fills the space with light and gratitude — the perfect contrast to a season known for shadows.
π· Con Amor — Opening Soon in Tampa Heights The much-anticipated Con Amor finally opens its doors, blending Latin flair with Mediterranean warmth. Expect elevated tapas, bold cocktails, and a dining room that feels like it was made for golden-hour gatherings. Tampa Heights continues to shine as a creative and culinary hub, and this new addition fits right in.
π Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars The Bolts host the Stars in what’s shaping up to be one of the early-season must-watch matchups. Tampa’s offense is clicking, and Amalie’s energy is unmatched — hockey nights in Tampa aren’t just about the game anymore; they’re part of our identity.
π₯ Campfire Stories — Tampa Theatre The Tampa Theatre dims its lights for one of the city’s coziest (and creepiest) fall traditions: Campfire Stories. Local authors and storytellers gather to share eerie tales and legends from across Florida — it’s literary nostalgia meets Halloween suspense inside one of the Bay’s most haunted landmarks.
ποΈ Luxury Landmark: How the $27M Waldorf Astoria Penthouse Reshapes Tampa Bay’s High-End Market The announcement of the $27 million Waldorf Astoria penthouse — now officially the highest-priced residence in Tampa Bay — is more than a luxury headline. It’s a defining moment for the city’s skyline and its status in the national luxury market.
Let’s make this week count — From worship nights and haunted stories to skyline milestones, Tampa Bay is closing October on a high note — full of faith, flavor, and forward motion.
— Craig
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