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Patrick Sidwell

Senior Product Editor

Patrick went to the University of South Florida before working in radio news for iHeartMedia. Now a resident of Portland, Maine, you’ll find him at live events with a plate of good food, browsing the exhibits at a local museum, or exploring New England with his dogs.

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Two people playing Pickleball at an outdoor court.
Travel and Outdoors
Grab a paddle for National Pickleball Day in Tampa Bay
Here are some of our area’s options for pickleballers of all abilities.
August 7, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A screenshot of a "brat" generated image, akin to Charli XCX's green "brat" artwork. The words say "Tampa Bay" in lower case black letters.
Culture
What’s a “brat summer” and how do I have one?
Thanks to Charli XCX’s hit pop album, we’re here to decode why “brat” is all over the airwaves, internet, and right outside your door.
August 7, 2024
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Madison McMillen
The TAMPA sign at Sparkman Wharf near Water Street Tampa. It has a Lightning bolt on it for the local hockey team, and a partially cloudy sky is in the background next to a high rise.
Events
Tampa is getting ready to celebrate 813 Day in style
Water Street Tampa and Sparkman Wharf are honoring the occasion with special deals.
August 5, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Standing water from heavy rainfall and Hurricane Debbie in a parking lot has cars partially submerged. A police car and cones are in the background, as is a pink tower, seemingly from either the Vinoy Hotel or Don CeSar hotel.
City
Debby’s aftermath in the Tampa Bay area
Here’s a roundup of the storm’s TBAY impacts, and ways to help those affected.
August 5, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
INDYtoday: INDY_Olympics beach volleyball Eiffel Tower_AUG24
Sports
What would the Olympics look like in Indianapolis?
Does the Circle City have an Olympic bid in its future? Who knows, but here’s how we think things would pan out if the summer games were held here.
August 2, 2024
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Shea Stapley
A photo of Mannatan Ave and Vasconia Street with flooding on the roads. The residential area has houses around and there are cars driving through the water nearby.
Government
Breaking down Tampa’s budget: Stormwater edition
The city is making plans to improve drainage in its flood-prone areas.
August 1, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A puddle on a road with downtown St. Pete high rises visible in the background and reflected from the puddle. A cyclist is coming toward the camera in a red shirt. Palm trees line the sides of the roads.
Government
St. Pete’s Stormwater Master Plan could cost $1 billion
If approved, it would be the first plan of its kind since 1994.
July 30, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A close-up shot of the Eiffel Tower from below. The Olympic rings are on the front of the tower, and we are looking up at it as it sits beneath a clear blue sky.
Sports
What if Tampa Bay hosted the Olympics?
We’re dreaming big, and thinking of the potential venues for Summer Olympics action in the Tampa Bay area.
July 30, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Two fencers face off in the full silver equipment. The one on the right is lunging toward the one on the left with a dark grey background and spooky smokey effects around.
Sports
Try out these 6 niche Olympic Sports in Tampa Bay
This could be the start of your road to the 2028 Games.
July 26, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A line of sushi rolls sits on a black dish. There is white sauce across the surface, and rice rolls have filling and toppings in dark surroundings.
Food
Meet Kiwa: South Tampa’s newest sushi hotspot
The area’s foodie game is about to go up another notch.
July 26, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A green boba drink sits on a boardwalk at John's Pass. The focus is on the green straw and clear rounded container, while the blurry background shows a wooden walkway, water, cloudy skies, and a nearby boat.
Food
Tampa Bay neighborhoods as drinks
Every drink has its own flavors and characteristics, just like neighborhoods. We paired them up.
July 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Chefs prepare for Epic Chef behind a counter laden with fresh produce. The chefs are wearing white uniforms, and wiring surrounds the area in the shiny Epicurean Theatre — a kitchen fit for shows and productions. Counters are a mix of white, silver, and grey, and ingredients line the wall in clear containers.
Nonprofits
A cooking contest with a purpose: Feeding Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef
The three-week event celebrates local culinary excellence, and offers a chance to reflect on those less fortunate.
July 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Members of Tampa's Green Team stand in a line facing the camera. They are holding gardening tools, dressed in green tshirts, and wearing hats as the sun shines down. Someone near the middle is holding a tree with a mulch bag on the ground, implying it will be planted.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa’s Green Team is looking for new members
Help create a brighter future with the city-run program.
July 22, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The pink-colored Don CeSar hotel sits in front of the beach. The Gulf of Mexico is bright blue in the background, and two pools are by the hotel surrounded by cabanas and deckchairs. The sun is shining, casting shadows toward the west, showing it is a beautiful sunny morning.
Food
Sip and dip at these Tampa Bay area pool bars
These TBAY spots are refreshing in more than one way.
July 22, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A rendering of the Rays new proposed stadium, showing fans inside a ballpark.
Development
St. Petersburg City Council approves Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment plans
The $6.5 billion plans include a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays.
July 18, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A vintage-looking photo of Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield wearing an orange creamsicle football uniform. His retro glasses have orange lenses, and he's wearing an old-school headband. There is a boombox next to the bench he's sat on, he's looking at the camera with a serious expression, and the background is a plain red sheet.
Sports
Load the cannons: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2024 season is on the horizon
The Bucs have announced several special events for the upcoming campaign, including the return of their creamsicle jerseys.
July 18, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A family prepares ingredients during a cooking class, including parents and children. An instructor looks on from the other side of the table as metallic bowls cover the surface with brightly colored ingredients. Signage lines the back wall with "AJ's Kitchen Drawer" written.
Food
Up your culinary game at these Tampa Bay area cooking classes
Learn to make European classics, tasty treats, and cheesy delights across TBAY.
July 16, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Three vegan hot dogs from 3 Dot Dash. One has mustard on it, one has mac and cheese and cries, and the other has lettuce and onion. There is a grey brick wall behind.
Food
Celebrate National Hot Dog Day in Tampa Bay style
Calling all glizzy gladiators to chow down on some local dogs.
July 16, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The downtown Tampa skyline from Hyde Park. The sky is blue and high rises are in the distance.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa ranked among country’s best cities for recreation
The list was compiled using metrics like weather, facilities, and costs.
July 15, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
An old photo of the Tampa Bay Hotel, now known as the Henry B Plant Museum. Its iconic silver minarets sit above intricate architecture.
History
Happy 137th birthday to the City of Tampa
July 15 is a fabled day in the Cigar City’s history.
July 12, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A beer sits on a ledge at Armature Works. The Hillsborough River sits behind the glass, and Tampa's skyline is visible in the background. People are by the river, and the sky barely has a cloud in it.
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Tampa Bay, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 12, 2024
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Monica Garske
A rendering of two developments on the west side of the Hillsborough River: District Flats and ICON. The high rises sit right on the river as part of Tampa's Riverwalk expansion plans, which will create a River District adjacent to the one already in place.
Development
Development details for Tampa’s Riverwalk District
The Cigar City’s skyline is getting some new faces.
July 8, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
FTW-rainwater-collection
Home Services
How to save water and money with rainwater harvesting
Help conserve water and lower the cost of your bills with a rainwater collection system in your backyard.
July 3, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The flotilla at Gasparilla. There are hundreds of boats behind the pirate ship, all riding toward the City of Tampa during the annual event. There is smoke emerging from the pirate ship.
City
What happened during the first half of 2024 in Tampa Bay?
We’re officially halfway through the year. It’s time to look back.
July 2, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Empty pink booths at Concrete Jungle. The interior of the restaurants has tropical greenery, and colorful animal artwork sits above the booths on large canvases. The booths are rounded, and the white wall is well lit, implying the door to the left leads to a daytime scene.
Culture
Let’s plan the perfect St. Pete bachelorette party
Whether you’re after some late-night revelry, outdoor adventures, or something on the lower key side, the Burg is chock full of options for the special day before the special day.
July 1, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
The back of Steven Stamkos at Amlie Arena. A "Bolts Win" flag flies ahead of Stamkos, who is facing the crowd following a victory.
Sports
Drafts and trades: The latest on the Tampa Bay Lightning
It’s time to welcome new additions, and say wistful goodbyes.
June 30, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Side by side photos of Pepper the juvenile green sea turtle. The photo on the left shows Pepper in disheveled form, appearing to be covered in mossy-like material on a medical table. On the right, Pepper swims in clear blue water water, looking fully healthy and with far brighter coloring on the shell.
Travel and Outdoors
The Florida Aquarium releases 8 sea turtles back into the wild
The animals are back in the Atlantic Ocean after rehabilitating in Apollo Beach.
June 26, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
A couple's silhouette stands against the Temple of Concordia. The temple's gigantic yellowish pillars are lit up against the dark night sky in the background, which has streaks of blue from the recent sunset.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa’s Sicilian sister city: Agrigento, Italy
Located on the island of Sicily, this TBAY sister city boasts thousands of years of history.
June 26, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Someone launches from a platform at a Red Bull Flugtag event. Their blue craft is tilting toward the water from a height, with a team behind them who seemingly just pushed them off the ledge. A crowd watches along the waterfront as the sun shines down.
Events
Spread your wings: Red Bull Flugtag returns to Tampa Bay
The event is returning to our area for the first time since 2011.
June 24, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
Flags with LGBTQ+ coloring fly through the air at St. Pete Pride. Several banners reading "We are St. Pete" are also visible within the crowd of people walking away from the camera. There are trees in the background and a partially cloudy sky ahead of the crowd.
Events
It’s party time: Let’s get prepped for the 2024 St. Pete Pride Parade
It’s the 22nd year for Florida’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration.
June 20, 2024
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Patrick Sidwell
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