Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

Bailey Lefever

Senior Newsletter Editor

Bailey is based in St. Petersburg, FL, but hails from Ocala: the “horse capitol of the world.” Previously, she reported on education for WUSF Public Media, seniors for The Tampa Bay Times, and local government and communities for The Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post. Happiest with sand on her sneakers, she loves visiting new parks and neighborhoods.

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A rendering of Central Park St. Pete. The five-story concept has tables out front with people eating, people walking by and cycling by, and a yellow brick wall lined with windows and a balcony.
3 ultra-fresh Tampa Bay restaurant updates
Check out a new South Tampa French restaurant, Pete’s drive-thru, and a massive food hall.
June 10, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A new rendering of the exterior of Tampa's new Airside D shows a modern, steel and windowed terminal flocked by red and blue-winged planes, palm trees, and cloudy blue skies.
Development
Take a peek at renderings for TPA’s expansion + Britton Plaza
We’re checking in on two major developments going up across Tampa Bay.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A fort surrounded by cerulean water, a wall, and mangroves
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road: Explore Florida’s national parks
Take in the beauty of three Florida national parks all within driving distance from Tampa Bay.
June 3, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A sprawling tree at Eureka Springs Park. There are tentacle-like branches covered in Spanish Moss and greenery surrounding the arbor. A blue sky is visible through the leaves and plants sit beneath the tree.
City
2 new Tampa Bay affordable housing and resiliency projects
Four Tampa neighborhoods scored resiliency upgrades + Pinellas is getting more affordable housing.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A sunny day at the Orlando Farmers Market in Lake Eola Park, showing a crowd of people browsing various vendor tents lined along a paved walkway. Tall palm trees and a cityscape of modern buildings are visible in the background.
Play
20 of the top free things to do in Orlando
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in O-Town, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Clearwater backyard boasts a lagoon pool, hammock, and tons of greenery.
Travel and Outdoors
Rent a private pool in the Tampa Bay metro
Explore unique pools across the metro for a refreshing getaway, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying some solo relaxation.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Travis Meier
MacDill Vietnam veteran salutes
Events
Honor our nation’s heroes in Tampa Bay this Memorial Day
We’re sharing seven ideas for commemorating the day across Hillsborough and Pinellas.
May 23, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
An aerial shot of St. Petersburg after Hurricane Helene. Water lines the streets and the water level is high. Smoke rises from a house on the left and grey skies linger overhead with the ocean visible in the distance.
City
What’s in Tampa and St. Pete’s future?
We’re sharing where local leaders see needs across Tampa Bay, from job growth to affordable housing.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Two people kneel in a bricked crevice tending to a wood-fire kiln at the Morean Center for Clay.
Arts
Your guide to art classes in the Tampa Bay area
From needlepoint and knitting to ceramics, we’ve got you (paint) covered.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A little girl holds ropes and smiles at the camera at a ropes course in Orlando.
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Orlando
We found the best kid-friendly activities in Orlando, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
An iced coffee on a table in Hyde Park Village. The clear container is full of light brown liquid, and the drink is close to the camera on a wooden table. A blurry fountain is in the background, with water spraying down. Trees are visible, and a gap through the trees shows a mostly blue sky with a few clouds.
Live
Your guide to Tampa Bay’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Ya La’ford sits in front of an orange potter's wheel with clay on her hands and listens to a man sharing insights art form.
Arts
Q+A with Tampa Bay multimedia artist Ya La’ford
Spend some time with the renowned artist, as she shares about her local inspiration and future projects.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A red-haired woman leans down to hit a green ball with a pickleball paddle to toward two men across the outdoor court which is next to multiple courts.
Sports
Prep your paddle: Tampa is getting more pickleball courts
Just in time for summer, the Cigar City is adding new pickleball options to local parks.
May 14, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A biker pedals their way in a designated bike lane on a Tampa street, separated by a brick lane from cars.
City
Tampa begins work on the 22-mile Green ARTery network
Construction just began on the first two segments of the Green ARTery, Tampa’s new pedestrian and bicycle network.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Pastry perfection
Food
Taste test these 12 Tampa Bay bakeries
These Tampa Bay bakeries serve traditional Cuban and Greek delights, creative concoctions, and just solid slices of cake.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A group of coral biologists wearing blue shirts saying "The Florida Aquarium" load a giant white cooler into a truck.
Travel and Outdoors
The Florida Aquarium is delivering 1,000+ baby corals to the Keys
The elkhorn corals will be planted on the reef or cared for in ocean-based nurseries.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The owner, Chance Ryan, stands beside one of his specialized blue vending machines which is decorated with vines and a mini fake giraffe.
Sponsored
A peek bind the small biz with Tampa Bay’s Lucid Vending
Lucid Vending’s specialized vending machines stock local items and art.
Sponsored by
Cheeky's, a new St. Pete resturant's interior is filled with tables and wood chairs, a light blue bar with wooden stools, and shiplaped walls.
Business
Welcome Cheeky’s, Maru, and Greyson to Tampa Bay
Here’s a peek at three spots opening in Tampa + St. Pete, offering everything from fresh oysters and fish and rooftop views to neutral threads.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The white brick storefront of MISRED Outfitters on Central Avenue.
Sponsored
Tampa Bay Small Business Week spotlight: MISRED Outfitters
Presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, spend a moment with the St. Pete boutique’s owner as she shares more about the Burg’s small business community.
Sponsored by
Tampa Skyline
Sponsored
Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union has arrived in Tampa Bay
Join us at TBAYtoday in celebrating small businesses from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Sponsored by
Tampa's skyline, with the Rivergate Tower pictured on the right. Its yellowish brown color is reflected in the sun, with windows lining the outside. There is an ominous cloudy sky with streaks of blue above.
City
What do locals really call things in Tampa Bay?
Officially, it may be the Rivergate Tower, but it’s always “the Beer Can Building” in our hearts.
April 28, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A hand holds up a cup of ice cream in front of a building with the sign "Chill Bros. Ice Cream" with a line out the door of people.
Food
Get the scoop on 10 Tampa Bay ice cream spots
Cool off with homemade ice cream, gelato, plant-based coconut ice cream, and tons of treats at these Tampa and St. Pete creameries.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Vinoy Spa's relaxation area features three white lounge chairs with ottomans. Each is topped with a dark pillow and furry blanket.
Wellness
Try out the Vinoy Spa + other TBAY offerings
We tried out one of the Vinoy spa’s new offerings and are sharing the deets on other must-try Tampa Bay spas.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
First turn thrill in greyhound racing at "Derby Lane", St. Petersburg, Florida.
Real Estate
Could changes come for Derby Lane, Steinbrenner and The Club at Cheval in Lutz?
All three spots could see some major changes over the next several years.
April 22, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Red-checkered chairs and are tucked into tables which are lined by plush, green booths in a room with massive windows and exposed brick.
Business
Dig into Oxford Design Studio’s latest projects
We spent some time with ownersTate Casper and Jordan Winston, discussing the recently opened new Mad Dogs & Englishmen location and their sources of inspiration.
April 16, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A drone shot of the overhead of the tattered Tropicana Field roof after Hurricane Milton.
Development
Check in on St. Pete’s storm recovery and redevelopment plans
We’re covering everything from a new boutique hotel to finding the Trop’s repairs.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
BL00C5VO3004355-R1-026.jpg
Play
The best parks in Tampa Bay for walks, picnics, and play
We’re highlighting the 30 best parks that Tampa Bay has to offer — complete with dog beaches, pickleball courts, and scenic views.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A long, white red light therapy bed branded "NEO Light" glows orange as its door is set open.
Wellness
Test out Pause Midtown’s wellness services with us
City Editor Bailey tried some of the recently opened studio’s services, and reported back.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The rendering of the Busch Gardens' new realm: Wild Oasis, a leafy, jungle-inspired area with a drop tower, fake mountain, and mist.
Development
TBAY Development updates: Busch Gardens and USF projects
We take a look at the stadium’s progress and incoming changes to Busch Gardens.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
An aerial view of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts building along the Hillsborough River — with multiple Brutalist white buildings, a covered outdoor area, and greenspace.
Development
Take a peek at the Straz Center’s next era and shows
The $80 million project will add new outdoor, dining, office, and rooftop space to the Tampa institution.
April 4, 2025
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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