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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Country artist Chris Stapleton dons a hat and black suit while singing into a microphone and playing a guitar at a show.
Music
What artists should play Tampa’s new country music festival?
We asked our readers who should take the stage for the incoming May 2025 show.
September 19, 2024
 · 
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
Busch Gardens will unveil new Wild Oasis realm next spring
Head to the treetops for the theme park’s latest adventure.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Culture
Enter our Tampa Bay Fall Photo Contest
We want to see your best shots of this Florida fall.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A little girl with a blonde ponytail and leopard shirt picks out a pumpkin from rows of bright orange pumpkins.
Events
Plan ahead for these fall events in the Tampa Bay area
Embrace the changing of the season with these festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, and other fall-themed events.
September 13, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The iconic Dalí Museum shown at a distance
Culture
Free Museum Day is back in the Burg
Visit St. Pete institutions like the St. Pete Museum of History + The Dalí Museum free of charge.
September 13, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Two glasses of soda sit on a table, appearing to be filled with a cola, ice, and straws.
Food
What flavors should Swig release in Tampa Bay?
We’re dreaming up some dream, dirty soda flavors for the Utah-based chain.
September 11, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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.
Government
Checking in on Tampa’s proposed 2024-2025 budget
City leaders are working to finalize this upcoming fiscal year’s budget, from stormwater projects to parking.
September 10, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A helicopter flies over Raymond James Stadium before Super Bowl LV. Tampa's skyline is visible in the background.
Festivals
Raymond James just announced a massive country music festival
Plans for the three-day festival have not yet been revealed.
September 9, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A massive Gasworx building covered with windows sits among the skyline. The rooftop features palm trees and string lights, as does the street below the tower.
Development
New renderings for Gasworx revealed
Take a peek at the latest updates for the 50-acre Tampa project.
September 3, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
St. Pete Shuffleboard Club - 3
Instagram
Fitness and dance classes for older adults in Tampa Bay
We’re rounded up six spots where folks can swing dance, Zumba, and yoga, and exercise across the Tampa Bay area.
August 30, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A Sunset on St. Pete Beach. The sky is orange and yellow, with a dark beach before it in the shadows.
Events
10 Tampa Bay Labor Day events
Take the day — or weekend — off for these fundraisers, cookouts, picnics, and parties across the Tampa Bay area.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Weather
How hot has this summer been in Tampa?
Spoiler: It’s been a scorcher.
August 28, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Snorkelers take in coral underwater
Travel and Outdoors
Help is on the way for Biscayne National Park’s reefs
The National Park Foundation just announced a $100 million donation that will go toward work on projects like Biscayne National Park’s reef restoration.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Two people kneel in a bricked crevice tending to a wood-fire kiln at the Morean Center for Clay.
Culture
8 pottery studios in Tampa Bay
Looking to learn how to throw, or just want to paint a nice frame? We rounded up spots to hone your craft in Tampa Bay.
August 26, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Two men stand behind a pile of fish and one of the men holds one fish up on a Hubbard's Marina boat with other boats and buildings in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
5 Tampa Bay fishing charters
We’re helping you hook in the right tarpon, snook, or deep sea trip for you and your crew.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The bright pink Villa de Leon apartment building on Davis Islands features tons of arched windows, a top-floor balcony, all situated around a green courtyard.
Development
This historic Davis Islands apartment building might be raised up 7+ ft
The move needs to be approved by the City of Tampa.
August 22, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
City editors Bailey and Patrick stand on the field at Riverfront Stadium while the Tampa Bay Sun players warm up behind. The sun is shining and the turf is a bright green color. The stands are filling with fans in the background.
Culture
Meet the editors behind TBAYtoday
Say hello to Bailey and Patrick — the brains behind your daily dose of Tampa Bay area news.
August 21, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A red food truck with a sign that says Bern's Steak House with two windows is decorated with floral designs and a image of a stone statue of a woman sits on a gravel lot.
Food
Bern’s launches its own food truck at Tampa Bay Sun FC games
Now you can enjoy the steakhouse’s signature eats with a side of soccer.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Workers lay bricks down to form a roadway.
City
3 civic updates for Tampa Bay residents
We’ve got the updates you need to know, from Ybor City’s rebricking to stormwater funding.
August 20, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A balcony looks out on the hillsborough river as towers and green parks line the water. The sky is light blue and dotted with clouds.
Development
Introducing Tampa’s newest tower: AER Tampa
The 31-story skyscraper looks out at all of downtown Tampa, but you might not want to leave.
August 16, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Rivergate Tower along the Tampa Riverwalk. There is a flag for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the foreground which reads "Be the Thunder", and the Hillsborough River runs along the right side of the photo.
Weather
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a slightly cooler and drier fall
We’re finally getting some reprieve from the heat — the Farmer’s Almanac expects below average temps and dry conditions this fall.
August 16, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A shot of buildings in downtown Tampa. The sun shines just above a high rise, and City Hall is just in front. The foreground has some greenery, with the buildings sat beneath clear blue skies.
Business
Tampa Bay’s 2024 Inc. 5000 companies
Call us the Champa Bay of business, because Tampa Bay has 80+ honorees on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.
August 14, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Travel and Outdoors
An introvert’s guide to Tampa Bay
Bookmark this guide for a perfect, introvert-approved day on the town.
August 14, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A covered patio with a stainless steel grill, mini fridge, and other drawers sits beside two modern chairs and a coffee table with a pool and yard in the background.
Real Estate
Hot homes: 6 swoon-worthy South Tampa homes
From 1920s Hyde Park charm to new-builds, we’ve got you covered.
August 12, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
The Eiffel Tower in Paris with Olympic rings
Sports
Recapping Tampa Bay’s Olympic athletes’ performance
Yes, we have a gold medal winner in our midst.
August 8, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
An overhead view of a residential neighborhood filled with houses and tons of trees.
City
Breaking down Tampa’s budget: Neighborhood and Community Affairs
Tampa plans to continue bolstering its neighborhoods.
August 8, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Tampa Skyline
Sports
Tampa’s 2012 Olympic bid
We’re diving into the Cigar City’s bid to host the international event.
August 6, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Theater
Upcoming fall 2024 shows in Tampa Bay
We’re taking a peek at the Straz’s, freeFALL Theatre’s, and other TBAY performance venues’ lineups of showstopping performances.
August 2, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Leaders clap onstage at the Tampa Bay Sun FC release party celebration.
Sports
Kick off Tampa Bay Sun FC’s inaugural season
The team’s first match is Sunday, Aug. 18, but the festivities start this week.
August 2, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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Food
Chompa Bay: Predalina named one of Yelp’s Best New Restaurants in the South
The Mediterranean spot is latest TBAY eatery to achieve acclaim.
July 31, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
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