Sunshine City Magazine

Freya’s Diner set to close in St. Pete, Tampa’s Yard House has an opening date, and more local foodie news | Food News | Tampa

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2023

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Photo via Yard House/Facebook

The Bay’s first Yard House location set its opening date, a year after it was originally announced.

Openings

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Tampa Bay’s debut Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar opens at 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd. sometime in September, although its grand opening was originally slated for next month. The North Carolina-based restaurant is known for its menu of seafood favorites like po’boys, shrimp and grits, lobster grilled cheeses and shrimp, snow crabs, mussels and clams by the dozen or half-pound. Family-style options include its “Low Country Boil” of steamed shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn and its “Saul T Steam Pot” loaded with oysters, clams, snow crab legs and shrimp. And since oysters are the star of the show, they can be ordered raw, steamed or charbroiled at Wesley Chapel’s soon-to-open Shuckin’ Shack. A full menu of specialty cocktails—including raw “oyster shooters”—joins its spread of casual, seafood-heavy fare. In addition to Wesley Chapel’s upcoming Shuckin’ Shack, there are other locations of the North Carolina-based company opening in downtown Ocala and the greater Space Coast area. Florida’s only Shuckin’ Shack restaurant has been open in Ocala since late 2021. The opening of Wesley Chapel’s new 4,162 square-foot oyster bar—complete with an outdoor patio—was announced last fall. 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz. @shuckinshackwesleychapel on Instagram

Coming Soon

Streetlight Taco Chef-partner Michael Brannock tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that his debut restaurant, Streetlight Taco, will open its doors sometime this fall—hopefully September. Located in South Tampa’s Palma Ceia neighborhood, this “hyper-traditional,” 2,500 square-foot restaurant will boast a capacity of about 100. Brannock’s partners in Streetlight Taco are Jack Murray and Nick Reader, two of the managing partners of Rocca, the modern Italian restaurant that took home one of Tampa’s first Michelin stars earlier this year. In terms of the menu future customers can expect when Brannock’s restaurant opens this fall—tacos will obviously be the star of the show—but will also be joined by a variety of other traditional dishes and vegetable-based sides. Bright green chorizo verde sausages, cactus fried rice, Pueblan-style cemitas sandwiches and carnitas cooked in the traditional copper pot are all travel-inspired dishes that Brannock will feature on his menu. Customers will be able to witness Streetlight’s wood and charcoal-fired grill in action, as well as masa being ground and tortillas being pressed. This particular grill requires a special hood system—one of the many details of Brannock’s open-air kitchen. 4004 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. @streetlighttaco on Instagram

Yard House Downtown Tampa is finally ready to go Yard. Yard House, a long awaited addition to Water Street, has set a tentative opening date, according to its website. Originally announced in March 2022, Tampa Bay’s first Yard House—located at 450 Channelside Dr., right across the street from the Amalie Arena—has set its opening date as Oct. 9. Yard House is a concept from Darden Restaurant Group, who also owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, and has over 80 locations nationwide. The closest location to the Bay area is in Icon Park in Orlando. The inaugural Tampa location will feature bar bites, vegan dishes and over 100 on-tap beers, with a modern industrial interior and outdoor seating area. 450 Channelside Dr., Tampa. yardhouse.com—Gracey Davis

Closings

Freya’s Diner The ‘Burg is about to lose one of its many plant-based concepts. Freya’s Diner, located in the Grant Central District, took to Instagram this week to announce the imminent closure of the vegan lunch and dinner spot. Sunday, Aug. 6 is the restaurant’s last day in operation. “We want to take this time to thank everyone for their support this last year and for weathering so many changes that came our way. Unfortunately, St. Pete is seeing its slowest season to date and has left us with no other option but to close our doors,” its Instagram reads. “We’ve spoken to so many others that are feeling the effects of today’s economy. We aren’t the first to close this season, and we definitely won’t be the last.” This eerie farewell message ends with Freya’s Diner encouraging its patrons and community members to support other small businesses throughout St. Pete, stating that “June and July have been the slowest months in retail/dining on Central since we can remember.” Although Freya’s closure comes at the plant-based community’s dismay, the unfortunate news isn’t a surprise to some, considering the diner’s Central Avenue space has been for sale on loopnet.com for quite some time now. 2462 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. freyasdiner.com

Events

PeePaw’s Deep Fried Taco pop-up A few months ago, Tampa food truck This Little Pig hosted a Cinco de Mayo pop-up in honor of Ybor City’s long-lost Mema’s Alaskan Tacos. Well, the food truck’s customers loved the concept so much that they requested another fried taco pop-up, and its second iteration heads to Ybor Heights next Sunday, Aug. 6 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. “Obviously fried tacos are delicious, so we’re going to run with that; But there will be updated recipes and more menu items to offer,” This Little Pig writes on social media. “John wanted to do things a little more his way this go around. A little more thoughtful with ingredients and the way proteins are cooked and seasoned,” Lynsey Thompson, co-founder of Three Little Pigs, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “We are also offering more than just tacos.” Newly-opened brewery Deviant Libation hosts next weekend’s pop-up and beers like its lemon-ginger Crate Digger sour ale will surely compliment This Little Pig’s spread of fried tacos. 3800 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa. @thislittlepigfoodtruck on Instagram

ICYMI: Bites from the Tampa Bay dining scene

Chef Erik Youngs discusses annual ‘Voodoo Bash’ food fundraiser, which returns to Ybor City next month Erik Youngs aka “Voodoo Chef” has spent the last 25 years as a Culinary Educator in Hillsborough County Public Schools, helping kids further their education through a variety of sponsorships and local events. “The Voodoo Chef Foundation is what I call my full-time part-time job—It’s my goal to directly support our community through food education and awareness. We’re coming up on a weekend-long run of events that we do every year: the Signature Chef Progressive Dinner and Voodoo Bash,” Youngs told CL. His annual Signature Chef Progressive Dinner happens on Friday, Aug. 18 and the 2023 rendition of Voodoo Bash takes place on Saturday, Aug. 19—both inside Ybor City’s Cuban Club at 2010 North Avenida Republica de Cuba. Friday’s event is a fine dining-style, five-course tasting dinner from various Tampa Bay-based chefs (complete with live entertainment), while Saturday’s main event is a quest to find the “best burger in Florida.”

Shaners Market, located at 2000 Pass A Grille Way and a neighborhood favorite for almost three decades, has sold, but a press release says the buyer, Orange Fuel, LLC, “will continue on with much of the same staff and products.”

Celebrated Tampa institution Bern’s Steak House reopens this week and is now accepting reservations after its temporary, renovation-related closure. While its kitchen and BOH remodeling has been completed, its lounge remains closed for further renovations. The celebrated restaurant is also bringing back its beloved wine cellar and kitchen tours, which can be booked alongside dinner reservations.

Clearwater Beach’s Hyatt Regency Hotel is offering a “Drivecation” discount for Florida and Georgia residents who can get up to 20% off their stay through Dec. 20. Use the code DRIVE5, or call the resort directly (727-373-1234). A press release says travelers must book their trip and stay at the resort before Dec. 14 in order to claim this offer.

The Market and Azure concepts at Tampa Edition—both at 500 Channelside Dr.—have launched an express lunch that hopes to get downtown denizens in and out during lunch hour. Both available from noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, the streamlined menus include the concepts’ most popular items. Upstairs at Azure, diners can choose between four starters (including salads and the pink peppercorn mussels plancha), four entrees (like the branzino sandwich with htipiti, shaved fennel and wild arugula) and even dessert. At Market on the ground floor of the hotel, there is a trio of antipasti, four entrees (including margherita pizza and the blackened grouper sandwich), and a pair of desserts. Two and three-course options are available at both concepts ($29-$35). And if you’re more the happy hour type, the hotel’s “Slices & Spritzes” afternoon special offers spritz and rose tastings along with ‘za.

Tampa’s beloved “8/13 Day” is only a few weeks away, and one local speciality roaster is celebrating in a big way. Wuz Here Coffee hosts its “love letter to Tampa” event on Sunday, Aug. 13 at Seminole Heights’ L.P.C.X Café ( 6204 N Armenia Ave.) from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., complete with food specials, drinks and a slew of local vendors.

Julio’s Latin Twist—a local restaurant specializing in expansive Puerto Rican fare like mofongo and empanadas—opened its most recent location at 7815 38th Ave. N in St. Pete’s greater Tyrone area earlier this month. A second location in Gulfport is slated to open by the end of the summer, too.

St. Pete fine dining restaurant Il Ritorno (stylized as “IL Ritorno”) at 449 Central Ave. N hosts an exclusive caviar tasting dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Reservations cost $235 per person and can be made via tock.com, giving guests access to six caviar-centric courses from owner and Executive Chef David Benstock, which include a squid ink capellini with caviar Lingotto and a “peaches and cream”-themed dessert.

Caddy’s recently closed both its Gulfport and St. Pete Beach locations, and the latter already has a new concept getting ready to open its doors. Waterfront restaurant Taverna on the Bay will dish out Mediterranean eats out of the former Caddy’s space at 5501 Gulf Blvd.; there’s no debut date just yet but it’s listed as “coming soon” via @tavernaonthebaystpetesbeach on Facebook.

Hosted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History, The ‘Burg’s annual Beers on the Pier event returns on Saturday, July 29 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. The party features unlimited samples from over 20 local and national breweries, in addition to food trucks, live music and access to all of the museum’s galleries and exhibits.

One of Tampa’s most popular Chinese restaurants is temporarily closed after a fire broke out in its kitchen a few weeks ago. Beijing House, located at 1441 E Fletcher Ave., is promoting a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild its restaurant, claiming that “insurance does not extend to cover the necessary remodeling expenses.” “Every dollar contributed will go directly towards restoring the kitchen, making it a safer and better space to continue serving you,” its fundraiser reads.

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Sunshine City Magazine

Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa

Published

8 months ago

March 13, 2024

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Photo by Camren Meier

Ari Chi, who plays Shuffle in Tampa, Florida on March 15, 2024.

Kicking off Shuffle’s weekend-long, six-year anniversary party, Seek the Light Media—a woman-owned media company run by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay contributor Yvonne Gougelet—is hosting its first-ever Women In Music Showcase this weekend.

A press release notes that along with March being National Women’s Month, the acoustic-based event—which includes a set from uke-weilding songwriter Ari Chi—was partially inspired by the need to raise awareness around a constant lack of diversity on gig lineups.

There’s no cover to get into the Women In Music Showcase happening on Friday, March 15, but donations to keep Tampa’s beloved woman-owned shuffleboard hotspot up and running will be greatly appreciated.

To close out its anniversary weekend, Shuffle—located at 2612 N Tampa St.—welcomes Lauris Vidal, his one-man band, a special “Tom Waits giving a hug to Paul Simon” vocal style, along with Tribal Style—the reggae roots outfit that came up in the Southern California scene before becoming a staple in the Bay area.

There’s no cover for any of the Shuffle six-year anniversary concerts happening Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 at Tampa Shuffle.
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Sunshine City Magazine

Congresswoman secures $5.5 million for St. Pete projects • St Pete Catalyst

Published

8 months ago

March 13, 2024

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Six local projects that encompass everything from uplifting South St. Petersburg communities to clean energy initiatives will benefit from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s federal appropriations success.

The congresswoman recently secured $14 million in area Community Priority Grants, with $5.5 million directly benefitting St. Petersburg organizations. Castor was particularly proud of receiving $1.5 million – her full ask – for the Enoch Davis Center.

The facility at 111 18^th Ave. S. is named after a prominent local civil rights activist. Mayor Ken Welch called the center “vital but dated” when he announced plans in May 2023 to transform it into a state-of-the-art community hub.

“I love that one because I’m at the Enoch Davis Center a lot,” Castor told the Catalyst. “Those modern, up-to-date community centers are more important than ever.”

The federal grant will fund assessment, pre-construction and energy-efficiency costs. Welch previously noted the facility’s expansive upgrades will support neighborhood health and safety and provide “technology and tools to excel in our competitive 21^st-century economy.”

Castor explained that the Inflation Reduction Act also allows local governments and organizations to receive rebates for sustainability efforts, like solar panels. “When you help the city save money, you help our neighbors save money, too,” she said.

“So, you’re going to see those kinds of investments … really ramp up,” Castor added. “And boy, do we need it – because our electric bills are out of sight.”

She also secured over $1.1 million for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The agency will use the money to convert its bus fleet to electric motors.

The federal funding will also help PSTA electrify its St. Petersburg Pier tram system. Castor called it a “great demonstration” of clean energy benefits due to the vehicles’ “high profile.”

“I was out there on The Pier about a week and a half ago, and they run all the time,” she said. “They’re gas-powered. And if you’re sitting behind the engine, it’s not great.”

From left, PSTA CEO Brad Miller and Congresswoman Kathy Castor discuss the SunRunner service with local resident and frequent rider Christopher Winters. Photo by Ashley Morales.

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg emerged as a big winner in the grant cycle. The Coastal Resilience Data Visualization Center at the College of Marine Science and the Disrupt Human Trafficking Data Project will each receive $963,000.

Coastal Resilience Center officials will use the funding for scientific planning, threat simulations and public outreach activities. Castor noted the city and state are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense storms and sea-level rise.

In addition, the nation experienced the hottest February in recorded history. Castor said people need up-to-date information on where to build and live safely.

“Hopefully, this informs policymakers to help them steer development away from the most dangerous areas,” she said. “It comes back to how people are feeling in their pocketbooks, with insurance costs. We really have to give people better tools and a better understanding of what a changing climate will mean for them.”

USFSP’s Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab will use the Community Grant funding to develop a statewide data repository called TIPSTR. The program will assist law-enforcement investigations, mitigate gaps in victim services, develop prevention programs and help discern the problem’s magnitude.

An $850,000 grant will support the Deuces Rising development, formerly the Sankofa project. It will provide 24 homeownership opportunities along the 22^nd Street South (the Deuces) corridor for those earning below 80% of the area median income.

The public subsidy for each unit in the long-discussed development is just under $500,000. Castor said she “thought it was worthwhile to try to help lower the cost of the affordable housing portion.”

“This may turn out to be a one-two punch,” Castor added. “It (funding) is not at the level I sought. If it will qualify next year, I may come back and try to do another tranche for that.”

The Pinellas County Urban League will receive $81,130 for new computers and updated technological infrastructure. The goal is to increase reliable digital access to bolster economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Castor called the Urban League one of her “most valuable partners” in St. Pete. She said organizational leadership relayed their struggle to keep pace with continuously evolving technology.

Castor said securing the funding was easy as it aligned with congressional economic development initiatives. She also noted that the Urban League plays a prominent role in lowering local electricity costs by helping low-income residents weatherize their homes.

“The summers are so hot and go on for a longer period of time, and that impacts you if you work outside and want to enjoy our beautiful Sunshine City,” Castor said. “I don’t hear the climate skeptics that I used to … because the economics of it are right in front of them.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor was named the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Champion in March 2023. Photo provided.

Sunshine City Magazine

Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024 | Tampa

Published

8 months ago

March 12, 2024

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Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner once again, and it’s always the best excuse to get a little buck-wild in between the forced romance of Valentine’s Day and the moral obligation of Easter and Mother’s Day. Dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues throughout Tampa Bay are throwing a wide range of parties, street festivals, brunches and even kid-friendly festivities to celebrate the beloved drinking holiday—and here are the best 20-ish celebrations we could find.

Did we miss your St. Patrick’s Day party? Submit your event to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s calendar, then email [email protected] to be added to this event roundup.

The ‘Biggest’ St. Paddy’s Day Party Palm Harbor’s go-to deli hosts a full week of food specials and live entertainment to commemorate its favorite holiday—from drinking tunes from The Irish Ramblers to bagpipe performances and traditional Irish step dance. Indulge in classic Lucky Dill dishes like its reuben egg rolls, hot pastrami sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage, plus whiskey tastings and giveaways on select days. Tuesday-Sunday, March 12-17. No cover. Various times. Lucky Dill Deli, 33180 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor. @LuckyDillDeli on Facebook

21st Annual MacPatrick Fest South Tampa hotspot MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been hosting its multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past 21 years, and that just may be the median age of partygoers at 2024’s installment this weekend. Each day features its own drink specials, themes and giveaways, but Sunday’s “Green Kegs” breakfast, open bar and live entertainment is certainly the fest’s finale. Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. $15 & up. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. macdintons.com

St. Paddy’s Punk & Roll Cage Brewing hosts its own mini-fest featuring over 15 local musicians that will take turns sharing its outdoor stage this weekend, plus booze-friendly eats courtesy of Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover (RSVP encouraged.) Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com

St. Patrick’s Weekend & Irish Coffee Stout Release Move over green beer, there’s a new holiday brew in town. Crooked Thumb Brewery releases its exclusive Irish Coffee Stout, plus live music and food trucks all weekend-long. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, 555 10th Ave S, Safety Harbor. crookedthumbbrew.com.

Sips & Shenanigans Brunch Get some grub before Tampa’s River O’Green festival at Melting Pot Social’s special holiday brunch, complete with bottomless green mimosas, corned beef and cabbage and other classic brunch fare. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. Melting Pot Social, 105 West Tyler St., Tampa. meltingpotsocial.com

Corey Avenue Street Party 2024’s rendition of this annual block party coincides with one of its longtime sponsors, Swigwam Beach Bar, but this all-day St. Patrick’s Day gig will definitely continue throughout Corey Avenue’s 300 Block. Soggy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats and Full Throttle provide entertainment. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. 300 Block of Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. @SwigwamBeachBar on Facebook.

St. Patrick’s Day Party & Mini-golf Tournament Largo’s resident farm and petting zoo hosts way more than kid’s birthday parties, as evidenced by its debut St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. Flex your putting skills at its mini-golf tournament or relax with a beer and plate of corned beef and cabbage. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover (farm tours cost $10 per person). DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. dkfarmsandgardens.com

Get Lucky Block Party Whiskey shots out of an ice luge and an open bar from 5 p.m.-7p.m. are the main draws of Bar HWRD’s holiday banger, which can either be a launching pad or end cap for a night of partying in South Tampa. Saturday, March 16. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $10-$20. Bar HWRD, 302 South Howard Ave., Tampa. barhwrdtampa.com

River O’Green The City of Tampa’s family-friendly river-dyeing party returns to Curtis Hixon Park this weekend with kid activities, live entertainment, food trucks and green beer (for the parents.) Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. No cover. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampasdowntown.com

St. Patrick’s Day Bash by the Beach This beach-adjacent hotel hosts a night filled with whiskey tastings, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, live music and Irish-themed cocktails. 7Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-8 p.m. No cover, Eventbrite RSVP recommended. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Dr.,Clearwater. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com

2nd Annual Paddyfest Perhaps one of the most—if not the most—kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations returns to the heart of St. Pete this weekend, with tons of activities and entertainment in tow. Paddyfest St. Pete hosts a multitude of festivities including dozens of local vendors, food trucks slinging both Irish and American fare, whiskey tastings, a dedicated kids zone, live music and dancing, a wide variety of brews on tap and athletic performances from FSA Highland, a Florida-based organization that specializes in traditional Scottish sports like shot put, caber toss and sheaf toss.
Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-9 p.m. No cover. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. paddyfeststpete.com

Mary Margaret’s St. Patrick’s Weekend This Central Avenue-adjacent bar offers Irish vibes year-round, but they’re usually kicked up a notch during its weekend-long party, which includes live music, bagpipers, specials like corned beef and cabbage and tons of Guinness to wash it all down. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. 29 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com

St. Patrick’s Weekend Both days of Slizzy Mcgees’ annual party features live music from Flo-Raw and Stealing Crowns, local food trucks, specials on traditional Irish fare and of course, tons of booze. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. Slizzy Mcgee’s, 1159 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. @Slizzymcgees on Facebook

St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl This bar crawl throughout The ‘Burg kicks off at Welcome to the Farm and continues at various neighboring bars in downtown St. Pete. Ticket holders get drinks at each stop, access to food specials and specialty, holiday-themed cocktails. Sunday, March 17. $9.99 & up. Welcome To The Farm, 242 1st Ave. N St Petersburg. pubcrawls.com

St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic Night A nice, sober or low-key option for St. Patrick’s Day if barhopping and late nights isn’t your jam. RSVPs are recommended for this free-to-attend open mic night with craft beer, wine and kava available for purchase.
Sunday, March 17. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. The Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard South Gulfport. @villagecourtyard on Facebook

Flanagan’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Billed as one of the “largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Florida,” Flanagan’s annual party features a full lineup of music and entertainment from noon-8 p.m. and lots of flowing green beer. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin. @flanagansirishpub on Facebook

8th Annual Block Party If you aren’t ready to stop drinking after Paddyfest at Williams Park, then head to The Galley’s annual festivity complete with live music, plenty of Guinness, whiskey and Irish food specials. Sunday, March 17. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. The Galley, 27 4th Street N , St. Petersburg. @TheGalleyDTSP on Facebook

Sober St. Patrick’s Day No hangover, no problem. This Clearwater kava house hosts a laid-back holiday party filled with N/A drink specials and screenings of St. Patrick’s Day-themed movies. Sunday, March 18. 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. Kava House Brand, 11141 US Highway 19 N #408 Clearwater. kavahousebrand.com

St. Patrick’s Day at Caddy’s on the Beach Caddy’s locations on Indian Rocks Beach (20025 Gulf Blvd.), Madeira Beach (14080 Gulf Blvd.), Treasure Island (9000 W Gulf Blvd.) and Johns Pass (190 Boardwalk PI.) all host their own holiday parties with cheap drinks, raffles, giveaways, live entertainment and free green tea shots for anyone rocking the color of the evening. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Various locations. caddys.com

O’Briens Irish Pub’s annual St. Patrick’s Event Step dancers, bagpipers and local acts like Noodles Magoo, The Headbang, Wyndbreakers and Nicaea provide the entertainment this weekend at Carollwood’s O’Briens Irish Pub, which just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. $20. O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. obrienspubstampa.com

O’Maddy’s Annual Waterfront Party Waterfront gulfport pub O’Maddy’s hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parties each March, and 2024’s rendition offers plenty of flowing green beer, Irish fare and music from Pete & Dean Trio, Horses Wild and The Horny Toads. Sunday, March 17. 10 a.m.-midnight. No cover. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, 5405 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. @omaddys on Facebook

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