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St. Pete casting call: Extras needed for Paul Rudd film

"The Statement" is filming April 6-8 right here in the Sunshine City.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Pete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" data-vars-content-id="1cba9173-5a73-4be0-86b1-87f3c04da041" data-vars-headline="St. Pete casting call: Extras needed for Paul Rudd film" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" target="_self">St. Pete</a> locals, it&#x27;s our time to shine.State of play: FrontRunner Casting Agency is seeking extras for &quot;The Statement,&quot; a new movie starring Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti and John Turturro that&#x27;s filming April 6-8 here in the Sunshine City.

When to watch NASA's Artemis II launch from Tampa Bay

It's set to launch no sooner than 6:24pm today.

It&#x27;s almost time for NASA&#x27;s moonshot to lift off — and here in Tampa Bay, you may be able to see it from your backyard.Why it matters: Artemis II, set to carry four astronauts around the moon on a 10-day mission, is the first crewed mission of its kind since Apollo.

What a Democrat's Tampa win means for November

Brian Nathan's win has raised questions and, for Florida Democrats, hope about the general election in November.

Politics

The state Division of Elections has certified Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brian Nathan" data-vars-click-url="https://flsenate.gov/Senators/S14" data-vars-content-id="5ce4ea02-e1e4-4463-b6b7-1e538a67d59f" data-vars-headline="What a Democrat&#x27;s Tampa win means for November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flsenate.gov/Senators/S14" target="_blank">Brian Nathan</a>&#x27;s narrow victory in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/25/democrat-leads-in-tampas-state-senate-election" data-vars-content-id="5ce4ea02-e1e4-4463-b6b7-1e538a67d59f" data-vars-headline="What a Democrat&#x27;s Tampa win means for November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/25/democrat-leads-in-tampas-state-senate-election" target="_self">special election</a> for Tampa&#x27;s Senate District 14.Why it matters: His win has raised questions and, for Florida Democrats, hope about the general election in November.

St. Pete council, residents don't want new high-rise. It's coming anyway

Even with majority opposition, City Council lacked the votes to block the high-rise.

Another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="luxury high-rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/22/waldorf-astoria-st-petersburg-penthouse-sale-record-27-million" data-vars-content-id="cd9b3fdb-0c54-40a0-ba8f-113dc5683300" data-vars-headline="St. Pete council, residents don&#x27;t want new high-rise. It&#x27;s coming anyway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/22/waldorf-astoria-st-petersburg-penthouse-sale-record-27-million" target="_self">luxury high-rise</a> is coming to downtown St. Petersburg.Why it matters: Thursday&#x27;s hours-long City Council debate over the project laid bare angst over the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifting identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" data-vars-content-id="cd9b3fdb-0c54-40a0-ba8f-113dc5683300" data-vars-headline="St. Pete council, residents don&#x27;t want new high-rise. It&#x27;s coming anyway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/09/st-petersburg-luxury-roche-bobois-private-clubs-art" target="_self">shifting identity</a> — and raised questions about how much influence residents and policymakers have in shaping it.<ul><li>&quot;You have a problem when everybody is acknowledging this is not what we want to build, and yet we&#x27;re somehow powerless to stop it,&quot; Preserve the &#x27;Burg executive director Manny Leto told Axios.</li></ul>

Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

That makes Bonsack eligible to win the entire Best Chef: South category during the awards ceremony in June.

Food and Drink

Chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bryce Bonsack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/21/james-beard-awards-chef-bryce-bonsack-rocca" data-vars-content-id="14a87bb9-280a-4e8c-9ace-09880694c4ce" data-vars-headline="Rocca&#x27;s Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/21/james-beard-awards-chef-bryce-bonsack-rocca" target="_self">Bryce Bonsack</a> broke Tampa Bay&#x27;s years-long drought of James Beard Awards recognition when he was named a semifinalist in January.Why it matters: On Tuesday, he took the Oscars for the American hospitality industry to the next level:

Bite Club: Jimmy's Tacos in St. Pete's Grand Central

The taco spot opened its second location in January.

Jimmy&#x27;s Tacos had me at &quot;birria grilled cheese,&quot; so I was excited to try it recently with my fiancé, Winston. Dig in: The taco spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened its second location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2026/01/21/jimmy-tacos-grand-central-district-st-petersburg-birria/" data-vars-content-id="89c7a7f5-8529-4c91-abdc-1f08c71cd7e4" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Jimmy&#x27;s Tacos in St. Pete&#x27;s Grand Central" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/food-news/2026/01/21/jimmy-tacos-grand-central-district-st-petersburg-birria/" target="_blank">opened its second location</a> in January in St. Petersburg&#x27;s Grand Central District.

Tampa's Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel

It's the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gronk-famous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" data-vars-content-id="e6a52ec6-bdd2-4d22-8809-eef3cf68d7ee" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" target="_self">Gronk-famous</a> drive-thru salad restaurant Greenlane opens today in Wesley Chapel. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

Tampa chef's James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene

The Beards are like the Oscars for the American hospitality industry.

A Tampa chef was among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/02/24/james-beard-awards-snub-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/02/24/james-beard-awards-snub-tampa-bay" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> semifinalists announced Wednesday.Why it matters: The nod to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin-starred Rocca" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" target="_self">Michelin-starred Rocca</a> owner and executive chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bryce Bonsack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/25/last-meal-tampa-height-rocca-chef-bryce-bonsack" data-vars-content-id="5192617e-f7e0-45e4-b595-e2fafa30d330" data-vars-headline="Tampa chef&#x27;s James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/25/last-meal-tampa-height-rocca-chef-bryce-bonsack" target="_self">Bryce Bonsack</a> in the Best Chef: South category ends a five-year drought of Beard Awards recognition of Tampa Bay&#x27;s food scene.

Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials

Babe, wake up. The new food menu is here.

Babe, wake up. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/06/florida-state-fair-foods-2025" target="_self">Florida State Fair</a>&#x27;s new food menu just dropped. State of play: Cookie butter, street corn and last year&#x27;s trendiest dessert — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dubai chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/27/dip-and-happy-review-dubai-chocolate-waffles-macchiato" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/27/dip-and-happy-review-dubai-chocolate-waffles-macchiato" target="_self">Dubai chocolate</a> — are frequent flyers on this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="list of new items" data-vars-click-url="https://floridastatefair.com/visit/fair/food/" data-vars-content-id="c18d06e2-50d8-4fe8-abda-343f52943463" data-vars-headline="Florida State Fair 2026: Wackiest new food specials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://floridastatefair.com/visit/fair/food/" target="_blank">list of new items</a>.

Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can't wait to try in 2026

Tampa Bay's food scene just keeps getting hotter.

A food hall, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/05/12/michelin-restaurants-florida-tampa-bay" target="_self">Michelin</a>-chef-backed meat counter and a beloved burger chain are just some of the restaurants slated to open this year.Why it matters: Tampa Bay&#x27;s food scene just keeps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/04/michelin-guide-st-petersburg-pinellas-florida-expansion" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/04/michelin-guide-st-petersburg-pinellas-florida-expansion" target="_self">getting</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hotter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" data-vars-content-id="d76711d6-354a-4101-9acb-0376d291cdf3" data-vars-headline="Tampa, St. Pete restaurants we can&#x27;t wait to try in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" target="_self">hotter</a>.

Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina

Predalina closed in late October for a makeover and reopened earlier this month.

We made our way through Downtown Tampa — during a Lightning game, no less — to visit Water Street&#x27;s Mediterranean restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Predalina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/08/16/bite-club-water-street-predalina" target="_self">Predalina</a>, last week.Why it matters: Predalina earned a nod from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" data-vars-content-id="b363fd3c-331d-4f42-8a50-d403b88801ef" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/predalina" target="_blank">Michelin Guide</a> in 2024, but it closed in October for a makeover after the restaurant group behind it, which also runs Oxford Exchange, said the space &quot;didn&#x27;t feel like us.&quot;

Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing

The loss of Cycle was rough, but sometimes embracing change is the only way to cope with it.

The pain of losing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycle Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" data-vars-content-id="23f89923-37bc-4c65-80b2-c364fd0722f9" data-vars-headline="Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/06/cycle-brewing-st-petersburg-taproom-closing" target="_self">Cycle Brewing</a> earlier this year was still raw when a friend asked me to meet him at the spot that took its place. Yes, but: After much hand-wringing, I decided it was time to swallow my sentimental impulses and give <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Green Turtle Brewing and Public House" data-vars-click-url="https://greenturtlebrewing.com/" data-vars-content-id="23f89923-37bc-4c65-80b2-c364fd0722f9" data-vars-headline="Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greenturtlebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Green Turtle Brewing and Public House</a> a shot.

Bern's Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable

If you, too, have struggled to snag a reservation at Bern's (before 9pm, at least), this accolade tracks.

Tampa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bern&#x27;s Steak House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/berns-steakhouse-wine-art-la-rioja-alta" data-vars-content-id="88d949ff-223f-4162-aeee-189c2262062e" data-vars-headline="Bern&#x27;s Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/berns-steakhouse-wine-art-la-rioja-alta" target="_self">Bern&#x27;s Steak House</a> is one of the top 100 restaurants in America, according to a new ranking from reservation platform OpenTable. Why it matters: If you, too, have struggled to snag a reservation at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bern&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://bernssteakhouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="88d949ff-223f-4162-aeee-189c2262062e" data-vars-headline="Bern&#x27;s Steak House a top 100 restaurant in U.S., per OpenTable" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bernssteakhouse.com/" target="_blank">Bern&#x27;s</a> (before 9pm, at least), this accolade tracks.

5 Tampa Bay Thanksgiving specials under $50

Head to one of these open restaurants to feast on a budget.

Take off the apron, put down the potato masher and head to one of these open restaurants on Thanksgiving to feast on a budget.

Food and Drink 🍽

Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

Bite Club: Jimmy's Tacos in St. Pete's Grand Central

Tampa's Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel

Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Tampa chef's James Beard nod breaks drought for local food scene